So I've been debating making a post about this since I deeply fear metagaming about this but there are people here who watched the show and people who haven't and I feel like it would be unfair to not explain what's going on. But I want to make clear this is not something Rhaenyra knows at this point.
King Viserys is sick and since we didn't take the Scholar path, the odds of him fully recovering are quite remote. The wounds he suffered from the Throne aren't healing and will only get worse. The Iron Throne has punished him a way that honestly is arguably worse than Meagor since at least for Meagor it was quick. His actor on the show has said it's basically a fictionalized kind of leprosy. In Quest terms this effectively makes King Viserys health basically a countdown timer for us, albiet a lengthy one. There are things that can speed up or slow down the progression of his illness (And outright get him killed early) but stopping it is basically impossible. This does not mean Viserys is a dead man walking, in canon he survived for decades after this and had a fair few years of pretty decent health. There will invetiably be decay though, the man's body is basically slowly falling apart after all. This does also mean that whoever he marries will probably end up de-facto becoming his caretaker several years down the road if relations between them are decent enough.
So just keep this in mind going forward, don't try and metagame it since there is a limited amount Rhaenyra can even try and do considering her background and trying to brute force him better will stand a solid chance of just making things worse.
Voting is still open and I added a write-in option.
Adhoc vote count started by Teen Spirit on Aug 15, 2024 at 5:37 PM, finished with 292 posts and 67 votes.
[X] Plan Don't Do Everything Alone - Simple Version
-[X] Plainly tell your father about the discussions you had with Otto and Corlys, and the other possible matches you found.
-[X] Also discuss the persistent fears he might marry Alicent you keep having.
[X] Plan Don't Do Everything Alone
-[X] Tell him that you tried to help him as much as you could and what was said between Otto, Corlys and yourself, including noting that Corlys cast doubt on the value of House Targaryens word.
-[X] Lay out that you quietly looked for other possible matches for him to avoid the Sea Snakes offer without instead having half the realm try to force their daughters on him.
-[X] Lastly close that you have fears that Otto might try to present Alicent as an alternative, though you can't name where that dread comes from.
-[X] You did all this out of a desire for him to be happy and the house strong, hoping that there will be no more fighting about succession and that he would have time to grieve and heal.
[X] Plan: Be Our Father's Support
-[X] List the three matches we have as alternatives to Laena: Victaria Tyrell, Deria Martell, and Johanna Westerling. Discuss the relative benefits of each. If some levity is needed, jokingly offer to fly to Volantis and see if you can find some of his wayward cousins to bring back. Mostly however, focus on being a support for your father, so that he knows he is not alone in this decision, and that you will fight for him if need be.
[X] Plan: The Spicy Option
-[X] A Dornish match would be beneficial for several reasons. One, the heirs would be very incapable of acting as usurpers. Like it or not, the ruling of having a daughter as heir is tenouous, and an ambitious family could use Viserys' son as a rallying point. Two, Viserys would go down in the history books as the King who both conquered the Step-Stones and the one who began to bring the last Kingdom into Westeros. It would also silence those who may see this as Cotlys Velaryon's war. And three...more personally... the wisdom of the Dornish and their female rulers might be availed to his struggling daughter.
-[X] If the marriage is paid in blood on the Stepstones, fighting with the rest of Westeros, it will silence at least some of the dissatisfied whispers. And if unrest grows too much then I can be the one who brings stability with marriage next time. You don't deserve to be the only one suffering father.
-[X] PLEASE, don't marry Alicent. She's my best friend. And I know you and Otto are friends, but you know how ambitious he is. He can be almost as bad as Corlys. If his grandson had the chance to sit on the throne over me it might get...messy.
Adhoc vote count started by Teen Spirit on Aug 15, 2024 at 5:37 PM, finished with 292 posts and 67 votes.
[X] Plan Don't Do Everything Alone - Simple Version
-[X] Plainly tell your father about the discussions you had with Otto and Corlys, and the other possible matches you found.
-[X] Also discuss the persistent fears he might marry Alicent you keep having.
[X] Plan Don't Do Everything Alone
-[X] Tell him that you tried to help him as much as you could and what was said between Otto, Corlys and yourself, including noting that Corlys cast doubt on the value of House Targaryens word.
-[X] Lay out that you quietly looked for other possible matches for him to avoid the Sea Snakes offer without instead having half the realm try to force their daughters on him.
-[X] Lastly close that you have fears that Otto might try to present Alicent as an alternative, though you can't name where that dread comes from.
-[X] You did all this out of a desire for him to be happy and the house strong, hoping that there will be no more fighting about succession and that he would have time to grieve and heal.
[X] Plan: Be Our Father's Support
-[X] List the three matches we have as alternatives to Laena: Victaria Tyrell, Deria Martell, and Johanna Westerling. Discuss the relative benefits of each. If some levity is needed, jokingly offer to fly to Volantis and see if you can find some of his wayward cousins to bring back. Mostly however, focus on being a support for your father, so that he knows he is not alone in this decision, and that you will fight for him if need be.
[X] Plan: The Spicy Option
-[X] A Dornish match would be beneficial for several reasons. One, the heirs would be very incapable of acting as usurpers. Like it or not, the ruling of having a daughter as heir is tenouous, and an ambitious family could use Viserys' son as a rallying point. Two, Viserys would go down in the history books as the King who both conquered the Step-Stones and the one who began to bring the last Kingdom into Westeros. It would also silence those who may see this as Cotlys Velaryon's war. And three...more personally... the wisdom of the Dornish and their female rulers might be availed to his struggling daughter.
-[X] If the marriage is paid in blood on the Stepstones, fighting with the rest of Westeros, it will silence at least some of the dissatisfied whispers. And if unrest grows too much then I can be the one who brings stability with marriage next time. You don't deserve to be the only one suffering father.
-[X] PLEASE, don't marry Alicent. She's my best friend. And I know you and Otto are friends, but you know how ambitious he is. He can be almost as bad as Corlys. If his grandson had the chance to sit on the throne over me it might get...messy.
You sat down on a chair next to your father, basking in the warmth of the fire for a moment. For a brief moment you had name on your lips but it vanished like a puff of smoke, replaced by an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion. You couldn't do this, you couldn't bring yourself to push your father towards some woman.
"Father, I have a confession," you said quietly as you stared into the fire. "Since word spread of Lord Corlys' proposal, I have both been talking with various members of your council about the match and looking to see if there were more suitable options out there."
"That is quite the surprise, I must admit," your father confessed. "Why did you do such things?"
"Because as Laena is too young, and I worried what remarrying so soon would do to you," you explained. "And I have concerns over what will become of my position should the daughter of Lord Corlys become the new queen."
"Princess, I hardly think such matters concern yo-" The Grand Maester began before a withering stare from your father silenced him.
"The lords of the realm have sworn oaths acknowledging you as heir," he declared. "Lord Corlys among them. You know this."
"Yes, but Lord Corlys has a wife and son who are dragon riders. Oaths and power don't always mix." These are words you would never say in public, but your father needed to hear them and Maesters were supposed to be largely above politics.
The look your father gave you made it clear he did not like what you said, but neither could he easily dismiss it out of hand.
"Who did you speak to?" He inquired, wincing slightly from the horrors currently being done to save his finger.
"Hightower and Lord Corlys himself," you said wearily. "I thought that Lord Corlys would be inclined towards helping my political interests, if I agreed to support the marriage, and I had hoped we could agree to a long betrothal. Wait until Laena was an adult. Better for the both of you in my opinion."
"That would be a lot easier to endure," your father agreed with a sigh.
"The Hand said the Master of Ships would never agree to such a plan and the Sea Snake proved him correct," you explained. "Lord Valeryon has no patience for delaying the wedding. Apparently he has grown mistrustful of deals with our family after the death of Rhaenys' father and insisted the wedding must be sooner rather than later."
Your father bristled, his expression turning sour.
"Disgraceful," you heard the Grand Maester mutter under his breath.
"The Master of Ships forgets himself," your father grumbled as the Maesters attended to him. "Corlys may be one of the richest men in the Seven Kingdoms, but he has no right to dictate terms to us in such a manner."
Your father grumbled for a minute or so before his expression shift, a curious look suddenly appearing in his eye.
"You said you looked into other options. Did you find any?"
"A few, yes," you admitted. "There's a Tyrell named Victaria, somewhat distantly related to the Lord of Highgarden but wealthy in her own right. Then there is the Lord Commander's cousin Johanna Westerling, her family is very well respected in the Westerlands. And a woman in the Riverlands named Sabitha Vypren."
"Sabitha," you father muttered quietly. "Yes I recall hearing Lord Tully complain of her behavior at the tourney. A fierce lady for sure, but the Vyprens are much too minor a house for us to even consider. "
You had suspected as much.
"The Princess of Dorne also has an unmarried younger sister," you pointed out. "A marriage with her could mean an alliance with Dorne and aid in the Stepstones. That would help with Lord Corlys' troubles."
You could feel the eyes of every Maester upon you once you mentioned the Dornish woman. Your father simply scratched his beard contemplatively with his good hand.
"There are several good options there I must admit," he conceded, still clearly dreading the prospect of getting married but not to the same extent as with Laena. "I will need time to think this over."
"Of course," you nodded.
"Your diligence is to be commended, Rhaenyra," he praised you.
"Thank you," you nodded. "I must confess I was worried you would find my actions deceitful."
"No, of course not," he waved his hand dismissively. "I have a duty here but I am not blind to how much this decision will effect you. I am grateful you came to me though. Better I hear it from you then from Otto."
A familiar fear found it's way into the back of your mind, slithering through your thoughts like some manner of snake in a garden.
"Father, if we are being honest," your voice was becoming awkward as you spoke. "I must confess I have had concerns since I first heard of your engagement. I have no reason for these fears but I cannot shake them, no matter how hard I try."
"What is it?" He asked with cautious voice.
"Whoever you marry, for whatever reason, I will support you father," you assured him, "but please do not marry Alicent Hightower."
You saw the Grand Maester's eyes snap to you suddenly before quickly glancing away.
"Alicent?" Viserys stared at you in surprise. "What brought this on?"
"She is nearly an adult and the daughter of your Hand," you explained uneasily. "I have no proof, but the fear would not leave me."
You reach out to your father, grabbing his good hand.
"Please she is the only friend I truly have at court and we have only just recently begun to patch things up. If you married her, everything would change and not for the better. So, please," you outright begged him, "anyone but her."
Your father stared at you for a moment, concern filling his gaze.
"I have a confession of my own to make," he said. "Since your mother died, Alicent has provided quite a bit of comfort for me in my time of need."
"What!?" You blurted out in horror and confusion as you recoiled, startling a nearby Maester causing him to spill some of the leftover maggots onto the floor.
"A poor choice of words," Viserys defended himself. "We have simply been talking a fair bit since your mother died. I asked her to keep it secret so as not to bother you. You must understand, she understands our grief better than most. She was most kind in a time I needed it dearly."
You stared at your father in shock, having had not the slightest idea this was happening. The fear began to curdle into terror, fed by the thought of Alicent and your father sharing such private topics.
"I had considered.. maybe," he said haltingly before waving away the thought. "It's not important. You have have been a source of both comfort and strength for me these past few months, Rhaenyra. If this is important to you-"
"It is," the words rushed from your mouth.
"Then I will cease all thoughts on the matter," your father assured you. "You will not have to call Alicent your step-mother. I promise."
The moment he spoke the words, the the fear finally beginning to abate and you breathed a sigh of relief.
Relationship with King Viserys Improved.
Roughly a fortnight after your conversation with your father, he announced to the Small Council that he had decided to take a new wife. The room watched eagerly, most of all Lord Corlys Velaryon, who had straightened up, a look of eagerness and satisfaction etched across face. After some hesitation, your father explained that he had been exchanging Ravens with Lady Johanna Westerling and that he had made an offer of marriage which she had just that morning accepted.
The news left the Small Council in a state of confusion. Judging by their faces, no one had expected this news. Not even Otto Hightower.
Lord Corlys, of course, was outraged. He declared the whole thing an absurdity, reminding your father that his house was of Valyrian blood and was the most powerful in the realm. Your father quickly put the Sea Snake in his place, reminding Corlys that he wasn't the one on this council who wore the crown. Corlys stormed off after that and within a day, he, Rhaenys and their children had all sailed or flown back to Driftmark.
Otto and Lord Strong spent most of the day trying to convince your father to reconsider, but he would hear none of it. The Westerlings were a very respected house with connections to the riches of the Westerlands. He was confident she would make a fine bride. The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was naturally quite pleased to hear his cousin would soon become the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Alicent on the other hand was noticeably relieved once news of the engagement spread throughout the Red Keep. Everything from her smile to her posture made it seem like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Though she didn't say anything, part of you suspected Alicent dreaded the thought of your father marrying her almost as much as you did.
As for you personally, your father's announcement was a very mixed moment for you. On the one hand, this meant your father wouldn't be pressured into marrying a child, nor would he marry Alicent, and you were more than glad he had made this decision himself without you telling him to make it. But your father was still getting married. No matter how much he insisted otherwise, it still felt like your mother was being replaced with a woman barely older than you. There would be a stranger in your home now.
Bells rang throughout Kings Landing when Johanna's carriage arrived a couple of weeks later, people lining the streets hoping to catch a glimpse as the procession made it's way to the Red Keep.
Standing with your father and the Lord Commander as the carriage approached, your put on a brave face despite your stomach threatening to revolt from pure unease. You would be having to deal with this woman for a long time to come, perhaps the rest of your life. They could be your friend, a rival, or a sworn enemy depending on how things turned out.
The woman that stepped out of the carriage was roughly the same age as Alicent. Her curly red-brown hair was covered in pearls, and she was wearing a golden dress embroidered with seashells, the sigil of her house. She was a thin woman, not starved, but there was little hint of any muscles in her. Despite that, there was a fierce look in those deep brown eyes of hers.
Johanna greeted all three of you with a warm and friendly tone, no hint of malice in her voice as she spoke. Behind her was her father, Lord Roland Westerling. A tall man with dark brown hair and a thin mustache, he was dressed richly, more comparable to a Lannister than one of their bannermen.
Introductions were friendly, though awkward. You could tell the Westerlings had never expected to find themselves in such a position and were struggling to adjust to the royal court.
After some conversations with the Small Council, it was agreed the wedding would be held in two months time. Lord Roland had strongly pushed for a sufficiently lavish ceremony so as not to create the perception that Johanna was any lesser as Queen then your mother. Your father agreed, though insisted on there being no tourney. That wound had not quite healed just yet.
With the next few months being largely focused on organizing the wedding, your fifteenth name-day came and went with little fanfare. Something your father promised to make up to you when he had the time.
As part of the agreement with the Westerlings, Johanna's father joined the Small Council, though only as and advisor and not in a formal position. The now vacant post of Master of Ships went to the somewhat meek Tyland Lannister, twin brother to Lord Jason Lannister. Your father's upcoming marriage had given the Westerlands quite a voice on the Small Council.
As for the former Master of Ships, several weeks passed with little word from Driftmark. Most were convinced Lord Corlys was just going to sulk and brood for a while. This was soon proven false as the Sea Snake sent the majority of his fleet towards the Stepstones, waging his own private war against the Triarchy and the pirates aligned with them. Your uncle's Dragon, Caraxes, was spotted flying close to the Velaryon Fleet. Daemon apparently had aligned with Lord Corlys.
You couldn't held but find yourself vaguely amused that your plans with Otto for Daemon had come to pass, seemingly with little effort from either of you.
While Daemon and Corlys' war with the Triarchy raised some concerns in the Small Council, for most, it was viewed as two birds being dealt with by one stone. Pushing the Triarchy out of the Stepstones would help trade considerably and distract an angered prince and disgruntled lord.
For the most part, news of the Stepstones was barely noticed by the kingdoms. Most attention was focused on your father's impending Wedding
Rhaenyra is now 15
Achievement Unlocked: Canon Avoided
-The canonical events of the Dance of Dragons and the years that came before it are no longer possible. Rhaenyra has weaved a new fate for the whole Realm.
2nd Season, 113 AC
Each turn is 3 months, though this may change as the quest goes on. You can pick either from the options below for your tasks or use write-in actions after QM approval. Please use plan voting for turn votes.
Conversations (Pick Two)
[] Speak with Viserys
Between the upcoming Wedding, his promises to make up for your subdued name-day, his talks with Alicent, and his ongoing illness, there is quite a bit you could discuss with your father.
[] Speak with Alicent Hightower
While you're not exactly mad Alicent was talking with your father without you knowing, it was your father that asked her to keep it a secret after all, you are surprised and have some things you wish to say on the matter. Plus it would be good to talk with someone about your worries for the upcoming Wedding.
[] Speak with Otto Hightower
The Hand of the King must have some thoughts on your father's choice of bride, and Daemon's war in the Stepstones.
[] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
Alicent's brother is in the city for your Father's wedding, perhaps you could take this chance to get to known the man better.
[] Speak with Lord Commander Harrold Westerling
The Lord Commander must have some thoughts about his kin marrying your family, perhaps he has some insight on your future step-mother as well.
[] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling
It would do you well to get to know your father's bride better.
[] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
The two of you have been training a lot in recent months, and while the results have been quite effective, there's always room for improvement. Perhaps a good conversation would allow you to refine and improve your training even further.
[] Speak with Lord Corlys Velaryon.
He has sailed off to the Stepstones
[] Speak with Rhaenys Targaryen.
Your Cousin holds court in Driftmark while her husband wages war.
[] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
The Master of Laws and Lord of Harrenhal. A stalwart voice on the council and man you know generally strives to do what is best for the Kingdom. He could provide much needed insight in your efforts to earn a seat on the Small Council.
[] Speak with Lord Lyman Beesbury
The Master of Coin. Beesbury is loyal, perhaps not as sharp as Lord Strong, but he is quiet loyal to your father. Perhaps he could be of some help in your quest to gain a seat on the Small Council.
[] Speak with Grand Maester Mellos
While your father assures you that he will make a full recovery in time, you must admit you find yourself rather worried by what you saw that night. Perhaps the Grand Maester could help you better understand the situation and lay your worries to rest.
[] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in King's Landing.
Actions (Pick Two)
[] Relax
With the upcoming wedding, things have become quite frantic as of late . Perhaps you should take some time to yourself, read in the godswood, fly around with Syrax for fun, and just enjoy yourself for a while.
[] Investigate the Death of King Aenys
Most Maesters and other writers agree that Queen Visenya had poisoned her nephew, King Aenys, to allow her own son to take the throne. But you have already seen how much those same authors were willing to ignore Visenya's contributions and slander her already. Perhaps this is simply another case of slander. If you could prove that, it could improve Queen Visenya's reputation considerably and make a stronger argument for your own eventual rule.
[] Study Valyrian History with your Father.
While you had never taken much interest in Valyrian history before despite your father's passion for it, your recent interests in scholarly matters has caused you to reconsider. Perhaps some time studying the history of your ancestors and helping your father build his grand model could provide some interesting insight. IF nothing else it would give you some quality time with him.
[] Help with Wedding Preperations
Weddings are grand affairs, none more so then the wedding of a king. Your Father's wedding requires weeks of preparation and work by hundreds of people. You're not exactly sure how you could help but surely a princess must be of some use with organizing a wedding. If nothing else it will help improve your image with your father's soon to be wife and her family.
[] Train
While Ser Raylon Tarly has been understanding with your reasons for why you have neglected your training as of late, he has started to drop some not so subtle hints that you need to get back to it sooner rather than later.
[] Train with Syrax
While you have both adjusted to Syrax's new size, more training could only help the both of you.
[] Sneak out and Explore the City
When your father and uncle were your age, they regularly went out of the King's Landing at night for all kinds of things. Naturally such things were forbidden to you as they were "unbefitting a princess" but as heir to the throne, shouldn't you have a chance to let loose and explore the city you'll one day rule? And if nothing else it will be great practice if you ever need to sneak for more adventurous pursuits.
[] Push to become involved in the Stepstones
While a Dragon and the largest fleet in Westeros should be enough to secure victory in the Stepstones, having another Dragonrider would speed things along. This could be a rare opportunity to earn real glory for yourself and prove you capabilites as warrior. You could also use the chance to check up on your uncle and the Sea Snake, ensure this war of theirs isn't a cover for something far more sinister.
[] Request a Role in the City Watch
You know you are years away from your father even entertaining the idea of you leading the City Watch, but Daemon's recent actions have shown the who order to have dangerous flaws. Perhaps you could request some sort of role in it's rebuilding, overseeing the training or something like that as a way to ensure the next Goldcloaks are loyal. The role would probably be small and it wouldn't get you a seat on the Small Council but it could be a good first step on the way towards one.
[] Study
There is always room to improve your education.
[] Scout out Tourneys
There are few better ways to test one's skill in combat than a tourney. While you are quite aware that no tourney, however small, would allow you to openly compete, there was always the option of entering as a mystery knight. Your own grandfather was knighted after he entered a tourney as a mystery knight. While it was unlikely there would be a tourney as big as the one King's Landing had the day your mother died for quite some time, there was always some lord getting married or some heir having an important nameday. If you could find one close enough you might be able to sneak off and enter as a mystery knight. Of course, entering one and winning are two different things, and a quick defeat may hamper your efforts to become a knight.
[] Write-in
Subject to QM approval QM's Note: Rhaenyra seeing her father on the first turn, combined with her romantic trait and her actions allowing some bonding over history, really did a lot to disrupt the effect Alicent had on Viserys. Because of that, Alicent's talks with Viserys where a source of comfort for him, but they were not basically the only emotional outlet he had for six months like he had in canon. So, good work on that.
I should note I very nearly made this write-in lead to Viserys marrying the Martell option but I realized that didn't exactly make sense for someone he would purposefully choose more or less on his own.
[X] Plan New Acquitances and Pumping Iron -[X] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
-[X] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling -[X] Help with Wedding Preperations
-[X] Train
[X] Plan: Family Time
-[X] Speak with Viserys
-[X] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling -[X] Help with Wedding Preperations
-[X] Study Valyrian History with your Father.
[X] Plan New Acquitances and Pumping Iron -[X] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
-[X] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling -[X] Help with Wedding Preperations
-[X] Train
[X] Plan: Family Time
-[X] Speak with Viserys
-[X] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling -[X] Help with Wedding Preperations
-[X] Study Valyrian History with your Father.
You cracked shields with a blunted morning star, broke lances against targets, struggled against trained men determined to knock you off your horse, and sparred against your sworn shield with swords and axes. He knocked you down more times then you could count. To your credit, you were knocking Ser Tarly down plenty of times yourself. Your improvements are not coming as quick as when you started training with Tarly, but you do see some change. Refinements instead of vast improvements, but when it came to fighting, even the smallest difference could completely change an outcome.
Elsewhere, you did notice more significant changes. Mainly in yourself. You had always been taller than most girls, with muscles more comparable to squires three years your senior, but you still cut the figure of a girl for the most part, albeit one with broader shoulders than most. Recently however, you've noticed things were started to change. The usual dresses no longer fit, much to the frustration of your attending servants. You're hungrier than you have ever been before, even on days with little to no training. The thickness of your arms kept growing and your whole body has gained a small but notable degree of bulk, even as you're getting taller. It is not fat, though you hear many whispers behind your back slandering it as such. Ser Tarly told you to ignore it, saying that a future ruler should cut a figure more like Aegon the Conqueror than his weak son Aenys.
The mockery frustrated you, but it is nothing new. Men and women alike had been sneering at you since you first started walking around with bloody knuckles and a broken nose. A few stares because you requested another chicken at dinner hardly mattered at this point.
Your Prowess has Improved
After another day of training, you decided to rest in the Godswood. You were laying against a tall oak tree, half asleep, as you heard the sound of Alicent approaching.
"How can you be so relaxed with all that's happening at court?" She asked as she stood above you.
"I'm not relaxed. I'm tired," you replied as you stood up, every muscle in your back and arms filled with a dull ache. Armor has a heft to it, but once your trained it's easy to endure. For the first few hours at least. After a while, all the metal could take quite the toll on anyone, no matter how fit.
"How are you feeling about all this?" Alicent asked, her brown eyes wide with worry. "It feels like so much has changed in such a short amount of time."
"I will not have to endure the thought of calling a girl two years my junior 'step-mother'," you deadpanned. "So, whatever misgivings I have, I can find solace in that."
After your conversation with your father that night, you left with no expectations for who he would pick beyond it being clear it would not be the Vypern lady. Westerling didn't worry you as much as the Tyrell woman, but her family was still powerful. Her family may have had a few rougher years as of late, something this marriage would certainly correct, but they were still very well regarded in the Westerlands and viewed as peers with the Reynes and Marbands.
"I would have greatly preferred if my father never remarried," you confessed, "but I am most glad Laena has been spared and I do not have endure the nobles of the realm treating my father like a piece of venison brought before a starved bear."
You couldn't deny the dread you felt at the thought of your father remarrying to a woman who he bore no affection for. And the sight of Lannisters and and their bannermen replacing people who, whatever your disagreements with them, had been kin, sat strangely with you. The last of Valyria had been replaced with the blood of Lann the Clever and their bannermen.
"I must admit, Johanna Westerling was a very unusual choice by your father, " Alicent agreed. "Though a far better decision than the likely alternatives."
Alicent smiled at the thought. It was small but genuine, her shoulders slack from a lack of tension.
You thought back to your conversation with father, when you poured your fears out to him, and for a moment you feared your most baseless fears had merit.
"Did you worry he would ask for your hand?" You dared.
Alicent's expression faltered and filled with fear.
"What-what are you saying?" Alicent said in disbelief.
"My father mentioned he had been tempted," you explained. "Apparently your conversations with him had been a fair source of comfort."
You really wish you could have avoided talking about this at all but it was just too important to ignore.
"Is that what he said?" Alicent turned away, refusing to look at you as she began to pick at her fingertips. "Rhaenyra, you must understand. I had no intention of keeping secrets from you-"
"Father mentioned he asked you to keep it from me," you finished.
You wanted to be mad at him for what he did. He had gone behind your back to talk with your friend. Even if you had been estranged at the time, it was a gross violation of your trust. But not only was your father the King and thus well within his rights to do such a thing, he was an grieving man struggling with wounds to his very soul. You had seen it for yourself. Your mother's death had left you grieving, but had left your father a husk of the man he was.
Your father had been so easy going before. A man who would spend much of his small council meetings telling jokes and stories as he snacked on hard-boiled eggs before finally dealing with matters of the realm. No council meeting had felt like that since the day your mother died.
He clearly needed support, you knew that all too well, and your father made it clear she had helped him a fair deal. But this whole thing sat poorly with you.
"He told you?" Alicent sighed with relief. "That is great to hear. Rhaenyra, you must believe I would have told you if the King had not forbidden me from doing so.
"I do." Your words clearly brought Alicent more relief from tension she must have been keeping inside herself for months, which made you rather regret what you had to say next.
"But that leaves me wondering," you went on. "Why did you go to my father first?"
"Pardon?" Alicent asked as the fear rushed back into her.
"It took you months to talk to me about my mother's death and that was only after I chased you down," you explained.
"And I told you I deeply regretted not talking to you sooner," Alicent defended herself.
"So, why did you talk to my father so much before then?" You pressed on, frustration creeping into your voice. "I know things between us were strained, but you were my friend. Since when did you put my own father over me?"
"That was not my choice!" Alicent's voice dropped to a near whisper despite the frantic energy in her words.
"I--" The words caught in your throat as you mind tried to make sense of it. "I don't understand."
What did she mean by that? Did your father force her to give him emotional comfort? That didn't make any sense.
Alicent looked around frantically, making sure the Godswood was empty.
The air was still. The only sounds were breaths of the two of you and the occasional rustling of something moving through the leaves, but there was no hint of anyone nearby.
"You deserve the truth," Alicent said, still almost whispering, "but not here. Or at least not now."
"Why?" You asked, for lack of a better response.
"I don't want others hearing what I have to say," Alicent insisted. "It could make more trouble for the both of us."
This was getting even more bewildering by the moment.
"Very well," you said skeptically, too tired to consider forcing the issue. "Where shall we talk then?"
"I don't know," Alicent replied. "Name a time and a location and I will meet you there."
You wanted to groan over the fact you had to be the one to set the location. It was her secret after all. But the desperation in Alicent's eyes made it clear this was important.
There were three options that immediately came to mind. First would be to simply return to the Godswood at night. The place was generally empty of people that late and there were spots enough to ensure privacy, but that would require getting out of the Red Keep in the evening. Doable, but it was likely someone would spot you leaving, which could raise questions for the both of you.
Next you could simply go to her room in the evening. Getting Alicent into Meagor's Holdfast and the Royal Apartments would have been difficult, but you should have been able to leave and return with relatively little trouble. Little chance of guards seeing you, but the servants might, and they were known to gossip.
Finally, with the wedding celebrations getting underway, there was a fair bit of hawking going on. While royal and noble women couldn't go hunting normally, falconry was acceptable for ladies of your status and your knew step-mother had a passion for it. If you waited for Johanna to organize some hawking, the two of you could simply go out with the group and then make excuses to separate yourself and find a quite spot in the Kingswood to talk. The risks of being caught seemed low, but if you were, it could draw far more attention then your other options.
Where do you meet Alicent?
[] In the Godswoods, during the hour of ghosts.
[] Back in her Apartments.
[] In the Kingswood, during a hunt.
[] Write-in (Subject to QM approval)
You volunteered to help organize your father's wedding, in part to ensure the affair was not entirely dominated by Westerlings and Lannisters, but also because you had very little experience with weddings in general. You couldn't even remember the last one you attended.
As much as you weren't ready to really think about your own wedding, it couldn't hurt to at least see what would be expected of you in time.
The Westerlings accepted your help eagerly and in great spirits, though they struggled to find a role for your for a while.
It quickly became apparent to everyone that when it came to manners of dresses and jewelry, you were, in the eyes of the Westermen, rather limited. You were a Targaryen. You generally dressed in reds and blacks, occasionally white as well, and more often then not your jewels and even your clothing had draconic elements or theme. It was your family's style and it was what worked for you. You had yet to see a dress that could not be improved by scales along the shoulders or arms. But Johanna and her family did not approve of that. They wanted golden jewels and "warmer" colors, which confused you to no end as what could be warmer than fire?
After your efforts to add scale patterns to the wedding dress were rejected, you found yourself tasked with assistanting the seating charts. Seating was an important part of any wedding and could have vast political implications, so the role was an honor. There was just one issue. You were a girl, almost an adult, but not quite in the eyes of the realm. Girls could get bored rather easily, even with important matters. Perhaps especially with important matters. And you had a acquired over the years something of a reputation for being disruptive when bored and or annoyed, which led to worries you might try to have fun with the seating. Putting Brackens next to Blackwoods, Florents next to Tarlys, or Boltons next to anyone besides Northern houses that were more used to their behavior.
You had no idea where these fears came from or why people thought that beating up boys who refused to act with proper respect was remotely comparable to intentionally disrupting a wedding and you protested as such. Never the less, after a day you were reassigned yet again.
Eventually, you ended up assisting the Master of Coin, Lord Beesbury, with ensuring the cooks and other servants brought in for wedding itself were properly paid. The work was tedious and dull, but Beesbury did seem to appreciate the assistance.
You were asked for your input on one more manner. While most of the wedding feast was to be held in the Castle's gardens, as a way to enjoying Summer while they could as rumors built that the Citadel would soon declare it was Autumn, there was some dispute between Johanna, her father, and your father over where the actual vows should be exchanged.
Your father, who was largely uninvolved with the details of the wedding until now, wanted the vows to be exchanged in the gardens, with you on Syrax flying overhead while the High Septon spoke. It was clear your father wanted to demonstrate to the realm that your house was still quite powerful, even after everything that had happened the past year.
Johanna on the other hand wanted to have the vows exchanged in the throne room. Her reasons were vague, but you got the sense she believed it would make her be seen as more of a legitimate consort in the eyes of the realm rather than just your father's second wife. This would naturally make you flying with Syrax rather pointless if it was going to be indoors.
Lastly, her father wanted the vows to be done in the sept, as he believed anything else might be considered an insult to the High Septon's honor, demanding him to officiate a ceremony outside the halls of the Seven.
While things were civil between all three parties, you could tell things had reached an impass when they asked you to play tie breaker.
Relationship with Lord Beesbury Improved.
Relationship with Lady Johanna Established.
Where do you think Vows should be Exchanged?
[] Agree to your father's suggestion. It will be held in the garden's with you flying overhead.
[] Agree to Lady Johanna's suggestion. It will be held in the throne room.
[] Agree to Lord Westerling's suggestion. It will be held in the Sept.
You had barely spoken to Lady Johanna at all in the weeks since she arrived. After exchanging greetings when she arrived, you made some small talk with her at the feast that night, but since then you had rarely said anything to her beyond requesting permission to help organize the wedding.
It wasn't as though you were intentionally avoiding her, or at least you were pretty sure it wasn't intentional. You just weren't quite sure how to begin a conversation with this woman. She would never replace your mother, everyone knew that, but she was still filling her spot. As you mulled it over, you found yourself resenting that. Resenting that this wedding was happening at all.
Eventually, fate forced your hand as Lord Beesbury needed Johanna's approval for some added expense. Some food brought in had gone bad earlier than expected and the cooks needed to buy new supplies.
You made your way to her apartments within the holdfast, thankfully not your mother's, she had the respect to avoid that, instead taking up one of the disused ones that probably belonged to one of your great aunts or uncles a few decades ago.
Ser Rickard Thorne of the Kingsguard stood guard over Johanna's apartment.
"Princess," he greeted flatly at your approach.
"Ser Thorne," you replied evenly. "I need to see Lady Westerling."
You didn't care much for Thorne and you suspected the feeling was mutual. The now Lord Commander Westerling may not have approved of your behavior or the fact you repeatedly got into fights with the stableboys when you were younger, but he was always gentle about it. Not Thorne though. Whenever it was him who found you, he all but dragged you to your father.
Ser Rickard opened the door.
"The Princess Rhaenyra here to see you, my lady," he called in.
"Let her in," Lady Johanna replied back.
The Kingsguard gestured you inside.
The first thing you noticed about Johanna's apartment was the cats. There were three cats with her in the room. Two calico ones sat on her bed, while a one with long black hair stared at you from an empty shelf.
Johanna herself sat at the foot of her bed, dressed in a simple sand colored dress, as she stared at a stone figurine of a dragon she was holding. One of your father's figurines you realized.
"Greetings, Princess," Johanna said, still distracted by the figure. "It is good of you to stop by."
"The rat catchers are gonna be upset with you," you said jokingly as you gestured to the cats on the bed. "They'll feel like they're being replaced."
Westerling looked up from the figure.
"Yes, I've already gotten one complaint," she said with a half smile. "Apparently, the rat catchers don't care for professional competition."
"Lord Beesbury wanted your approval to use some of the reserve money that had been set aside," you explained your presence.
"What for?" She questioned as she petted one of the calico cats.
"Food. One of the deliveries went-" you began.
"Granted," Johanna said quickly. "If there's one thing guests will remember, it's if they found their meals lacking."
"I will let the Master of Coin know," you nodded while your gaze turned towards the stone dragon in her hands. "Is that one of my father's miniatures?"
"Ah, yes," Johanna nodded. "Your father was showing me his grand project the other day. Fascinating thing I must admit. I don't know much of Valyria, but I can admire the skill your father puts into it and his dedication to his craft."
"That is good to hear," you smiled at her praise for your father. "Make sure you tell him that, he is quite proud of his work."
"Of course," she nodded.
For a moment things grew silent and awkward as the two of you struggled to find something to say.
Finally you broke the growing tension. "How are you adjusting to the Red Keep, my lady?"
Johanna stood up, the future queen nearly a head shorter than you so she had to look up to keep eye contact.
"I must admit, I feel out of sorts in this place," she confessed. "I am surrounded by echos of a culture I know little about."
"I can see why it must feel like a drastic change," you replied. "You will be the first queen from the Westerlands after all."
"I'll be the first Queen who doesn't have your white hair," Johanna replied. "Not counting Meagor and his stolen brides."
You were going to argue for a moment but she was right. Most queens before now had been Velayron or were sisters to the King and all those had Valyrian hair. Your mother was an Arryn, but her mother in turn had been a Targaryen, so her hair was as white as yours.
The mention of Meagor caught your interest though.
"I hope that bit of ugly history didn't sour your family's perception of my father's offer," you said.
The tale of Jeyne Westerling and the other Black Brides was old, but hardly forgotten.
"Some were skeptical because of that, yes," Johanna admitted, "but this was simply too great an honor to ignore. You don't refuse a chance to become Queen."
"I'm sure you'll make a--" You paused for a moment as you struggled to finish your sentence. "A fine one." Thankfully Johanna did not seem to notice, or if she did, she said nothing.
"Oh, I am beyond grateful for this. I had spent my life thinking the highest prospect I had for marriage was Jason Lannister," there was a hint of disgust in Johanna's voice."Viserys has honored me in a way I never dreamed possible."
You took a few steps towards Johanna only to be hit multiple times across the side of your head by a firm paw.
You turned in bewilderment to see the black cat looking down at you from it's shelf, utterly uncaring that it had just struck the Crown Princess.
"Lancel! Don't do that!" Johanna said in light outrage. "I apologize, princess. Lancel is always to quick to defend me."
"It's fine," you replied as you stepped away, more confused by the experience then anything else.
"I do apologize for not speaking to you sooner, princess," Johanna said apologetically. "I realize how upsetting my presence must be for you."
"It's fine," you insisted. "My father needs to remarry, even if we are both still in pain."
There was a look of understanding in Johanna's eyes.
"Losing a mother at our age is a terrible pain," she said sympathetically. "One I've had to endure myself."
That honestly made you feel a lot better, knowing Johanna understood your situation, and how complicated your feelings towards her and the marriage might be.
"I must admit it is interesting to meet you in the flesh. Finally." Johanna shifted to a new topic. "You are quite the interesting figure, princess."
"Oh?" you raised an eyebrow, interesting could mean a lot of things. You've heard men call you that more than once only to later insult you behind your back or call you a freak to your face.
"I've known plenty of women who are trained in combat," Johanna explained, "but I do not believe I have ever met a woman as dedicated towards it as you are."
"I wasn't aware women in the Westerlands trained to fight," you replied, surprised by the news.
"Not all," she said with a shrug, "but for those of us who live close to the heathens in the Iron Islands, women are expected to be able defend their homes against raiders."
That was interesting to hear. You knew there were other parts of the Seven Kingdoms that were more accepting of women fighting then the Crownlands were, particularly in the North, but you had not expected such things from the Westerlands of all places.
"I bet the Fairmen would love someone like you," Johanna remarked with a chuckle. "Don't even need your dragon. Just stick on Fair isle with your sword and the Ironborn will be running back to their longboats in no time."
She seemed honest. At the very least she didn't strike you as false. She seemed to be earnestly trying to be friendly with you and even seemed to take an interest in your father's hobbies. You had feared you would find a grasping noble, hungry for power and eager to try and push you off your rightful place as heir, but so far, you didn't see that.
You hadn't come here really sure about what you wanted to talk about with your future step-mother, but you knew you couldn't just waste this moment. You needed to talk with her about something, even if it was something as light as her cats.
Relationship with Johanna Westerling Improved
What should you talk about with Johanna?
[] She seemed interested in your father's passion project. Try and encourage that. It might give them something to bond over.
[] Talk about her home. You know little of the Crag or the Westerlands in general. Perhaps she could tell you more about them.
[] Bring up her cats. She seems quite fond of the beasts.
[] Ask how she feels about the wedding itself
[] Ask about her late mother. Maybe you could find some common ground.
[] Ask what she does in her spare time. Maybe she has an interesting hobby.
[] Bring up the elephant in the room. Ask how she feels about the line of succession and any possible kids she might have.
[] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval)
QM's Note: I must say I am quite looking forward to covering the wedding, I was worried at first but I think I can make it quite interesting for us and give you guys a lot of options. The cat's thing is purely my invention, but they seemed fitting for Johanna.
I realized I have been asked about this a few times but have never clarified it in a threadmarked post. So here's my general rule for canon in this. The Overwhelming amount of the time things were stick to Show canon, save obiviously for things that have been changed because of this quest. There are a few exceptions to that such as the future lord frey and his canonical wife and maybe the ages of a few other people if I think Fire and Blood offers something more interesting than the show in that situation. But general rule is people, ages, dates all are mostly tied to HotD canon rather than the books.
Though don't expect events in the Stepstones to play out like canon because I feel like how the show handled it (Daemon and Corlys somehow being on the verge of losing after two years of conflict) was more due to the needs of the narrative structure season one had and the general entertainment need for a big climatic fight than it making sense story wise. So just keep that in mind going forward.
Voting closed. I'm a bit busy with work this week so the next update is gonna take a few days
Adhoc vote count started by Ruirk on Aug 20, 2024 at 12:56 PM, finished with 107 posts and 38 votes.
[x] Plan Safe Curiosity v2.0
-[X] Meet Alicent in the Dragon Pit when you tend to Syrax.
-[X] Agree to your father's suggestion. It will be held in the garden's with you flying overhead.
-[X] Bring up her cats. She seems quite fond of the beasts
[X] Plan: Less Cautious Conversation
-[X] Meet Alicent in the Dragon Pit when you tend to Syrax.
-[X] Agree to your father's suggestion. It will be held in the garden's with you flying overhead.
-[X] Ask about her late mother. Maybe you could find some common ground.
[X] Plan Safe Curiosity
-[x] In the Kingswood, during a hunt.
-[X] Agree to your father's suggestion. It will be held in the garden's with you flying overhead.
-[X] Bring up her cats. She seems quite fond of the beasts
[X] Agree to Lord Westerling's suggestion. It will be held in the Sept.
-[X] "It would be best not to risk giving those eager to criticize the match a slight against the faith to exaggerate."
[X]Plan: Septs are for Weddings
-[X] Meet Alicent in the Dragon Pit when you tend to Syrax.
-[X] Agree to Lord Westerling's suggestion. It will be held in the Sept.
-[X] Talk about her home. You know little of the Crag or the Westerlands in general. Perhaps she could tell you more about them.
Just found this quest, can't help but think Ser Tarly saw Rhaenyra's 14 years old princess knight butt kick ass that one time during the Kingguard duels and he hasn't been the same ever since lol I guess it helps Rhaenyra could likely pass off as quite a few Targaryen princes— while there's hunks, there're also pretty effeminate guys in their family line.
Anyways, did some doodles. I'm imagining Rhaenyra's adult height in this quest to be above 6'0, maybe even 6'3, just to be an inch taller than Daemon for petty reasons
So, here's Rhaenyra in the Training Yard!
Also some Alicent & Rhaenyra sketch, as a treat. I think they're cute. I don't really care who Rhaenyra ends up with as long as it's love; due to other fics I like Forrest Frey now but Laenor is fun to draw so being in a lavender marriage wouldn't be awful either
Thanks! And also, yes, Rhaenyra's cute but she is underage so let's not get too off the rails haha.
Also, I did this, this is supposed to be set in the future and it's just a cute moment for the best friends but if it's too... out there(?) I'll of course delete it! I made sure to not draw her pyjamas too revealing, but just in case.
It's just funny to imagine Ser Tarly teaching and insisting to Rhaenyra "muscles are cool!" so now she's all muscled up and proud of it (that being said, I imagine her Targs genes to lend themselves to a more lithe build, even with training and all)
