Chapter 42: The Red Keep
(Rhaegon's POV)
"Are you sure of it?" Uncle Rhaegar asked me as I sat across from him, "That's what he told you?"
I nodded, "Yes, Your Grace." I said, "He said that. Dorne is the only way."
The following day, Mother and I asked for a private meeting with the King, and here we were, in his study.
Mother set the cup of wine in her hand down, "Rhaegar." She said as she looked at him, "The Three Eyes....do you think he can see?"
Uncle nodded, "I would believe so...."
I frowned, "What?" I said, "What do you mean, Mother?"
Mother looked at me, "We don't know much about it, but I remember reading some texts as a child that some of those descended from the First Men can 'see'. As in they can spread their gaze across the realm." She said, "While I don't understand how it works, I find it fascinating. I've never met anyone that could do it, though."
"I...." I said, "I didn't know that."
"There's still a lot you don't know, Nephew." As he stood up and walked towards the open window, Uncle said, "Many of our line have been Dragonriders but so few have been Dreamers. They are blessed with the ability to see prophetic visions within their dreams. Your Mother and I were granted such blessings....but my dreams have been hazy the last few years."
Dreamers? Wait...
I remember reading something about that. Before the Doom of Valyria, House Targaryen evacuated because it was foreseen in a dream by a member of the House.
I should've paid more attention to Mother's lessons rather than going out and train the art of the blade and dragonriding.
Well, if I didn't do that, I wouldn't be so skilled.
Mother looked at me, "This Three-Eyes...." She said, "He must've seen something more clearly than our Dreams....."
"Even so..." I said, "Can we trust him? He clearly wants us to form a permanent alliance with Dorne, much like before, Uncle."
I saw as he didn't move, his back to us as he looked out the window. I could tell, from the silence that the mere thought of it bothered him.
Mother reached for my hand, "My dear.." She said, "Dorne is on good terms with us, despite everything. But if Prince Doran wishes to provide his support by merely giving us Prince Oberyn's daughters, then it should be enough."
"Enough?" I asked, "I don't want to be rude, but they're Illeg-"
"They're Ellia's Nieces." Uncle cut me off, "Sands or no, they're her blood."
I nodded, "Right..."
He slowly turned around and looked at me with a calm yet serious face, "Rhaegon." He said, "I need you to do this for the Realm."
Mother was right.....everyone was right, he was going to allow it. This...union...despite everything, My Uncle, The King, was going to be okay with it. I don't know why I am surprised, I have always been favored by him. Everyone tells me that it is because I am what his son could've been, but I never paid it any mind.
But it isn't just that; I am in line for the Throne, after Viserys. Maybe that's why he's thinking it could be a safe approach. To secure an alliance with Dorne to keep the Realm safe.
But was it the right call? Does the Three-Eyes speak the truth? What if it's all part of something bigger? A bigger scheme to do the exact opposite of what he said....
I sighed, "O-Okay...." I said as I fidgeted my fingers, "If His Grace commands it.....but how would the Lords take it? For me to take Sands as....mistresses...."
"You're not marrying them." Uncle told me, "We can arrange an actual marriage later. In the meantime, you are to go to Dorne and familiarize yourself with them. I will send word to House Martell. When they write back, you will fly to Dorne and don't come back until you have those girls under your arms."
I blinked, "I....quite direct, aren't you, Your Grace?" I said
He nodded, "I'm serious about this." He said, "You think we shouldn't trust the Three-Eyes? I understand. But I dreamt it....the ruin of the Realm. Shaena foresaw the rebirth of our dynasty's old glory with you, I am willing to take this risk."
Mother smiled, "So it is settled then?" She said with a chuckle, "I will inform Robert, then. We will then go over your list of nice suitors, Rhaegon."
I rubbed my hair, "I don't know how to feel about this."
"Oh, my boy..." Mother said, "Many men would kill to be in your position, the most fortunate man alive."
"I don't know about that...." I said with a nervous chuckle
Mother stood up and walked over to Uncle, leaned into her ear and whispered something with a slight smile.
I didn't hear what it was but it must've been something serious because Uncle's eyes widened and he looked at her.
"What?" He said, "You are serious?"
Mother nodded, "Shh." She said while placing her finger on her lips, "It is a surprise. Tonight, I'll announce it at dinner, Your Grace."
She then looked at me and smiled, walking away without saying another word. I merely watched as she did this, completely confused by this sudden act.
"Hm.." I said
"You are attending dinner, Rhaegon." Uncle said, "That is a command. Can't have you avoiding our table this much."
I looked at him as he sat down again, "W-Who's going to be there?" I asked
He raised an eyebrow, "Who do you think?" He said, "Your King, Your Queen, Your Princesses, Your Mother, Your Father, and You. Also, Tywin will be there."
I rolled my eyes, "Really?" I groaned, "Him?"
"He's my daughter's Grandsire, they enjoy his company." He said, "And he's the Hand."
"Pain in the ass." I muttered
"I heard about the incident in Flea-Bottom, Rhaegon." He said, "That was something....with The Mountain of all people."
"And I heard about your Trial By Combat." I said with a raised eyebrow, "Your Grace, that was rather bold. I should've been there, I would've cut him down for you."
"Heh." He chuckled, "I know. Your Father wanted to beat him with his own hands, the look on his face. But do you truly think I cannot handle myself? You insult your King, Rhaegon."
"Apologies." I said with a smile, "So you are aware of the vile insults thrown at your daughter?"
He nodded, "Preposterous." He said, "She is my blood, Myrcella. She bears my mark, the dragon's flames. Simply because she was blessed with the beauty of her Mother's hair does not mean she isn't of Dragon's Blood. Not all Targaryens rode a dragon at such young ages. Maegor The Cruel didn't have one until he was Five and Twenty."
I nodded, "I am aware." I said, "He said only one was worthy of him and waited until his father, The Conqueror, died so he could claim House Targaryen's greatest dragon."
"Balerion, The Black Dread." He said, "I'm sure he was a sight to behold. I wonder if The Black Lord will reach such magnitude."
"I hope that if he does, I am alive to see it." I said with a chuckle, "We're both young, still..."
"Yes, you are." He said with a nod, "Rhaegon...."
I looked at him, he was giving me a serious look, "Yes?"
"I don't want to push such a burden onto you, The Realm." He said as he looked down, "But I apologize, I must. For the sake of everyone's survival, things must be done. You understand that, don't you? You, who only wishes to be free...."
I nodded, "I am a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Your Grace." I said, "Ser Rhaegon Baratheon. It is my duty to serve the Realm and you, My King."
"Duty." He said with a chuckle, "Such a strong word, hm?"
"It appears so." I said
"The truth is..." He started, "I just want my family to be happy."
"But I doubt if I can manage that."
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