The Rise Of A Dragon - Chapter 16: Final Day of the Tournament

“I still don’t think this is a good idea.” Aerea said, bouncing on her heels nervously. 

“I told you, Aerea, you have nothing to worry about, I doubt anyone has even noticed that you’re gone.” Robert told his cousin reassuringly. 

Aerea sighed as she continued to follow her cousin and the rest of the group through the streets of Lannisport, still worried about getting caught. 

Jaime had come to her room early that morning, wanting to show her and the rest of their friend group the best parts of Lannisport. Aerea had been reluctant to go, not wanting to draw her father’s ire. But peer pressure had eventually crushed her resolve, and she followed along, also not wanting to be left behind. 

“Is that a bloody cage full of lions?!” Brandon exclaimed, pointing at where a giant cage was set up in the middle of the street, that had several lions inside  

Jaime nodded his head as he led the group closer, “Some street performers catch or pay others to catch them for their shows. The lions are trained by the performers to do all kinds of tricks.” 

“This place is so weird.” Brandon muttered, scratching his head at the thought of the city's citizens imprisoning predatory animals just for entertainment. 

Robert walked over and stood next to the cage, bending down to get a better look at the animals. 

“Robert, I don't think it’s wise to get so close to them." Stannis voiced, looking between his brother and the lions tensely. 

Robert waved his brother off, “You worry too much, Stannis, it’s perfectly-” 

The older boy quickly jumped back when one of the lions rushed forward, crashing into the cage's steel bars in an attempt to maul him. 

Ned sighed, grabbing one of Robert's arms and pulling him to his feet. “I think we should move on before something else tries to eat Robert.” 

The others laughed, but Robert did not look offended, smiling as he playfully bumped shoulders with Ned. 

Stannis lowered at the scene, his jaw clenching at how casually Ned could speak to Robert. 

Stannis hated how Robert treated Ned like a brother more than him, his actual brother. It was a jealousy that Stannis knew was unbecoming but one that he could not help but feel. 

Stannis was brought out of his thoughts when a hand was placed on his shoulder. “Are you feeling well, Stannis? I can hear your teeth grinding.” 

“I am fine, Aerea. I apologize for acting so rudely.” Stannis said with a blush. 

Aerea shook her head, “You’re not being rude, I just noticed that you were standing here lost in thought and not following us.” 

Was I that distracted? “Again, I must apologize.” 

Aerea looked at Stannis amused, “Alright, cousin. But let us catch up to the others, lest we lose sight of them all.” 

When the two caught up to the others, the six were standing in front of a large and busy building. 

“Ah, so we finally found it; the tavern!” Robert exclaimed joyfully, drawing more than a few glances in their direction. 

“Lannisport has plenty of taverns,” Addam Marbrand explained with a smile, “But this one, The Point, is famous for its patrons, most of them are knights and squires. At least that is what my father has told me.” 

Robert whistled, impressed by what he heard. “Knights and squires, huh? Well, we all fit that label, so let’s see if this place is all that.” 

Aerea was about to reply that she was not a squire before Robert spoke, “Aerea, if you say that you’re not a squire, I will punch you in the face. You may not be one officially but you’re just as much a squire as the rest of us.” 

Area stared at Robert for a few seconds, “I am a princess; you can't just hit me for a reason like that.” 

Robert’s grin grew wider as he looked at her and Aerea sighed, knowing that her cousin would hit her if she said she was not a squire and regardless of being royalty. 

“Now, let’s go!” Robert cheered, leading the group into the tavern. 

Aerea had never been to a tavern, and she could admit that it seemed grander in her imagination than it was in reality. 

The interior was smaller than the exterior made it appear to be, wooden tables were strewn about as barmaids walked around, carrying food, drinks, and dirty dishes. At the far back was a bar with a wall completely covered in shelves that were holding bottles of alcohol. 

The tavern was full of male patrons, some wearing more expensive armor and clothing than others, along with carrying different weapons. 

She also noticed that people were looking at them and at her especially. Aerea had gotten used to the constant stares over the years, but there was something more critical in these gazes. 

The seven went to the closest available table and sat down, still being watched by most of the room. Robert immediately ordered them a round of ale and food the moment a serving wench came near their table. 

The drinks came first and Aerea looked at the jack now in front of her, staring at the light brown bubbling liquid inside of it wearily. 

“You not going to drink, Aerea?” Brandon asked when he noticed the young girl’s hesitation. 

“I’ve never had ale before.” Aerea admitted, still staring at her cup. 

She never had any alcoholic beverage beside wine, and even then, Rhaella would only allow her a cup or two at most, not wanting her daughter to have the same love of alcohol as her husband. 

“Never? Come now, cousin, what have you been doing with your life that you haven’t had ale before?” Robert asked, waving down another barmaid as he had already finished his drink and was looking for another. 

“I don’t think our cousin spends her days in taverns. Unlike some people.” Stannis said, the last sentence being muttered to himself, but Ned who was sitting between the two brothers, heard this and chuckled. 

Aerea shook her head with a smile, “You’ve met my parents and my brother. Do you think any of them would let me go to a tavern? Or allow me to consume food and drink that is ‘unfit for a royal’?” 

“My own parents are the same way.” Jaime voiced, “I can already see how they will react if they find out I was here.” 

“You mean Tywin Lannister won’t be keen to learn that his son is bumping shoulders with the poors, the unknowns, and the vagrants?” Addam asked sarcastically, Jaime shoved Addam’s shoulder as everyone else laughed. 

Aerea looked back at her ale and lifted the jack, taking a small sip, she found herself liking the thick and sweet liquid, quickly going in for a larger sip. 

This is a lot better than I thought it would be. Aerea thought. 

Brandon laughed as he watched the princess drink her ale, “It looks like this poor man’s drink meets her royal tastes quite fine.” 

“Y-you should slow down, Aerea.” Cleos said, placing a hand on Aerea’s arm, “You don’t want to get drunk.” 

Aerea slowed down after this, taking Cleos’ words to heart, “You’re right, it just tastes really good.” 

The group drank and ordered more food as they talked and enjoyed the atmosphere the tavern provided. While Aerea herself did not drink anymore ale, not wanting to become drunk, she was still able to relax. 

But this peace was not meant to last forever as a commotion could soon be heard coming from a group of men a few tables away. 

“What the fuck did you say to me, you illiterate little rat?!” The man who yelled this was wearing silver armor and a purple cloak. By his feet, was a shield with the image of a purple unicorn on a field of silver, the sigil of House Brax. 

The man who he was yelling at, was shorter with dark brown hair and a scar running through the left side of his lips. His own armor was not as clean or new as the Brax man, but instead of being intimidated, the shorter man was grinning sharply. “I said that you Westermen are full of shit. You were the ones who were bragging that this tourney would be easy for you to demolish the other Kingdoms in, and yet only the Hand’s brothers made it anywhere close to winning and even they got their asses beaten!” 

“Take that back!” The Brax man growled, placing his hand on the end of his sheathed sword, “Take it back before I run you through.” 

The shorter man laughed, “Well seeing as you couldn’t stay atop your horse for long, I should have nothing to fear of you being able to hit a target.” 

The taller man released his sword and shoved the other man, sending his crashing into a nearby table, knocking it over and spilling most of the food and alcohol that was on it, onto the table’s occupants. 

One of the men stood, picking up the fallen man and punching him in the face, knocking him out before he and his friends turned their attention to the Brax and his companions. 

“Get ‘em!” One of the dirtied men shouted. 

Ut was then that all hell broke loose in the tavern and most of the people inside were picking a fight with each other. 

Robert laughed as he stood up, “A tavern brawl! This truly is our lucky day!” 

“Lucky day?!” Stannis exclaimed as he looked at the older boy, “How is this lucky?!” 

Robert’s smile grew, “Because it means we get to fight real knights!” 

Robert then grabbed the nearest man to him by the shoulder, turning them around and punching him in the face. The man spat out some blood as he glared at Robert before tackling the heir to Storm’s End to the floor. 

And when Ned tried to help his friend, another man came out of nowhere and punched Ned in the stomach, causing Ned to fold in on himself. This led Brandon to kicking the man who attacked his brother in the face, knocking him down before straddling him and raining down punches on his face. 

“Shit.” Aerea exclaimed before turning to the others, “Let’s get Robert and leave before any more of us-” 

“Ahhh!” Cleos yelled as he was suddenly picked up by the collar of his shirt from behind, being lifted out of his chair. 

The man holding the young boy was taller than most men in the tavern, but was very fat, with parts of his lumpy flesh sticking out of his small breastplate. He had a mean scowl on his face as he looked at Cleos and then the others, his gaze staying on Aerea the longest. 

He then grinned, “I’ve never had a Valyrian whore before. I can’t wait to see how tight- Argh!” 

The large man dropped Cleos unceremoniously as he reached down and clutched his now bleeding thigh. Aerea saw that Jaime had left her side and had been the one to stab his sword into the man’s leg, the end of his sword now stained red with the man’s blood. 

“Are you alright, Cleos?” Jaime asked as he slowly backed away from the bleeding man. 

Cleos took a deep breath, “Y-yes, I’m fine. I was only startled.” 

“We have to leave now.” Stannis hissed as he saw Brandon and Ned returning to them, “Where is my brother?” 

“I don’t know, we lost sight of Robert in the crowd.” Ned answered, a hand resting on his stomach. 

Damn it, Robert. Aerea cursed, “We have to find that fool before he gets hurt.” 

Before Aerea could venture into the mass of brawling knights and squires, Addam reached out and grabbed Aerea’s shoulder. “Princess, you heard what that trash who was holding Cleos said before Jaime injured him. I don’t think it’s safe for you to draw any more attention to yourself.” 

Aerea narrowed her eyes at Addam, “I can defend myself, Addam.” 

“Addam is right; you should let the rest of us look for Robert while you head outside.” Ned voiced. 

Aerea glared at the boys, all of them agreeing with Addam and Ned, but just as she was going to ignore them and push forward, the sound of the tavern’s doors swinging open drew her attention. She flinched when she spotted the familiar Kingsguards standing in the doorway. 

The princess was not the only one, and the fighting slowly began to die down as men began noticing the famous knights. 

Barristan ignored most of the occupants when he noticed a head of silver hair trying to hide herself behind Brandon Stark’s larger form. The crowd of men parted, allowing Barristan and Lewyn to walked towards the princess and her friends unimpeded. 

“Princess,” Barristan started to say, looking at the young girl sternly, “You and your friends have given your father and the Lannisters quite the scare. And to come here of all places?” 

Aerea looked down at floor, not used to the Kingsguard sounding and looking so disappointed, “Sorry.” 

“Oh, c’mon! Don’t tell me it’s already over! It was just getting good!” Robert shouted from a few feet away when he realized that everyone had stopped fighting. 

Lewyn scoffed, “Playtime is over, Lord Robert, the King demands your presence. He demands it of all of you.” 

I’m dead. Aerea thought as the two Kingsguard led her and her friends out of The Point, walking the group straight to Casterly Rock.

~X~

Rhaegar did not know where his sister was, but he knew that the second she reappeared, that he would give her a swift reprimand for her actions. 

The prince first noticed that Aerea was not in Casterly Rock when she did not join him and their father to break their fast, an action that was unheard of from the princess. 

An action that Aerys noticed when he demanded that their knights search the castle for Aerea. Although it became clear that this was not an isolated incident, Jaime was also missing from his bedchamber. 

This led to Tywin and Joanna becoming involved as the two asked their daughter if they knew where Jaime and Aerea were. It was only then that Cersei revealed to them all that Jaime told her that he was going to show Aerea and the rest of their friends around Lannisport. 

Guards were sent to retrieve the group, and while Rhaegar thought the situation was done, it somehow led to him being given a tour of the castle’s gardens by Cersei, alone. 

It was Joanna who had suggested the idea, stating it in a way and smiling so genuinely that Aerys had agreed to it on his son's behalf. 

When I see Aerea next, I’m going to kill her for doing this to me. Rhaegar thought. 

The prince was not listening to a word that Cersei was saying, focusing more on the foliage around him than the young girl walking next to him. 

Cersei looked at Rhaegar dreamily as they walked through the gardens. Her heart racing as the sunlight hit Rhaegar’s at just the right angle, giving his head and face this glowing effect that made him look more ethereal than normal. 

He will be mine soon, mine and mine alone. Cersei thought, biting her lip, “Have you enjoyed your stay here so far, Your Grace?” 

Rhaegar glanced at Cersei before looking forward, “I have heard tales, I had never been West before now, it certainly exceeds expectations.” 

“I am happy to hear that.” Cersei grinned, “Perhaps this will not be the last time you visit Casterly Rock and the Westerlands.” 

This will not be the last time you come to visit the home of your future wife.  

“Perhaps.” Rhaegar replied, inwardly shivering at the possessive gleam in Cersei eye. 

“Or I, my family and I can even visit you in the capital?” 

“Your father is the Hand of the King; you certainly do not need my permission to travel to King’s Landing.” 

Cersei frowned as she had wanted Rhaegar to say something personal about her suggestion to go to King’s Landing, and her feelings grew sour when she spotted Arthur jogging towards them. 

“Your Grace, Lady Cersei.” Arthur greeted the pair. 

“What is it, Arthur?” Rhaegar asked. 

“Ser Barristan and Ser Lewyn have returned with Princess Aerea and the others.” 

“I fear we must cut this walk short, my lady.” Rhaegar told Cersei before walking alongside Arthur as they headed inside. 

Cersei stomped her foot as Rhaegar did not ask her to come with him or even turn his head to see if she was following him.

~X~

Aerea stood in front of her father in the middle of his bedchamber, her head facing the ground as they stood in silence. 

The princess had been separated from the others and brought directly to her father the last thing she saw before heading into Aerys’ room, was Rhaegar turning a corner, trying to reach her. 

“Look at me, Aerea.” Aerys finally said for the first time since she arrived. 

Aerea lifted her head, “Father I am truly sorry, I did not mean-” 

Aerys simply lifted a hand, wordlessly commanding his daughter to stop talking. 

“Do you understand what could have happened to you today if my Kingsguard did not find you in time?” 

Aerea did not respond, knowing that her father did not actually want an answer. 

Aerys continued to speak, “Those disgusting cretins could have killed you in that tavern. Truly, I don't know why I am even standing here looking at you and having those bastards hung right now. Or even those little friends who thought it right to take you there.” 

Aerea’s eyes grew wide, “Father, please, it was my fault not theirs. I should be the one who bears the fullness of your rage.” 

Aerys stared at Aerea blankly, and for the first time, Aerea found herself scared because she was not used to seeing her father so calm, instead of exploding with rage when he was upset. 

Aerys then sighed, “I suppose it is easy for me to forget that you are still a child who is ignorant of the world.” 

“Father-”  

Aerys placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, squeezing it tightly. “Aerea you are my child, my seed and legacy. You cannot go putting yourself in dangerous situations, no matter who thinks to convince you otherwise.” 

“Yes, father, I won't do this again." Aerea said. 

“Good.” Aerys smiled, “I suppose I cannot be too mad at you. You are growing, and your mother and I cannot keep you tied to us so closely. If your brother can go off with his friends, you should have the right to do the same. But you must take one of the Kingsguard with you.” 

So, I am not being punished? And what he said sounded reasonable. “I will, father. Again, I apologize for worrying you.” 

Inwardly, Aerea was confused as to why Aerys was reacting the way he was in this moment but chose not to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

Aerys stepped away from Aerea, picking up a cup of wine and drinking from it. “We will soon be leaving Casterly Rock, you know this, yes?” 

“Yes, father, I know. The tournament has ended today, so a final dinner will be hosted, and we shall head home within the next two days.” 

“When we return home, I wish for you to increase your training with Barristan.” 

Aerea blinked, “Truly, father?” 

Aerys huffed, “Your skills need to improve more than they currently are. If you are going to be in tavern brawls and almost losing to Tywin’s son in spars.” 

Aerea flinched at the barb her father threw at her at the end. “I will work harder, I promise.” 

“Rhaegar will need improvement as well; he was disappointing in some of his matches. But I doubt he will do as I ask, your brother has never taken the martial arts as seriously as you do, Aerea.” 

Their conversation soon ended when a knock was heard at the door and Barristan entered. “Your Grace, we have found him.” 

Aerys smiled curled into a vicious smile, “Most excellent, Barristan.” 

Found him? Found who? Aerea thought. 

Aerys turned to his daughter, “Come, Aerea. I have something to show you.” 

Aerea did as she was told and followed her father out of the room, passing by Barristan and seeing the stiff and serious look on the older man's face. 

As they walked through the halls of Casterly Rock, Aerea’s suspicions grew, wondering who this man was that Aerys wanted her to see. 

When they reached the front yard of the keep, Tywin was standing there emotionless along with the other Kingsguard that had come with the royals to Casterly Rock. 

Rhaegar was standing next to Tywin, looking up at something on the castle walls with disgust. 

What is going on?  

“Your Grace, we have apprehended the criminal as you have asked.” Tywin declared. 

Aerys smiled as he looked, a small laugh escaping him. “I knew I could trust you with this matter, Tywin.” 

Aerea followed her father’s gaze, and her mouth dropped open in shock and horror. 

Strung up on the walls was the large knight from the tavern, the one who grabbed Cleos and threatened to assault Aerea. 

The man’s arms and legs were visibly broken, smashed beyond recognition, his armor had been removed along with his clothes, leaving him completely named and showing the various fist shaped bruises along his body. 

And as he hung by his broken limbs, Aerea finally noticed that he was still alive, seeing the ragged rattle of his chest and hearing pained wheezes leaving his now toothless mouth. 

When Aerea turned to her father, she caught movement from the corner of her eye, seeing a Lannister knight holding a bow. The man placed an arrow within it and after a few moments pulled back the bowstring and fired. 

The arrow flew through the air, hitting the large man in the shoulder, going completely through and causing them to howl in agony. 

Gods… Aerea continued to watch horrified as the knight fired four more arrow into his other shoulder, his kneecaps, and his stomach. 

Somehow, he still lived but had long since gone quite as he was now pinned to the wall, but Aerea could he his body twitching and the wild look in his eye. The knight loaded a final arrow and looked at the King for confirmation. 

“Do it.” Aerys ordered. 

The knight did as his Kong commanded and fired the arrow, hitting the man in the middle of his face and finally killing him. 

Aerea felt like vomiting at the scene that was now in front of him. 

That’s why father was so relaxed earlier. He must have been planning this since Barristan brought me and told him what happened.  

Aerys turned around and spoke to the growing crowd of nobles that began to enter the yard at the commotion the execution created. “Look here and look here well. This is what happens when anyone dares to threaten the lives of my father. Whether you are noble or peasant, you will meet an equally painful end if you cross your King.” 

Aerys placed a hand on Aerea's shoulder, leading her away from the yard and back inside. 

Rhaegar followed his family along with the Kingsguard. And the moment they crossed the threshold, Aerea could hear the crowd break out into loud conversations. 

All Aerea could focus on was the heavy weight of her father’s hand and the ensuing dread it inspired within her.

~X~

The Next Night  

Overlooking the hall from his place at the high table, Aerys drank heavily from his chalice. 

Tonight, the celebratory feast was being held to close out the tournament and as a farewell to the royal family who would be leaving Casterly Rock along with most of the nobles in attendance, and Aerys was looking forward to finally leaving and returning to King’s Landing. 

Aerea had long since left the great table, deigning to seat with her friends when the moment she was allowed to without appearing rude. 

“Are you alright, Aerea?” Stannis asked the princess, Aerea had yet to say anything since she sat down with them. 

The group was not complete that night as Brandon was with the small group of Northerners he had traveled with, and Jaime, Cleos, and Addam were sitting with their own respective families. 

Neither Jaime nor Cleos looked happy from their place at the high table, and Aerea was sure that their parents had thoroughly reprimanded them. 

Aerea forced a smile onto her face, “I’m fine, cousin.” 

Stannis looked worried, but did not ask Aerea anything else, seeing that she was not in the mood for conversation. 

The sight earlier must have unnerved her. Stannis thought. 

It was not the first time that Aerea had seen such violence, violence that was orchestrated by her father, but it never grew easier to witness. She hated the fact that Aerys did this for her, had killed a man so brutally because of the things that man had said. 

I should not feel guilty, that man tried to... he wanted to... He deserved his fate, right? Father was right to... to kill him. Aerea thought but could not stop the guilt she felt. 

Aerea was pulled from her thoughts when she realized the musicians had stopped playing their instruments, allowing hearty laughter to slowly stop the noise in the hall. 

Aerea looked up and realized that it was her father who was laughing, his head thrown back and a large smile on his face as he looked at his Lord Hand. 

“Oh, that is rich, Tywin! You want me to-bahaha!” Aerys cut himself off with his own laughter as he struggled to speak, finding what Tywin had just proposed to be the most hilarious thing he had heard in years. 

When Aerea looked at the Lord of Casterly Rock, for as long as she has known him, Aerea had never seen Tywin show much emotion, the man being adept at hiding such things from others. But right now, Tywin Lannister looked downright murderous as she glared at Aerys. 

Eventually, Aerys’ laughter died down as he smirked at Tywin, “You have asked for a betrothal between Rhaegar and your daughter? That is what you have been planning all along! You are my most able servant, Tywin, but a man does not marry his heir to his servant's daughter.” 

Tywin’s face turned red with anger and embarrassment as gasps were from all in attendance, followed by the sounds of laughter and mockery directed towards him and his family. 

Cersei felt like the walls were closing in on her as the laughter grew louder and louder, and she witnessed the smirks and smiles that many had on their faces as they looked at her specially. Her heart thumped faster, and her throat felt like it was closing. 

When Cersei looked at the boy sitting next to her, she felt as if her heart was breaking when she saw that there was no anger or sadness on Rhaegar’s face. The prince was calm and composed, thoroughly unbothered by the whole affair, if anything he appeared bored and tired. 

Rhaegar then met her gaze for a few seconds before looking away, saying, and doing nothing. No asking his father to stop, no apologies to her on Aerys’ behalf, no condemnation of the nobles mocking her and her family, there was not even an ounce of pity in his dark purple eyes. 

Before she knew it, Cersei knocked over her chair and took the skirt of her dress into her hands as she ran from the hall ignoring the calls of her family. 

Aerys watched Cersei leave, an amused breath escaping his lips. “Tywin, don’t tell me you deluded your daughter into thinking a match was secured? How sad.” 

As Aerys laughed again, Tygett grabbed the end of his sword, but Genna placed her hand on top of his own, giving her younger brother a sharp look, the only thing keeping him from committing treason. 

Kevan and Gerion felt the same as their siblings, desiring nothing more than to forcibly shut their King’s mouth to stop his obnoxious laughter at their and their niece’s expense. 

Jaime felt a similar anger along with a sense of helplessness because he did not know what to do, he wanted to speak up but the person who insulted his sister was the King, he wanted to follow Cersei, but he was not sure if she would want any comforts, he could try to give her. 

And this was reaffirmed when he turned his head and saw that Joanna’s expression was the same as his own; a mixture of anger and concern. 

While everyone else was focused on the scene at the high table, Aerea silently stood and left the room, following Cersei. 

What in the hells is wrong with him? Aerea thought, she knew that her father would reject Tywin’s offer, but to blatantly humiliate the man in his own home. 

And worst of all, he humiliated Cersei, a girl whose only crime was being in love with Aerea’s oblivious and emotionally stunted brother. 

After a few minutes of searching and no sign of Cersei, Aerea was going to give up and return to the great hall, when she paused, hearing crying coming from the doors leading to the garden. 

Aerea quietly opened the door and slipped outside, slowly traversing the area with her eyes, and sitting on the edge of the fountain in the center of the garden, was Cersei, facing away from Aerea. 

Aerea walked towards the fountain and stopping when she reached the other girl, “Cersei?” 

The younger girl jumped, lifting her head, and revealing her reddened eyes and tear-stained cheeks to Aerea. When she realized who was speaking to her, Cersei glared at the princess, furiously wiping her cheek, and trying to regain her composure. “Are you here to laugh at me as well, Your Grace ?” 

“No, I wanted to make sure that you were alright.” Aerea said softly, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a red handkerchief, handing it to Cersei. “Here.” 

Cersei looked at the item dubiously before accepting it, using it to wipe her cheeks. “Thank you.” 

Aerea took a seat next to Cersei, placing her hands in her lap and twiddling with her fingers. “I truly am sorry, for what my father did in the great hall, you and your family did not deserve that.” 

Cersei frowned as she was reminded of it all, she could still hear the laughter and see the faces of Aerys and Rhaegar in her head. 

I have never been so humiliated in my life! It’s horrible enough to have a betrothal between me and my prince be rejected, but in front of the entire realm? I will never be able to live this down, this shame will follow me forever!  

“I did not.” Cersei muttered, wiping her eyes again, “Does the King enjoy humiliating my house? This the fourth time he has done so publicly.” 

Aerea scratched the back of her head, “My father can often speak without thinking, especially when he is in his cups. But that is no excuse for his actions, the right thing to do would have been to take Lord Tywin aside and reject the betrothal privately, instead he chose to make a spectacle of Lord Tywin and of you.” 

“My father assured me that a betrothal between me and Prince Rhaegar was certain. Was that not true or did the King change his mind at the last moment?” 

Aerea assumed that Cersei’s heartbreak and embarrassment was what was allowing Cersei to speak to her so openly, and decided to answer Cersei truthfully, seeing this as the least she could do. “To my knowledge, Lord Tywin had never spoken to my father about a betrothal between our houses before tonight. But Rhaegar and I assumed that the reason Lord Tywin arranged this entire tournament was not in honor of Viserys’ birth, but to show the benefits of such a match while putting my father in a pleasant enough mood to accept when it was brought up to him.” 

Cersei turned to Aerea, looking at the princess with devastation, her voice cracking as she spoke and fresh tears emerging from her eyes. “P-Prince Rhaegar knew about the betrothal? He knew this entire time?” 

Oh, fuck. Aerea thought, realizing that she had been too truthful as she watched Cersei start to cry again. 

Cersei started to think about Rhaegar’s behavior since he arrived at Casterly Rock, and it all began to make sense. 

Why he barely spoke to her at the welcome feast, everything he said to his friends when she was listening to their conversation, why he quickly sat next to Arthur Dayne during the first day of the tournament despite her mother making sure that they would once again be seated next to each other, and everything he did not do tonight as his own father was mocking her and her family. 

And it was then that Cersei realized Rhaegar did none of these things because he did not care, not about her family, and certainly not about her. That the reason Rhaegar had no pity for her was because he was relieved that he would not have to marry her. 

Was I... Was I so blind to see that he didn’t love me? To Prince Rhaegar, I am the same as those annoying girls constantly surrounding him, vying for his attention.  

Cersei jumped when she felt Aerea place a hand on top of her own, the princess looking at her with sadness and guilt in her eyes. 

“I spoke foolishly, I did not mean to upset you further, Cersei.” Aerea said softly, “And you shouldn’t weep so painfully over my brother. He is not worth the effort, I promise you.” 

“You are only saying that.” Cersei spat as she looked away. 

“I am not; I truly mean it.” Aerea said before sighing, “Cersei, I love my brother, and he is my favorite person in the world, but you and him would not have been a good match if you did wed.” 

Cersei’s head snapped in Aerea’s direction, and she began to glare at Aerea, seeing Aerea’s words as an insult to her character. “What is that supposed to mean?” 

“Rhaegar is not the fairy tale prince that many think him to be. He is well behaved, handsome, intelligent, and dutiful, I will give you that, but he is also single-minded, cynical, melancholic, self-righteous, and stubborn. My brother is not the romantic prince who will fight men for your honor, sweep you off your feet, and carry you atop his noble stead back to the capital, to give you a crown and make you, his wife.” 

As much as Cersei wanted to refute Aerea’s words, had Rhaegar’s inaction in the great hall not proven them to be true? Aerea was Rhaegar’s sister, so it stood to reason that she knew him better than Cersei and could attest to his character. 

“And as Crown Prince, my brother knows that he will not marry for love, he will have to marry whoever our father tells him he must, regardless of how Rhaegar feels about them. Although Rhaegar is so focused on other things that I’m not sure he knows that women exist most of the time, so I do not think you are missing much.” Aerea finished. 

Cersei let out a snort at this, causing Aerea to grin, happy to have gotten such a reaction out of the girl and seeing that Cersei had stopped crying. 

Aerea rubbed circles on the back of Cersei’s hand with her thumb, “I know that you have dreamt of being Rhaegar’s Queen, and you are upset and have been humiliated, but you will find a good husband, I am sure of it. Any man will be lucky to have you, even with the things my father said, I am positive Lord Tywin will have a long list of suitors trying to knock down his door, seeking your hand.” 

Cersei looked up at Aerea, noticing for the first time how the moonlight shined above Aerea, giving the princess’s hair and skin an ethereal glow. The moonlight drew out the color of Aerea’s eyes, making Cersei realize that her purple eyes had a soft bluish tint to them. 

Cersei smiled softly, turning her hand over so Aerea could hold it properly. “Thank you, Aerea.” 

“There is nothing to thank, Cersei. I was only saying what I believed.” Aerea replied, giving Cersei’s hand a gentle squeeze. 

The two girls soon fell into a comfortable silence, simply sitting in the garden of Casterly Rock and enjoying the other’s presence. 

Eventually, Cersei cleared her throat, gazing into Aerea’s eyes, “Aerea, I-” 

“Cersei! There you are, we have been looking all over for you.” When the two looked up, they saw Genna was approaching them. 

Genna stopped in front of the pair, her gaze moving from Cersei to Aerea, and glancing at their joined hands. “Your Grace, I must be taking my niece, her parents have been desperately worried about her.” 

Aerea cleared her throat, quickly letting go of Cersei’s hand, feeling as if she had been caught doing something she should not. “Of course, my apologies, my lady. I did not mean to keep her here for so long.” 

Cersei did not know why, but she felt upset with her aunt’s interruption and with said interruption causing Aerea to let go of her hand. 

Reluctantly Cersei stood up, with Aerea doing the same, and when Cersei walked towards her aunt’s side, Aerea stopped them from leaving for a moment. 

“Cersei,” Aerea called out, “I really did mean everything I said, all of it.” 

Cersei became bashful both at the words and the genuine expression on Aerea’s face. “Good night, Aerea.” 

“Good night, Cersei.” Aerea said with a bright smile that dimmed slightly when she looked at Genna. “Good night, Lady Genna.” 

Genna looked at Aerea contemplatively for a moment. “Good night, Your Grace.” 

Aerea watched the two turn and leave the garden, continuing to watch them until they disappeared into the castle. Although she could tell that Cersei was still upset over everything, Aerea felt less guilty after their talk. 

Aerea thought that she could also speak to Cersei’s father but quickly decided against it. Because Tywin gave her the impression that he was not a forgiving man and because of worry over how Aerys would react if he found out that Aerea had sought out and apologized to Tywin.

~X~

The Next Day  

“How is Cersei? I cannot imagine how must be feeling.” Myria said as she stood next to her old friend. 

The two women were standing near the gates of Casterly Rock, watching as the Dornish party were preparing to leave. 

Joanna turned her gaze towards their children, watching as Jaime and Elia talk to each other while next to a carriage. 

Jaime smiled brightly as he spoke, and while Joanna could not hear what her son was saying, it was causing Elia to laugh into the palm of her hand. 

“Heartbroken and embarrassed for the most part.” Joanna answered, “She had expectations as I am sure you are aware." 

Myria huffed, “He may not have said the word, but your husband had never bothered to hide his desire for Cersei to be Queen.” 

Joanna sighed, “I tried to tell them both that such a thing could not be guaranteed, but they refused to listen. Even now, I cannot say that the endeavor will end.” 

“You are saying that Tywin still wants the betrothal?” Myria turned to Joanna, staring at her incredulously. 

If anyone had humiliated one of my children as Aerys did, I wouldn’t give two shits about what could be gained, I would not be continuing to try and align myself with them. Myria thought, wondering how a man like Tywin could swallow his pride in such a manner. 

Joanna did not respond, her attention now focused on the emergence of a Targaryen princess. 

She watched Aerea cross the yard as she greeted her patting Baratheon cousins. Steffon grinned when Aerea arrived, patting him on the shoulder before Robert began speaking adamantly to her. 

Myria noticed where Joanna’s attention had gone. “Is there a reason you are staring at the princess?” 

Joanna turned to Myria, and after a few moments, told the older woman what Genna had seen of the princess and Cersei when she found them in the garden. 

“So once again Aerea is apologizing for her father's transgressions?” Myria asked knowingly, referring to the incident with House Glover. 

“It would seem so.” 

Myria chuckled, “She certainly is Rhaella's daughter.” 

Joanna smirked, “Not entirely. If Aerea was, then she would have certainly started sympathy crying.” 

This caused Myria to laugh outright, remembering the times when they were younger, and they would witness Rhaella cry whenever she heard or witnessed something sad or tragic. 

“True enough, but still, the realm should be glad that Aerea takes after her mother more than Aerys.” 

“Yes, the realm should.” Joanna said, becoming thoughtful as she continued to stare at the back of Aerea’s head as the girl said her goodbyes to the Baratheons.

~X~

The Next Day  

Tywin sat at the head of the table in his study, staring at his wife and siblings who sat with him. 

Tywin usually remained quiet in the beginning of these meetings with his family, waiting to hear their opinions first before giving his own along with his orders. 

The royal family had just left Casterly Rock, Tywin informing Aerys that he would return to the capital after another week in his home. The Lord could not get the image of Aerys' laughing face from his mind, nor the sounds of his enemies and detractors mocking him during the public and humiliating display their King created. 

Tywin knew that for a long time, Aerys had gotten off on using the power the Crown provided him to humiliate Tywin, to refuse and mock him in his own home and in front of his own bannermen, family, and fellow nobles. 

“Why have we let that man get away with this?” Tygett spat, slamming his fist against the wooden table. “This was the greatest of insults! After hosting a tournament and feasts in his family’s honor, the King returns our generosity by belittling our House before the realm!” 

“Calm yourself, Tygett.” Genna voiced, “You must temper your emotions before you do something unwise.” 

Tygett turned his glare onto his sister, “Excuse me for not tolerating an insult to our family, unlike you, Genna. We are no ordinary house; we are above the common drivel that makes up the majority of the noble on this continent.” 

Tygett then finished his rant by thumping his fist against his chest, right where a golden lion was stitched onto the center of his doublet. 

Genna scoffed at her younger brother’s words, “We all feel the insult, but the man who has done such an action is still our King. We cannot move openly against him, for he holds power over us, or do you plan on jumping on your horse, chasing down the royal party, to try and finish what I stopped you from attempting last night?” 

Kevan sighed, “Our sister is right, Tygett. Now is not the time to allow our anger to overwhelm us, we must think smartly.” 

Tygett glowered, especially when he noticed that no one else at the table was agreeing with him. 

“This whole affair does make me think about what our beloved King could be planning.” Gerion said as he swirled his wine in his cup, his voice lacking its usual humor and airiness. 

Tygett turned to his youngest brother, “What are you talking about?” 

“It’s as you said with your well impassioned speech,” Gerion began, grinned for a moment when Tygett scowled at him before becoming serious once more. “Our house is not like the others; we are the richest and most powerful in the realm. Most men would be begging Tywin for Cersei’s hand, I sure that even with the humiliation that we suffered at the feast, the number of betrothals for Cersei will not diminish.” 

“You are correct, Gerion.” Tywin spoke for the first time since sitting down, “Even after the feast I, still received a few proposals.” 

And it angered Tywin because he viewed it as said houses trying to secure his daughter thinking that her value had been weakened due to Aerys. 

“That is my point, brother.” Gerion said, “Because House Lannister has risen greatly since you became the head, and the realm understands that this is unlikely to change. So why would the King decide that having the daughter of his strongest liege lord for his son’s bride, would not be a benefit?” 

“You are underestimating the pride of men, Gerion. Aerys would rather burn himself than see Tywin gain anything, even at detriment to himself.” Genna declared. 

Gerion nodded, “You are right about Aerys’ jealously of our brother being the driving force of his rejection, but I believe that a secondary reason may be that he desires to find a different type of woman for his son’s bride.” 

Tygett raised an eyebrow, “And what woman in Westeros can compete with our niece? The only option I could possibly think of would be Princess Elia simply because House Martell has Targaryen blood running through them, but she has been betrothed to our Jaime, taking her off the marriage market.” 

Gerion shrugged, “Your guess is as good as mine. But I do believe that Aerys would rather take a lesser deal with another house just to spite us.” 

Kevan began to think about Gerion’s belief, “It could be Lady Cassana?” 

“What would Lord Steffon’s wife have to do with a bride for Prince Rhaegar?” Tygett asked. 

“Kevan means that Lady Cassana is once again with child. It is the reason why she did not travel with her husband and second son here, staying in Storm’s End.” Joanna answered. 

“And Aerys believes this child to be a girl?” Genna asked, seeing what Kevan was suggesting. 

“It would give Aerys the Valyrian blood he is clearly looking for in a wife for Rhaegar. More so than Princess Elia would be able to.” Kevan said. 

Genna shook her head in disagreement, “That is true, but there is no way of knowing if the child in Cassana’s womb will be a girl, and even if they are a girl, Prince Rhaegar is seven and ten, meaning that he will have to wait well over a decade for the girl to flower. That is far too long for the heir to throne to go without having a trueborn child, especially as the prince only has two siblings after him in the line of succession. Aerys would have to take the risk of Rhaegar predeceasing him without and heir of his own if he were to choose a babe for Rhaegar’s wife.” 

“That still does not change my point that Aerys will choose a woman that is not our niece to marry his son, we are not the only house with an available daughter within the prince’s age group.” Gerion said as he leaned back in his chair. 

“The Tyrells could be an option, especially with the betrothal between Jaime and Elia.” Genna pointed out with a sneer. 

Despite Jaime and Elia not yet being married, the agreement between the Westerlands and Dorne had already begun to take effect. The Reach in the last few years was boxed in by two joint Kingdoms, cutting into their once unshakable control over trade in the region, but they remained rich and powerful. 

“They have been growing more influential in the capital in recent years, most likely as a reaction to our arrangement with Dorne.” Kevan admitted. 

Joanna shook her head, “They are a line descended from stewards, even with their growing influence, the force of men, or even the Redwyne fleet, Aerys will not consider them.” 

“Joanna is right; Aerys cares far too much about appearances and blood purity. He will not have a Tyrell woman for Rhaegar's bride even for all the gold and food they may give him.” Tywin voiced. 

“Then what? We have been talking in circles, there is no woman who can compete with Cersei, and yet the King refused the match.” Tygett growled. 

Tywin looked at Tygett coldly, “We shall give the King time, and I will bring the betrothed to Aerys again. Once he realizes that he can do no better than my daughter.” 

“And what if he says no again?” Gerion asked, “Genna has already pointed out how the King’s jealously and pride overrides any sense he possesses.” 

“He will not.” Tywin said strongly. 

The four Lannister siblings did not look like they believed their older brother but did not refute his statement. 

But Joanna made a new case, “The King has more than one child.” 

“Prince Viserys?” Kevan asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise, “He is a babe, a decade younger than Cersei. Not to mention he is a second son, with no land or titles to his name, he is nothing but a spare.” 

“The benefit that comes with the spare is that any child had with them can be married into the main line. And even so, good brother, I was not referring to Prince Viserys.” 

The room fell into silence as Kevan, Genna, Tygett, and Gerion stared at Joanna as if the woman had lost her mind as was spewing madness from her lips, while Tywin’s only reaction to his wife’s implication was the narrowing of his eyes as he looked at her. 

Gerion broke the silence by bursting out in laughter, having to hold his sides as they began to ache, “Princess Aerea?! The Abomination Princess?! While I may like the girl from what I have seen, she is possibly the worst prospect in the realm.” 

Tywin glared at Gerion, causing Gerion’s laughter to die down, but he still had a large smile on his face, showing that his amusement remained. 

Tywin turned back to his wife, “Explain, Joanna.” 

Joanna’s expression remained impassive, “As per Aerys’ decree, until Rhaegar has children of his own, Aerea is second in line to the Iron Throne, while the young Viserys is third. And with the princess’s growing reputation and the clear favoritism Aerys has for her amongst his children, she is not a prospect to write off.” 

Gerion chuckled, “Are you forgetting that despite having a cock between her legs, there is also a cunt? Women cannot marry other women.” 

Kevan rolled his eyes, “Don’t be vulgar, Gerion.” 

Gerion shrugged, “It is the truth.” 

“But she is a Targaryen.” Genna said softly, her gaze remaining on Joanna, watching the other woman intently. 

“We know that, sister.” Tygett said, stating the obvious. 

Genna huffed, “What I mean and what I am positive Joanna also means is that as a Targaryen, Princess Aerea can invoke the Doctrine of Exceptionalism as any other member of her family.” 

“But the Doctrine of Exceptionalism was created to make the Targaryens’ practice of incestuous marriages tolerable in the eyes of The Faith.” Kevan remarked. 

“True, that is the main tenant, but the doctrine was created to emphasize the difference between the Targaryens and the rest of Westeros. That they are not like ordinary men, so the rules and traditions of Westeros hold no sway over them.” Genna explained. 

“Semantics, Genna.” Tygett said gruffly, “Do you and Joanna truly expect that kind of reasoning will convince the High Septon?” 

“If such cannot be accomplished, the Valyrians do have their own wedding ceremony, similar to the Northerners and the Ironborn.” 

Tygett turned to Tywin, “Are you truly considering this?” 

Tywin did not speak to Tygett directly as he continued to stare at Joanna, “As Gerion stated, the princess has no titles or land, she like Viserys, would be no better than a hedge knight. Why would be give our daughter away to someone who can only give the possibility of a grandchild as a royal consort?” 

Joanna smiled sharply, “Than we shall give the princess one.” 

Tywin stared at Joanna thoughtfully, thinking about the suggestion she had thrown. 

Would such an idea truly work? It would be a gamble, especially with the High Septon and Aerys being involved, but that has never stopped me before. Still, this would not be my first option. Tywin thought. 

“We will consider the idea.” Tywin said to the surprise of his siblings and the satisfaction of his wife, “But our first choice will be Rhaegar. The fight for his hand is not yet over.” 

“Even after everything Aerys said?” Joanna asked, frowning at her husband’s stubbornness on this matter. 

“Our daughter will be Queen, Joanna. I can assure you of this.” Tywin declared. 

There was a gleam in her husband’s eye, one that she had not seen in years, not since the day he left Casterly Rock, taking his army of three thousand to Tarbeck Hall. 

Just what are you planning, Tywin? Joanna thought to herself.