Chapter 12

The prior night had been so wonderful. Being within Harwin's strong arms again had been just the thing she needed. It was even better because his wife had stayed behind in Harrenhal. Harwin's son had a bit of a cough and they had opted not to risk the travel, so she had Harwin all to herself.

Sadly, the morning had proven less enchanting. When she had snuck out with Harwin, she had not realized Daemon was going to cause a scene. Rhaenyra partially blamed herself; she had been so keen to make a wonderful impression on her uncle that she failed to mention Elaena's own contribution to brining him back. She had thought the omission wouldn't matter; Elaena was an intelligent and skilled dragonrider, why wouldn't Daemon take to her? Now the two seemed at odds and it would just be awkward to explain how helpful Elaena had been.

Overindulging had also given her a throbbing head, and she just was not in the mood to play peacekeeper. With a groan she realized she really shouldn't put it off. Elaena could be stubborn about the strangest things, and Daemon could hold a grudge for years. Her maids helped her get dressed, and then she headed toward the floor up. As she passed by Ser Rickard of the Kingsguard, she reached the hall with Elaena's room; she saw Alicent come down it.

"Rhaenyra, so you finally come to check on the wellbeing of your sister. It only took the entire night and half the morning."

"Get out of the way Alicent, I don't wish to bandy words with you this morning."

"I am the Queen, mind your courtesies."

"And I am the heir to the Iron throne! Do not forget you are just a tawdry replacement for my mother."

"Heir… for now. Do not be overlong with Elaena; she had an eventful day and being manhandled by your uncle was a poor end to her name-day celebration. She should rest."

Rhaenyra stalked passed her and knocked on the door.

A serving maid answered and Elaena dismissed her so they could have some privacy.

"Are you well, little sister? Alicent seems to think you unfit for company."

Elaena's blue eyes were the same as ever, "She worries overmuch; I am not made of porcelain. I ride a dragon and feel the elements more fiercely than a spill to the floor."

Rhaenyra smiled; she knew Daemon hadn't truly harmed her. Daemon loved her, so how could she wish harm on her beloved sister, Elaena? Her eyes did narrow at Elaena's wrist, it did look an ugly shade. It would be best if she hid that from court.

"She does at that. I suspect she seeks to embarrass our uncle further. Yet, in her pettiness there is some sense in what she says. You danced, feasted, attended a tournament, and spoke before thousands of people. Rest well within your rooms and after a few days we can go flying again."

Elaena nodded. "I need to get some work done on my proposal to Lord Beesbury and Lord Wylde, so I had not intended to be overly social anyway."

Perfect

"I also wish to explain about Daemon. He is a very proud man that has often been shamed by those beneath him. He honestly believes he won the joust with Ser Criston. Perhaps if you apologized to him and told him directly that you were influenced by the Queen…"

"First tilt was even. Second, Ser Criston had far superior placement. The third joust, Daemon had fractional better placement. Fourth joust was even. Fifth joust, Cole was more accurate and Daemon was nearly unhorsed. Our uncle knew he had nearly lost and rode brilliantly in the last two clashes to make up for it, but his opponent was only slightly less precise in the last two clashes."

Rhaenyra blinked. "Elaena, that was not what I saw."

"Then you saw incorrectly, sister. You have a strong attachment to our uncle, that is clear. It clouds your judgement on how well he rode in the joust. Precision placement of lances has long been the standard for tournament judgements. In 78…"

Rhaenyra held her hands up. "Ah, no more Maester lessons from you! I will try to smooth things over on your behalf."

Elaena gave her a look of mild annoyance, but did not object. They chatted a bit more, and then Rhaenyra took her leave. She returned to her quarters and saw Laena and Laenor speaking.

"I've spoken with my sister and she's still a bit annoyed with our uncle. I might be able to work on her, but I don't think she'll be apologizing for selecting Ser Criston over Daemon."

Laena and Laenor both looked her like she had grown horns.

"What?"

Laena took her into a hug. "Rhaenyra, dear, you aren't the most objective when it comes to our Daemon. Elaena has nothing to apologize for. In fact, last night I apologized to Elaena on Daemon's behalf, not that he needs to know about that."

Rhaenyra made a mental note to communicate more often with her good-sister. She now felt a bit the fool over the whole issue.

What's done is done.

"Elaena has agreed to rest in her rooms, hopefully by the time she emerges the bruise will be well on its way to healing. I do feel bad for the extra stress on her name-day." She turned to Laena, "Good-sister, you were in Essos for some time. My sister values knowledge greatly, always in her books, by chance do you have any connections that could find us a text that would not likely be found in Westeros?"

"I'm not sure, but I can try. If not, my father may have something in his library. He's been all over the world and brought back a variety of curiosities. I've never been one for staying indoors, so I am not exactly the person to ask, but he may have some books. I'll ask if he has anything interesting when we return to Driftmark."

Rhaenyra was happy that the little inter-family squabble would soon be put behind them.

***

Viserys listened to the rain patter on the outside of the small council chamber as they went over reports. It was Jaspar Wylde's turn and he addressed the council. The cost of the games had not been too extravagant. The city itself had prospered at the massive turnout. Unfortunately, when such events take place as the city population swelled, tempers could flare and drunken brawls or worse would occur. There were half a dozen dead, something that had not happened since his brother had given the City Watch their gold cloaks. Reminders of him made Viserys frown, and he was glad that Daemon had tired of the city and gone back to Driftmark while they waited for the ship to bring his daughters to court. Lord Wylde was speaking, so Viserys turned his attention back to his Master of Laws.

"I've reviewed the princess and Lord Beesbury's proposal that was suggested at the last council meeting. To be direct, it goes too far and may burden the crown and alienate even loyal lords. Such a thing could grind justice to a halt."

The King frowned. He didn't like saying no to Elaena's ideas.

"What is your objection?"

"Your Grace, the proposal seeks to immunize any large depositor or loan holder with the Bank of the Dragon from the normal course of justice."

Beesbury interrupted, "That is not what it does. All it states is that the Crown has a stake in a person's fate if they do substantial business with the bank. It allows any who are accused of a crime that would lead to a substantial loss of life, limb or freedom to be allowed to appeal to the Crown directly before said sentence takes effect."

Wylde gave him a look. "My lord, I was getting there. The problem with this is if some vassal in the North broke the law, their Stark overlords would be forbidden from carrying out the sentence. We would force them to take the miscreant hundreds of leagues to stand trial here? This is too much of a burden."

Tyland Lannister also spoke up against the proposal, "If I read it correctly, it also would not just apply to nobility, it would apply to anyone who had substantial sums with the bank? So small folk as well?"

"Only the wealthiest of merchants would meet the criteria," Beesbury countered.

"Well…" the newest member of the small council spoke up, one Larys Strong. Larys had been a confessor who had proven adept at the tasks set before him. He had recently risen to Lord Confessor and Master of Whispers. Viserys pitied the man for being born a cripple, but he was also well liked by all the member of his small council. He was the son of his current Hand, and lords Wylde and Lannister also liked him.

"This was easy to miss, but when the proposed text includes 'merchant organizations' as well as 'merchants,' we are not necessarily speaking of singular individuals. While no blacksmith on the street of steel could meet the requirements to obtain the right of appeal, a score of them pooling their resources, could."

Viserys frowned as the reaction of his council. Lannister's eyes bulged in shock, Beesbury also looked surprised, while Grand Maester Mellos looked irate.

"I have long supported your daughter's academic pursuits, Your Grace, but this is abominable. Lords are lords because they have the right of pit and gallows, this upstages their most significant power."

Viserys looked to Beesbury, to see if he had anything more to say on the matter.

"This need not be an all or nothing approach. We could append the proposed law to only apply to those of noble birth."

Viserys nodded, he did like compromises.

Larys spoke up again, "Your Grace, there is a sensitive matter regarding your daughter I had wished to bring up in private, but perhaps now is the opportune moment."

"Sensitive matter?" Viserys asked. "What do you mean?"

"There have been disturbing rumors circulating the city regarding one Ser Lucious Hill, one of the Knights of Victory."

Viserys was confused, "He won a tourney, but if he goes on to dishonor himself that has no bearing on my daughter."

Larys looked pained. "The rumor is that he has dishonored himself, with your daughter."

Viserys stiffened. "What? Who dares make such an accusation?"

"Your Grace… it is on the lips of many, however tracking down the first accuser has proven difficult. My agents questioned those who spoke of the rumor, but these rumors were spoken of as if they themselves overheard it. This required our confessors to follow a chain. We were making progress when that chain was broken by the next link being dead."

"Seven Hells," Lord Wylde exclaimed.

"Yes, I had tracked it down to a Gold Cloak named Green. However he and one of his companions had been beaten to death in a tavern brawl."

Viserys shook his head, "Beaten to death? In a simple drunken brawl?"

"Perhaps they were silenced for what they knew?" Tyland Lannister suggested, though he shrunk back when Viserys glared at him.

"I know not if it was for what they knew, but it was for what they said. They had spoken of Elaena's virtue being tarnished, and this enraged the small folk. It was murder, aye, but so many participated and no one was speaking so the Gold Cloaks chose not to pursue the matter."

"Good," Viserys spoke firmly, "they would have lost their tongues at the very least, but that means we can put the matter behind us."

The Grand Maester frowned, "Your Grace, as difficult as it is to imagine that your daughter would do such a thing, it behooves us to learn if there was any truth to it."

"She's not Rh…, I mean she's not one to do something like that. I don't believe she's even had her first moon's blood!"

"That is true, Your Grace," Mellos replied, "but she is quite mature for her age."

Viserys looked around at his councilors. "Have you lost your wits? This is my daughter of two and ten! A daughter that has been nothing but dutiful. If she has an accuser, bring them before me, but if she does not, then you will not repeat this vile slander."

The Master of Whispers cleared this throat, "Your Grace, a matter such as this should be viewed from all angles."

Lyonel interrupted, "Larys, enough."

"Father, please, this is important. If we are to believe Elaena is still unspoiled, then we must ask ourselves why these rumors began."

"If they are false, then perhaps some of the other participations in the knight-less tournament are jealous of this Ser Lucious for being knighted when they had not been given the honor," Ser Tyland suggested. "You know how these people are, greedy and squabbling to rise above their station with little and less when it comes to honor."

Larys titled his head ever so slightly. "I do not believe you are correct. I find the timing most curious. Our brilliant young princess proposes yet another expansion of the influence of the Dragon Bank, and then rumors come out to discredit her virtue."

Viserys saw the Lannister's eyes grow wide in shock and confusion.

"Larys? What is this? What are you doing, you can't mean to suggest that I..."

"No, my lord, nothing of the sort. However, you did write to your brother about the proposed change."

Tyland stood up, "And now you accuse my brother, you snake. Do you think I will meekly tolerate your slander, especially after you…" his jaw clicked shut.

"Sit down," Viserys commanded. He wanted to hear who was behind this.

"Thank you, Your Grace. When I am ready to accuse someone, I will do so directly. No, I merely discuss possibilities. Tyland Lannister is not a man who works with ravens. You handed the letter to a servant. Who handed it to another servant, who handed it to a Maester who sent it."

Viserys felt the beginnings of a headache form.

"So who is behind this?"

Larys spread his hands, "I do not know. Your Grace, with affairs such as this, information is never complete. All I can tell you is that we should look at the purpose behind such slanders, and then work from there."

"If it is slander," Mellos spoke. "Your Grace, there are certain ways to check if a woman's virtue is intact."

Viserys frowned, "That isn't a surety, not every girl bleeds their first night."

"Yes, but the absence of the tissue would lend weight to those claims, we cannot assume that it is slander when…"

"YOU WILL CEASE THIS AT ONCE!" Viserys roared, his patience finally at an end. "My daughter has not done anything of a carnal nature. I will have the Citadel replace you if you continue this line of inquiry. Am I clear, Grand Maester?"

Mellos looked a bit surprised. "I… yes, Your Grace."

Viserys turned to Larys. "I assume Ser Lucious denies the accusation as well?"

"He cannot be found," Larys replied.

"Very well. If you can locate him, bring him to me. These rumors die now. If your agents hear them repeated, have the Gold Cloaks arrest them. They will then have their tongues removed. Elaena does not deserve to have her honor questioned by anyone, high or low. Is everyone clear on this matter?"

The council all agreed and he dismissed the lot of them. His Hand remained behind.

"Yes?"

"Forgive me, Your Grace. This may be a poor time to make this request, but I would like to visit Harrenhal with my son to see my grandson. My good-daughter writes that there are some concerns about the health of the babe, and I have yet to see him. Can you spare me for a month or two?"

Viserys smiled, "Yes, of course. There is nothing overtly pressing upon the realm at the moment, save these vile rumors and court intrigues. Your son, Larys, has a good head for this sort of work. Have him stay atop the issue; I would dearly like to know who is conspiring against my daughter."

"Yes, Your Grace. We never did reach a conclusion regarding the right of appeal."

Viserys sighed. "I'll speak with Elaena personally and hear what she has to say. I do agree it seems a bit too much. The girl no doubt envisions defaults when someone cannot pay due being executed or imprisoned, but it does not seem like it would be a common occurrence."

Lyonel agreed and Viserys was left alone with his Kingsguard, with able, if long in the tooth, Ser Harrold Westerling.

"You agree with me, right? There's no way Elaena would do such a thing?"

Ser Harrold impassively nodded. "Elaena is the last of any I would suspect of shirking her duties. She cares for her half-siblings and is ever there to lend a hand or ear." A wry smile appeared on his face, "I'm not sure where she would even find the time to do such a thing."

Viserys gave a mild grunt of surprise. What did his daughter do all day? He asked and Ser Harrold explained that she assisted Alicent with little Daenora, taught Daeron his sums and letters, discussed history with Aemond, flew with Helaena and Aegon, regularly dined with Alicent and the children, met with Lord Beesbury regularly, spent hours in the royal library, regularly wrote letters, typically more than a score a week, and oversaw Aegon and Aemond as they trained in the yard, and of course walked with himself in the mornings.

"Were she not so composed and alert at all times, I would suspect she was shorting herself of sleep, but it is rare for her ever to even be fatigued."

Feeling better about the situation, Viserys thanked the Lord Commander.

***

Alicent's heart went out to her son, Daeron. The boy clung to Elaena desperately.

"Please, I don't want to leave you. I don't want to go to Oldtown!"

"Be brave Daeron; this is not forever. I will write to you and even visit you at times. I may need you to check on what texts are in the Citadel for my research, would you be willing to help me with this?"

"Of course, sister! You can count on me."

"Good, then no more tears, they won't change the situation and can create a negative impression. Your emotions can be felt, but your physical response to said emotion is always under your control and should be hidden when it does not provide advantage," Elaena chided.

Alicent blinked at that. It was a variation of what her own father had taught her about always being poised and ladylike, but also different. She marveled at how Elaena had redirected Daeron to doing something productive, as opposed to just shushing him and telling him to act his age, which is how Alicent had been about to handle it.

She would miss Daeron; he hadn't been as difficult as Aemond, but he had given her more than a few scares. The boy did not know the meaning of caution and had broken his arm twice in play. Alicent sighed, one would be gone but another was on its way. She hadn't told anyone yet, but her moon's blood had been missed, and she was ill in the mornings again.

Alicent said goodbye to her father. She was both happy to see him go, and saddened at seeing him leave. He was her rock and assurance that all would be well in the future. With him gone, it was up to her to make sure the court understood how awful Rhaenyra was and how she could not be Queen when the King passed. On the other hand, though he denied it, she suspected he had a hand in attempting to smear her daughter's name. Otto had explained in the past how Elaena's accounting and banking proposals had damaged their house. The levels of gossip and intrigue in King's Landing she knew, were almost entirely pro-green.

"I wish Viserys had been here to see him off." Alicent told Elaena with a bit of frustration.

"Yes, that would have been good. Though they aren't very close, so it isn't as if Daeron minded," Elaena replied.

"But they should be close."

"I agree."

Alicent wasn't sure what she was hoping for by bringing this up to Elaena, but she had to complain to someone. Elaena wasn't like the ladies of the court, she either agreed or explained why she didn't. But when she agreed there was no further conversation, whereas other ladies would agree and add their additional gripes of the situation and show sympathy. Elaena considered agreement the end of the discussion, and it was just awkward to try to continue it in a one-sided manner.

As they turned back, Alicent took Elaena by the arm. Perhaps being direct would better, as she still needed to carry out what her father had asked of her.

"Elaena, when your father one day passes, I want you to support your brother for the throne."

Poised and balanced Elaena nearly stumbled. "What?"

"Your brother is the eldest son of the King. By tradition and precedent, he should wear the crown. Many of the great lords of the realm also agree. Having your voice among them when the time comes can avoid any unneeded bloodshed."

Alicent looked at Elaena whose eyes had grown large.

"Mother, I am going to pretend I did not just hear you say that. Father has chosen Rhaenyra as his heir. If you and these other lords wish to convince him otherwise; then you should do so. But to plot until after he has passed is not something I can condone. That would be similar to violating someone's Last will and Testament. Unacceptable."

Alicent felt her heart clench in her chest, a small ache of despair nestling within her.

"We've tried, but Viserys won't see reason. Rhaenyra isn't fit to rule, her children are bastards, and she'll have your half-siblings murdered when she ascends the throne!"

Elaena was looking at her strangely. "What are you talking about mother? She would not do that."

Alicent shook her head bitterly. "You don't understand, you see her with a sister's eyes instead of with clear ones. She will have to; the lords of the realm will rise and fight if there is a suitable heir. Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron will be put to the sword. It is the only way there will be peace."

Elaena shook her head. "No, that will never happen mother. Please calm yourself, you are not thinking about this rationally."

"But I am! Can you live with yourself if Rhaenyra has your siblings executed?"

"Mother… for one, that will not happen. For two, loyalty to the crown is not all consuming. Should she attempt to carry out what you think she would do, I would oppose her. I must stress to you, Rhaenyra is not a kinslayer, you worry over nothing."

Alicent had tears in her eyes. "I wish you weren't so naïve and could see her for what she truly is."

Elaena's eyes hardened a bit. "Enough, mother. I could tell by the way your hands clasp your belly that you are with child. No doubt you've had restless nights and upset mornings. Do not let your fears drive you to distraction and harm the babe. All will be well."

She was stunned. How could Elaena be so perceptive about some matters, and so blind about others? It could only be the warm sibling feelings that she held. Just like Alicent could not ever imagine believing Gunthor or Gwayne would be capable of kinslaying. So why should she be surprised that Elaena could not see the truth?

Alicent got her breathing under control. She had to remember that Elaena was still but two and ten. She was not yet aware of how cruel people could be. There was still time for her to have her eyes opened to the vileness that Rhaenyra would undoubtedly do when she ascended the throne.

"Very well, let us speak no more of it then."

Elaena nodded and then changed the subject to Helaena's latest painting as they walked back to the Red Keep. Helaena had the strangest depictions. Sometimes pleasant, but often people burning from dragon fire. Overall, this had not gone as Alicent had hoped, but at least she knew where to focus her energies. Perhaps her father would have some ideas on how expose Rhaenyra, she would have to write to him. It was silly to have to do that when he had just left, but she had delayed her conversation with Elaena for too long.

***

Rhaenyra was glad to be returning to Dragonstone soon. With Ser Harwin gone with his father to Harrenhal and Daemon's adorable twins now presented at court, there was nothing keeping her here. The petty intrigues and vile gossip that filled the streets from the lowest in Flea Bottom to the highest halls of power disgusted her. How dare they besmirch her sister's good name!

She still didn't know who had done it. Alicent had an unending list of faults, but she did love Elaena. That mean it wasn't her, though of course it could be her father. It could also be that Lannister toady on the small council. When she had heard of the rumors, the ones so close to the reality that was her own youth, she was incensed. Elaena still didn't care about boys or give them a second look. And yet despite her obvious innocence she was being hounded by slanders.

I made the right decisions in my youth. Even had my maidenhead been intact, rumors would have still hounded me. May as well enjoy life.

She had pressed her father as to what was being done. To her surprise, he was taking it seriously and there were over a dozen tongues ripped from the mouths of those who had repeated those rumors. Her father believed it was the work of unhappy lords who disliked the Bank of the Dragon. Rhaenyra wasn't so sure, the closeness with what had happened to her made her think she was the target. That these rumors started only when she had arrived in King's Landing was likely her foes taunting her and attempting to destroy what she held dear right under her nose.

Her sister had turned out to be rather devious herself in trying to determine who was undermining her. Rhaenyra was quite proud of her, even if it had not borne fruit. Elaena had spoken with father and explained that she would advise her maids that she did intend to sneak out into the city on a certain date. Maidservants would of course spread rumors and no doubt many earned coin selling information about their betters.

Elaena would then sneak out, but not to the city, instead she would go and visit Viserys in his diorama chamber. Rhaenyra had understood the logic, if someone reported to the King that Elaena was sneaking out – that would be well understood. However, if they had then used that knowledge to fake additional 'sightings' of her in the city with someone… well they would have found the traitor.

It didn't work out that way, instead, nothing at all happened. Rhaenyra recalled seeing her normally unflustered sister grow annoyed. So she tried a second time, and still nothing at all happened. At this point, Rhaenyra took it upon herself to question the maids and find out who they had told. Perhaps that person was loyal.

"I know my sister has been sneaking out at night, can you tell me where she goes?"

"Forgive us, princess, but your sister doesn't sneak out at night. She is always in her bed or on occasion Princess Elaena is comforting one of her siblings who had a nightmare."

Rhaenyra narrowed her gaze. "I'll not have any falsehoods; I know she is departing in secret. You will not be punished; it is for her safety."

The maidservants looked at each other and then back at her. One of the middle-aged ones firmly shook her head.

"Princess Rhaenyra, your sister would not do that and has not done it. I've known her since she was a wee child. Your information is mistaken."

Rhaenyra held the servant's eye in her gaze. "You know it is a great crime to lie to royalty. Speak the truth now."

"I have. We have," her tone was resolute and unbending.

"What is your name?"

"Marya, princess."

"And do you swear upon the Old Gods and the New that my sister has never left her chambers in secret. That she has never confided in you that she wished to see the city?"

"I so swear it."

Rhaenyra laughed and dismissed them.

"Sister, I think I've found out why your little ploy did not work."

"Oh?"

"You've somehow managed to find the only non-gossiping maidservants in all the realm. They are remarkably loyal to you, too. I couldn't believe they lied to my face."

Elaena's brow furrowed a bit. "Strange, why would they risk the wrath of the heir over me? I've done them no great kindness."

Rhaenyra shrugged and then ruffled her sister's hair.

"It's because you are too endearing! Short Targaryens are like baby fawns, they can't resist trying to protect you." Rhaenyra laughed.

"That brings me back to square one. I will have to consider another plan."

"Elaena, at this point it is probably over and done with. The rumors were quashed, and the city doesn't believe it. I even went with Laenor in disguise out in the city proper to see what people thought. They don't believe them."

She appeared mollified. "Hmm, that's good then. Thank you for checking, sister."

"Of course! Sadly, I must be taking my leave of this city and returning to Dragonstone. Please make sure to visit soon."

"I shall. Safe journeys, Rhaenyra."