The Heir of the Dragon: A Rhaenyra Targaryen Quest

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"What about a position in the City Watch, Ser Gwayne?" You offered. "I know the Iron Gate and the Dragon Gate are still in need of commanders."

Gwayne scratched his beardless chin for a moment as he considered the offer.

"That's not a position you can easily promise," he remarked, even as his eyes made it clear the idea tempted him.

"My father listens to my council in some matters," you replied confidently, "and I'm certain the hand of the king would be willing to support me in this."

In truth you weren't sure if your father would listen to you here. He had listened to you when it came to marriage, but that was because the two of you had largely been in agreement on the matter. You were still just a cupbearer at the Small Council and you had yet to assume an official duties as heir. If Otto helped you though, and you had to imagine he would have been in favor of making his son a commander in the city watch, you should have been able to convince your father to agree to the appointment.

"I will do my best to ensure you have a position in the City Watch," you assured Gwayne, "but regardless of that, you have my word I will not allow any harm to come to Alicent."

You could see a flash of annoyance appear across Ser Tarly's face but he kept his silence.

"Your word?" Gwayne skeptically.

"My oath," you corrected. "The oath of the heir to the Iron Throne. I swear by the old gods and the new that I will protect Alicent with all my strength. I will not allow your sister to come to harm."

Had it been Alicent here you would have sworn on your mother's memory. It would mean more to you than simply swearing on the gods, but Gwayne didn't know you. He might not have understood. No matter the exact words used though, your intent was the same. Regardless of any other feelings the two of you may have had, Alicent was your first friend. Your only friend really. You had no intention of letting any harm come to her.

Gwayne considered your words for a moment.

"Those are serious words," he replied evenly. "One should not make an oath unless they intend to keep it."

"I do," you said as you met his gaze. "I may not be a knight, yet, but my word is my bond. This is not an oath I make lightly and it is one I will keep."

Gwayne smiled in satisfaction.

"I seems I cannot dissuade you from keeping my sister as your handmaiden. Very well," he relented. "You seem a capable woman. If you swear you'll protect her, I'll believe it. I will mention your promise of a position to my father. I'm sure he'll be most interest. I'll spare him the other details. My sister's affections can stay between us I think."

You couldn't deny that Gwayne impressed you. The man barely knew his sister and yet he seemed determined to do what he thought right for her, even keeping secrets from their father.

"What about Alicent?" You asked carefully. "Will you mention this conversation to her?"

You weren't sure how she would react to any of this, but you knew she would definitely have something to say.

"That I leave to you," he smirked. "Good day, Princess."

Relationship with Gwayne Hightower Established

Gwayne Will Remember Your Oath

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You found Jeyne Arryn in a palanquin by the docks and watched as she got out to argue with what appeared to be a ship captain. The argument seemed civil, even if you couldn't the exact words they were speaking as you approached, but the frustration of Jeyne's was obvious as she paced about.

"Lady Jeyne," you called out as you and your sworn shield approached. "I am glad to see you. I was hoping we could speak again before you left."

"Well it seems we have plenty of time to do that," Jeyne said with distinct frustration. "Every captain I've spoken to has said storms are still a problem for most of Blackwater Bay and no one is willing to sail to Gulltown for another day or two."

"That is unfortunate," you said sympathetically.

"Normally I wouldn't mind, but most of my lords and ladies left before the storms hit," Jeyne explained. "Not only am I deprived of my dear companions, but I worry what some of my less than dear cousins will do in my absence."

"You know you have my family's support if they dare try anything foolish, cousin," you assured her.

Your father held no particular strong feelings on Jeyne from what you could recall besides knowing about the "rumors" around her, but you very much doubted he would allow your mother's cousin to be removed from her seat. And if he didn't take action, you always could do something yourself.

"That is reassuring to hear," she said with a nod.

"While I am sorry for your situation," you went on, focusing on the subject that brought you here. "I am hoping it will convince you to help me with a similar situation."

Jeyne looked at you quizzically.

"Oh?"

"Rhea Royce wishes to have her marriage to my uncle annulled," you explained. "Trying to take Dragonstone and a second wife has a few of her cousins worried about what else her husband may do when she inherits Runestone."

To your surprise, Jeyne looked more amused than worried.

"Yes, I can imagine having a Dragon taking roost in Runestone would be a bit of a bother," she replied with seeming indifference.

"There was hope you would be willing to speak or write to my father in support of such an annulment," you said carefully.

"Ahh," Jeyne's expression shifted from one of detached amusement to a more annoyed look.

"Tell me, Princess, were you aware Rhea's father served as my regent for my entire minority?" She questioned pointedly.

"That does seem familiar, yes," you vaguely recalled a Small Council meeting a few years ago where they talked about Yorbert Royce stepping down so Jeyne could serve as Lady of the Vale in full.

Jeyne tucked her arms behind your back. "Did you know Lord Royce tried to forcibly marry me to his younger brother and when I refused, he plotted to marry Rhea to my cousin Arnold?"

"That I was not aware of," you admitted sheepishly.

"The only reason they didn't go through with it is Arnold decided to declare against me before a proper deal could have been made," Jeyne explained, resentment building with every word. "And even then, after Arnold's little rebellion failed, Yobert arranged to keep his former squire out of the Sky Cells, free to plot against me to this day. If the Royces had their way, I would either be their puppet or I would not rule at all."

You understood her frustration. While you had yet to experience any of what she endured, but you knew there were plenty of lords who would seek to see you removed in favor of your uncle or any of Westerling's possible sons. And just as many, if not more, sought to rule through you through marriage.

What Jeyne struggled with could easily be a preview to your own hardships.

"I understand your frustrations, but Rhea Royce is not here father," you said sympathetically.

"No, she's just a sign of her father's hypocrisy," Jeyne's voice grew tense and haughty. "I am clearly unfit to rule in Lord Yobert's eyes but his own daughter? She is somehow clearly capable. Why should I help a family who has only sought to undermine my rule?"

While you were sympathetic to Jeyne's greivances, you had made assurances to Rhea that you felt unwilling to back out of. You decided to change your arguement.

"Let us, forget about Rhea or her father for ammoent," you urged. "Just think of what would happen if Rhea became Lady of Runestone and died suddenly. My uncle would more than likely take the castle for himself. Now, ask yourself, would you really want to deal with Daemon Targaryen as your vassal? Dragons do not kneel easily after all."

If Daemon had Runestone, he would have access to all of Runestone's vassals and manpower. It wasn't much in the grand scheme of things, but Aegon had begun his conquest with far less.

Jeyne considered your words, her brow creasing as she did.

"I could just throw him out," she argued.

"You could," you replied. "And he might listen."

That only increased Jeyne's worries.

"Very well," Jeyne sighed. "When I return to the Eyrie, I will write a letter to your father expressing my concerns over his behavior and his suitability as a consort to one of my vassals. And that perhaps it would be in everyone's best interests if they got the annulment they have long sought."

"You have my thanks," you nodded.

"I did this simply because I have little desire to deal with your uncle, not for Rhea," Jeyne replied tensely.

"I understand."

Jeyne's expression relaxed but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

"While I appreciate your efforts here, I do hope your prepared for what may happen if Daemon finds out you had a hand in this," she warned. "Daemon may hate this marriage even more than Rhea does, but men like him do not take well to women asserting power over them. He will not take Rhea annulling the marriage well and he will see anyone who helped her as his enemy."

"I replaced him as heir to the Iron Throne," you replied confidently. "I think he already sees me as an enemy."

"True enough, I suppose," Jeyne nodded. "Now, is there anything else you wished to talk about or shall I return to my seemingly endless wait for the weather to improve?"

You had accomplished what you set out to do with Jeyne, but you could think of a few things more to talk about with her. As the only female ruler of one of the Seven Kingdoms, you could have asked her for advice on how to deal with the complications and hardships that came with being a woman who ruled in her own right. You could also have asked for advice on Alicent. Jeyne was one of the few people you knew who you could turn to without fear of judgement in this sort of matter. She might even have known if Gwayne's claims were accurate and give your advice on how to handle them.

You could also offer to take Jeyne back to the Eyrie on Syrax. Without fear of the weather, she could be back at home by nightfall. This would help prevent her rebellious cousin from doing anything devious but you knew it would also further rumors about the two of you. Your family had something of a history of taking future spouses and romantic partners on Dragon rides.

Of course, maybe you wanted that sort of relationship with Jeyne and didn't care what others thought. She was attractive after all and you had a fair amount in common. You had avoided the question at the Dance but perhaps time had changed your mind?

What else do you say to Jeyne?

[] [Jeyne] Ask for Advice on ruling and how to deal with men who will oppose you.

[] [Jeyne] Ask for Advice on Alicent and her possible interest in you.

[] [Jeyne] Offer to take her back home on Dragon back.

[] [Jeyne] Say your goodbyes and depart.

[] [Jeyne] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval)

---

You weren't surprised when Otto Hightower requested you to meet him in the Godswood not long after your conversation with Gwayne. Thankfully, much like with her brother, Alicent had other business to attend to so you could see her father without her presence. You didn't like keeping secrets from Alicent, but you needed time to figure out how you were going to talk to her about these meetings. And about the things Gwayne said.

You found Otto sitting at a table overlooking the Godswood, a glass of wine in front of him, and another already prepared for you.

"Princess, thank you for agreeing to met me," he said as he gestured towards the seat.

"It is no trouble," you took the seat and sipped at the wine. Arbor Gold. Of course. "I imagine you wish to discuss my conversation with your son."

No point dancing around the issue.

"Yes. I must admit I was quite surprised to hear you offer such a thing to my son," Otto's tone was even but you could sense his puzzlement. "That is quite the position to offer a man you barely know."

"Ser Gwayne made a good impression," you said earnestly. "He seems to be a man of honor, and it's clear he has a compassionate side as well. We could use men like that protecting our city."

It wasn't untrue. While you had offered the position largely as a means of appeasing him, Ser Gwayne at least seemed a decent sort. If nothing else he cared for Alicent a great deal.

"Is that all?" Otto said skeptically. "You agreed to make my son a powerful commander within the city simply because he is honorable? He must have made quite the impression."

"Alicent has always spoken well of him," you diverted. "I figured he would be a dependable quality among the City Watch. Something we both know is badly needed."

You half expected Otto to bring up Alicent's possible feelings for you and ask if this was your way of keeping Gwayne's silence, but thankfully he did not.

"Hmm, that is a fair point," he replied. "I confess I had hoped he would be considered for such a position. I could not make the suggestion myself without being accused of corruption."

"Something you can avoid if I make the suggestion," you finished.

"Quite so," he agreed. "At the next meeting of the Small Council, I will suggest to your father that we entrust the decision of who should be the new Commander of the Dragon Gate to you in your role as heiress. You will be given a list of qualified candidates, one of which will be my son Gwayne."

"That sounds reasonable," you nodded.

You watched Otto's lips twinge for a moment, as if he wanted to say something but thought better of it.

"You do my family quite the honor," he said instead of whatever biting remark had in mind.

You couldn't help but find this situation almost amusing. While you had little doubt Otto was aware of Alicent's feelings as much as Gwayne was, with Gwayne keeping his silence on why you made the offer, the Hand had no reason for why you made the offer beyond strength of Gwayne's character. Otto owed you for this favor, even if he wouldn't say as much, and you both knew it.

"You know, since we are already here," you remarked, "there is something else I wished to talk to you about. Rhea Royce's marriage to my uncle."

Otto raised an eyebrow as he drank his wine.

"Yes that is a ugly business," Otto replied. "That poor woman has been disgraced by her husband in so many ways over the years. Truly dreadful."

"After his botched effort to take a second wife, Rhea has decided that her marriage to Daemon is a hindrance for her future and is seeking an annulment," you explained. "The High Septon won't allow it without my father's approval and Rhea is hoping we could convince my father to sign off on it."

"Hmm," Otto leaned back in his chair, studying you intently for a moment. "Quite clever. In one move you'd deprive your uncle of a powerful marriage alliance and have the future Lady of Runestone in your debt."

"My main concern is Rhea's interests more than my own," you insisted, "but I cannot deny the benefits."

Rhea Royce being trapped in that abomination of a marriage was an offense to everything you believed, but you knew there was a selfish element in this as well.

"I must admit I myself quite perplexed by you, Princess," Otto confessed. "You often act as though you are determined to offend the sensibilities of your father and the realm at large, and yet at times like this you seem to be developing a decent head for politics."

You almost got a compliment from the Hand of the King. Impressive.

"I do what I believe is best," you declared. "For my own interests and the interests of the realm."

You thought back to the Kingsguard selection. Had you not chosen to duel, you could have very well ended up with a sworn shield who was unwilling to train you as Ser Tarly is.

"If those are your concerns, I would advise against supporting Rhea's efforts," Otto cautioned.

"What for?" you questioned.

"Daemon would be weakened for a time, true, but you would also leave him free to marry again," he explained.

"And how many lords would allow Daemon to marry their daughters after his actions on Dragonstone?" you questioned.

Daemon had sought to taken a common born woman as a second wife, acting like a Dragonlord of Old Valyria rather than a prince of the seven kingdoms.

"His new ally, Lord Corlys, might." Otto replied, "and we both know your uncle will have not have the same issues your father had with marrying someone so young."

That had not really occurred to you before now. It was true they were allies, but would the Sea Snake be willing to offer his daughter like that once more?

"Lord Corlys is a proud man," you argued. "Do you really think he would be willing to marry his young daughter to such a poorly behaved second son?"

"A second son who is third in line for the Iron Throne," Otto observed. "Besides. The two stand to benefit greatly from their alliance against the Crabfeeder. They may both see the benefit in making it formal."

That would be quite the problem. Still you weren't ready to back out of helping Rhea just yet.

"So what your saying is you won't help with this annulment?" You asked.

Otto considered for a moment, drinking the last of his wine.

"Not necessarily," he replied. "If you insist on this, I will support you in this matter. Daemon's actions have earned him punishment, that I cannot deny. I simply urge you, princess, to consider the consquences of this."

'If you insist.' Otto Hightower's voice made it clear that he considered this a favor, one that would probably cancel out the favor he now owed you. That seemed a fair enough trade in your mind, but as you considered Otto's words you wondered if you should even be pushing for this annulment in the first place. Beyond that, with Jeyne's support you found yourself wondering if you even needed the Hand of the King for this. Perhaps your voice and the voice of Rhea's liege would be enough to convince your father. That way you could use the favor the Hightowers owed you for something else entirely.

Do you ask for Otto Hightower's help?

[] [Otto] Insist on the matter. Otto needs to support the annulment.

[] [Otto] Decline. You don't need Otto's help in this.

Relationship with Otto Hightower Improved. New Status: Neutral

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QM's Note: Hey, Otto's no longer bouncing around on the same level. I figured between offering make Gwayne a commander and Rhaenyra seeking to undermine Daemon, even if he doesn't fully support how she's doing it, is enough to raise Otto's opinion of her.