Marriage Negotiations Part II
Your father was more than a bit shocked, though none the less pleased, to hear you accepted the terms as they stood. You weren't entirely happy with all of the conditions, particularly how soon the marriage would take place, but it was decent enough that you didn't want to risk a worse deal by trying to demand more. All your children save for one would carry the Targaryen name and your coronation would see a new kingdom join the realm for the first time since the Conquest. That was a good deal no matter how you looked at it.
The next few days were strange as you waited for the rest of the negotiations to finish. You found yourself trying to imagine what life would be like married to Qoren Martell. You didn't hate what you pictured, but it did seem hectic. The hatred of so many stupid lords, constantly having to balance his rule over Dorne with your status as heir and the needs of whatever family you made. It would certainly be a busy life, though that suited you fine.
Your father came back to you a few days later, looking very pleased with himself, as he had every right to be. With your approval, he would accomplish with a marriage what Aegon was unable to with entire armies and three dragons.
Apparently, the major hang up had been the Stepstones as your father explained it. The king had wanted to give the Stepstones to Daemon as his own kingdom as a reward for his service, with Daemon and Dorne splitting the fees from any tolls. This was soundly rejected by Qoren and Otto too for that matter. The Hand argued that such a kingdom would almost immediately collapse once Daemon inevitably grew bored of it, something Qoren strongly agreed with. Similar efforts to make Daemon Lord Paramount of the Stepstones were likewise rejected.
Eventually, Rhaenys was brought in to act as her husband's proxy on the matter and a deal was reached.
Your father eagerly handed you the finalized marriage agreement, the contract that would determine the rest of your life. All it was waiting for was your approval.
Your eyes moved quickly towards the newer terms of the agreement. Most of it was stuff outside of your marriage and more resolving matters of the realm. Mostly.
- Upon the wedding of Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Qoren, Rhaenyra will strive to visit Sunspear for a few months every year, health and weather permitting. Upon Rhaenyra's coronation as queen, this responsibility will end and Prince Qoren will do the same for her grace in King's Landing.
- In regards to the chain of islands known as the Stepstones, the majority of the islands belong to House Velayron by right of conquest, with administration of the islands is left up to Lord Corlys Velayron. House Velayron and House Martell of Dorne will share any tolls claimed on any ship lanes between the islands, with House Velayron taking six pieces of ten from the tolls.
- Daemon Targaryen, in light of his valiant efforts against the pirates, is to be given control of the island of Bloodstone if he sees fit to rule it, and the funds to build a castle on the island if he so chooses. He is also to be honored for his bravery and skill by being given a hero's welcome upon his return to Kings Landing. Furthermore, a feast will be held in his honor not long after this agreement is made.
- The Iron Throne will cede minor lands currently held by the Stormlander lords that rightfully belong to Dorne. In exchange, Dorne will do the same for those lands that belong to a number of Reacher houses.
- The Iron Throne will agree to provide funds to Dorne for efforts to revitalize the settlement of Planky Town, aiding efforts to improve the harbors and expand the floating town.
- Dorne will consent and provide labor for an expansion of the Kingsroad into Dorne, provided it's vassals are allowed to build defenses along it's route.
- Dorne will make all reasonable efforts it can to elimnate banditry along it's borders.
- There will be no formal apologies on either side for any past misdeeds or violence. Instead, both Prince Qoren and King Viserys will look forward to a peaceful, prosperous and unified future.
These were almost all matters that affected you far less than the first round. You knew the land trade aspect of the deal was going to enrage the Baratheons, but you cared little. Concerns over Daemon on the other had, coming home for a visit to be honored while he was also being humiliated by your efforts, were vastly more worrying.
The funding efforts confused you until your father explained that Prince Qoren had to make clear to his people that this marriage and unification was an improvement for them, that they got more out of the deal then what they would have gotten had they remained standing alone. While the lords of the realm would likely grumble anyway, they could not dictate what the king did with his treasury, so coin was an easy concession to make.
This was it. Once you gave your approval, the marriage was locked in place. Your father, Prince Qoren, Otto Hightower and Princess Rhaenys had all agreed to this deal. The only voice left that mattered was yours.
How Do You React To Final Terms?
[] Accept them as is (This Will Put Rhaenyra in a Binding Betrothal)
[] Reject Them (This Will Have Ramifications)
[] Speak to Qoren About the Deal (This will involve Hidden Dice Rolls)
-[] Write-in Which Term(s) you wish to discuss
--[] (Optional) Write-in an Arguement (This will effect Dice Rolls)
QM's Note: So, to make clear, this is the last chance you guys have to back out of the marriage. If this goes through, Rhaenyra will now be betrothed to Prince Qoren, and that kind of thing is legally binding. Unless something drastic happens, the two of them have to get married at some point after this deal is made. So, if you have any last second misgivings, questions or concerns about this union, now is the time.
