章節 9: King's Landing II
(Rhaegon's POV)
"I do wonder what the Prince was crying about prior to my arrival, Ser Arthur." I said as the Lord-Commander of the Kingsguard poured wine into my cup
We were in my chambers inside the Red Keep, one that my mother would read to me at night when we spend time in the Capital. I looked at the legendary Knight, his face showing clear signs of aging, similar to Ser Barristan. A massive scar ran across his face, one suffered at the hands of the River Dragon at the Trident back during the infamous Rebellion.
"The usual, Ser Rhaegon." He said as he chuckled, "Prince Viserys has always been vocal about his envy of you."
I took the cup as he sat down, "Is that so?" I said, "He's the Prince, next in line to the Iron Throne. Why would he ever be envious of me?"
"His brother's approval is all the Prince seeks." He said as he placed his hand behind his back, "You are also in line for the Throne, His Grace doesn't have any sons at the moment and Prince Viserys has only sired a daughter. He worries that you might think of usurping his place as Heir."
"What? Me?" I said, "The thought has never crossed my mind."
"You are his elder sister's son, by law of succession, you are the next in line." He said, "The Lord Hand has been quite....persistent in Her Grace's role in producing more Heirs but His Grace, The King has been dismissive about the subject."
"How interesting that the Lord-Commander of The Kingsguard will be giving such gossip to me." I said with a smile
"I am merely speaking the truth in which His Grace has allowed me to. He has a right to trust you, Ser Rhaegon. You are an honorable young man, one who doesn't act out of ambition...but rather glory." He said, "King Rhaegar recognizes that."
I leaned back, "But the throne?" I said, "No, I don't ever want it. All I care about is riding my dragon through the skies and seeing the world beneath me, appreciating it for its unwavering beauty."
"Precisely what His Grace recognizes." He said, "It was good to see you, Young Rhaegon. I trust your skill with the blade hasn't waned?"
I chuckled, "I learned from both you and Ser Barristan." I said as I leaned back, "It hasn't."
"Yes, it is good you looked to the blade rather than the Hammer like your Lord Father." He said, "I don't think the Realm is ready for a Robert who rides a Dragon."
"Ha! The Lord-Commander has his jokes." I said standing up, "So, what duties must you finish today, Ser Arthur?"
"With the King's announcement upon us, many Lords from all over the realm are sure to be present." He said, "One of many, is Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, who has written to King Rhaegar, expecting you to be here. I am to.....oversee your interactions, considering the history you have with him."
"Ah yes, Oberyn." I said nodding, "He was a great fight."
"I shouldn't explain to you why I am entrusted to oversee your meeting with him." He told me with a slight smile, "I don't expect you to challenge him again, but just to be sure."
I looked at him, "Worry not about that, I am satisfied with our bout." I said, "Unless he wishes to arrange for another friendly duel that'll gather many spectators and gold."
"I..." Arthur said before straightening up
It's as if he heard something, which I didn't catch on right away but after a few seconds of him quieting down, I heard the sounds of heels approaching.
The door to my chamber and I saw Ser Jaime walk in, hand on his sword as he stepped through, "Ser Rhaegon, Her Grace, The Queen is here."
"Oh shit." I muttered as I placed the cup of wine down on the table and straightened up
I watched as Queen Cersei walked through the door her arms in front of her as she looked at me. She was wearing a beautiful and shiny golden dress that complimented her lush and youthful hair, which was draped on her shoulders. Her mesmerizing emerald green eyes pierced right through me, as if she was attempting to grasp my soul with her gaze.
She glanced at Ser Arthur who bowed slightly, "Lord Commander, I take it you're starting your duties early." She said
Her voice was serene but strong, with nothing but grace.
Ser Arthur nodded, "Yes, My Queen." He said, "I was relaying information to Ser Rhaegon about his meeting with Prince Oberyn."
The Queen then looked at me and approached the table where I stood next to, "Nephew." She extended her arm towards me
I took her hand gently and leaned forward, kissing it softly, "Your Grace." I said, "As always, your presence graces me."
"Hm." She said as she pulled back, "Ser Arthur, Ser Jaime, leave us. Stand outside the door and await my exit, I shall speak to Ser Rhaegon alone."
Ser Arthur nodded and looked at Ser Jaime who was already turning around and walking around.
I watched as the two Kingsguard walked outside and closed the door behind them, leaving me with the Queen alone in my chambers.
"You can speak freely with me here alone, Nephew." Queen Cersei said, "Why are you here?"
I sighed, "Well, good to see you too, Aunt." I said taking a seat and gesturing her to do the same, "Well, I don't really know. It was your Husband who called me."
She sat down and crossed her arms as she gave me a slight smile, "He says that he wants to give an announcement on his sister's wedding." She said, "Robb Stark is the fortunate man to marry Daenerys. A Stark marrying a Targaryen Princess, who would've thought."
"I wish them well and hope they produce beautiful children," I said with a smile
"And what of you? You're of age, why haven't you married yet?" She asked
I shrugged, "Not interested."
"It is your duty." She said, "You are Heir of Storm's End, you must marry."
"When the time comes, I'll perform that duty and perform it well." I said, "In the meantime, my Lord Father has not have any mention of it."
"Hm." She said as she studied me with her eyes, "Does it not bother you?"
"What does, Your Grace?" I asked
"Your Aunt Daenerys....marrying someone." She asked as she tilted her head
I looked at her, "Why should it?" I asked
"You two grew up together, your dragons played together in the skies as you did on the ground." She said, "You built a bond as strong as any Targaryen. Here I thought it was you who was to be promised. After all, your Grandparents were siblings, it wasn't going to be frowned upon if Rhaegar betrothed the two of you. I'm sure his father would've done the same with him and your Mother."
I chuckled, "I..." I said as I shook my head, "That's...."
"Wrong?" She said, "Why should it? It makes sense, doesn't it? You are the son I couldn't bear Rhaegar. He loves you as much as he did his late boy, Aegon. Your mother even named you in both their honor: Rhaegar and Aegon's."
"Daenerys and I are Aunt and Nephew." I told her, "Yes, I love her with everything I have but I don't see her in that way. She's more like a sister to me than everything."
"Targaryen brothers and sisters love each other all the time." She said, "This is no different."
Why? Why did she come here to say this of all things? Why would my Aunt's wedding bother me at all? It doesn't, it really doesn't. Yes, I grew up with Daenerys, we played together as children but it was just that. I do care about my Aunt, but I don't have any incestual thoughts towards her. Why was The Queen interrogating me about such things?
I sighed, "Your Grace, is there something you wish to tell me?" I said
I am fortunate enough to be liked by The Queen for me to speak to her in a manner like this. Ever since I was a boy, she has given me loving and caring stares. Maybe it is because she and my Mother are close friends.
"I favor you, Rhaegon." She said as she gave me a serious stare, "For 17 years, I have tried to do my duty as Queen the best I could. But alas, the gods are cruel, and I have been unable to give Rhaegar a son. The Realm is uneasy, they are worried about Viserys as heir."
"There's time." I said, "You are young and well, you know, fertile.....Besides, King Rhaegar has many years in his reign, he will have many more to come."
"I've tried." She whispered, "Many times and I have failed. Rhaegar is aware of that and does not wish to force me any further. And he's different, your Uncle, everyone can feel it. Everyone knows it, even my Father. The Small Council, they all act for their own goals, their own ambitions."
I have managed to gain the trust and favor of the Queen, after all of my exploits and ambition-less escapades. I didn't think she would confess this to me, though. Maybe Viserys is right to envy me, that the queen herself can confidently tell me such things.
I leaned forward, "And...." I said softly, "What does.....where do I fit in all of this?"
"Rhaegar will soon announce your marriage as well." She told me, "I am telling you ahead of time. Your Mother has been discussing possible suitors with your Father and Rhaegar is also suggesting names."
"Names...?" I said, "Who?"
"The Martells, The Tyrells, The Arryns...." She said, "High Houses of the Realm. You are the rider of the fiercest Dragon the Targaryens have, everyone wants their piece."
I leaned back against the chair and sighed, "You came and dumped this out of nowhere, Aunt." I said looking away, "It is hard to process."
"Process it as fast as you can, Rhaegon. A power struggle is sure to start soon." She said, "There are those who don't wish to see Viserys on the throne should something happen to Rhaegar. And Viserys, he's becoming aware of this. He sees you as a threat."
"You don't think he..." I said, "No, that's impossible. He can be an asshole, yes, but he wouldn't dare... "
"He would and he will." she said, "His paranoia tells him you are the same."
"I would never." I said truthfully, "He is my blood, my uncle."
"Try using that to reason with him." She told me, "Many Targaryens have murdered their Nephews and Uncles for the sake of power."
"Hm..." I said
"A clash of dragons is the last thing Rhaegar wants." She told me, "That's why he'll try to mend the rift between you."
I sighed, "Okay." I said, "Thank you, Your Grace. For telling me this."
She stood up and nodded, "Just know I do this because I love you and your Mother." She said with a smile, "I watched you grow up to be a magnificent man.....a Knight....a Dragonrider. You are fit to rule should Rhaegar pass."
I frowned, "This is all too.....well, unsettling." I said, "Speaking like he will die."
"When a King sits the throne, whoever replaces him should he die must be well considered." She said, "In our case, it is a choice between you and your Uncle. Good day, Ser Rhaegon. I expect to see you for dinner tonight."
She then walked towards the door, knocked on it, and waited for it to be opened by Ser Jaime.
I then saw as she walked out and the blonde knight closed the door behind her.
I let out another sigh, "Well shit..." I said,
"This is interesting."
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