The Red Keep IV

(Rhaegon's POV)

"Not much sleep?" Father asked as we sat in the table for breakfast

I shook my head as I could barely keep my eyes open, "No...." I said

"Hah!" He said, "What were you doing up, my boy?" 

"Worried sick about everything." I said as I stuck some bread into my mouth, "Conflict across the sea, conspiracies to kill the Prince, your Brother's Cult, and Mother's pregnant....." 

"There is no need to worry about me, my darling." Mother said as she reached over and caressed my hair, "I shall be fine." 

"Mhm...." I said, "Sure." 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Father asked

"I don't know." I said as I yawned, "I am tired." 

I couldn't sleep well last night because I practically dragged Myrcella back to her chambers without being seen by anyone. I also had to keep her off me when I tried to leave and go to bed, but she was too insistent. 

I had no fucking idea what do to about this; Myrcella. 

I remember the Oath she was so adamant about me keeping, we were children. Should I really take it to heart? I....Maybe it's true, but we were kids! 

I had to leave, I didn't want to feel suffocated with Myrcella when I had all of this stuff to worry about. Maybe I'll resolve it with her the next time I see her. I have to. For the sake of the realm, I cannot be hung up on some silly things like these; mine and her feelings. 

"Word has reached your Uncle." Father said suddenly, "Prince Doran is expecting you. You best get some rest before your flight to Dorne." 

I stood up, "Such news could not have come any faster." I said, "I cannot wait to leave this place." 

"Of course you don't." Mother said

"May I be excused?" I asked them

Father nodded, "Yes." He said, "Your Mother and I will return to Storm's End to prepare for your Aunt's Wedding. You will attend, right?" 

I looked at Mother who was drinking from her cup, "I....uh....." I said, "I don't know. Uncle told me not to leave Dorne until I had the Sands under my arm. I wonder how difficult that is.....they are Oberyn's daughters." 

"Seven hells, boy." He said, "This is one of the few times we can go hunting with Ned and his boys together, Rhaegon!" 

"Is hunting all you care about, Father?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, "What will you have done about Stannis? There's all that shit about the Red Cult.....it's nauseating. What if he does something stupid?" 

"Rhaegon." Mother said with a warning tone

I looked at her, "You were so insistent on him doing something two days ago, Mother." I told her, "What's changed?" 

"Nothing." Father said seriously, "I am your Father and your Lord, Rhaegon. Nothing is to be done about Stannis without my say-so. Do you understand?" 

"If he steps out of line, you will do something about it." I said seriously, "Or I will." 

He stood up, "You dare challenge me, boy?" He growled with a scowl, "I know that my fool of a brother is out there, raising his own Faith Militant. Do you not think I am waiting for the first slip-up? You insult me, Rhaegon! Your Mother is with child, your sibling, and your Aunt is about to be married. Forgive me for being in such a fucking festive mood." 

"Enough." Mother said, "The two of you. I will not have you arguing about something like this. We will handle Stannis, Rhaegon. There is no need to worry. Don't forget that you're not the only one with a dragon." 

"But Mother." I said, "You cannot be taking risks, not now." 

She smiled, "I am Lady of Storm's End." She said, "If Stannis is to do something that bothers me, I will have him summoned with his Red Woman. If he brings his army, then I shall have mine at the ready. Either way, I will remind them that a Targaryen resides in the Stormlands." 

"You hear that, boy?" Father said, "Go to Dorne. If you don't show up to your Aunt's wedding, you best have those girls attached to your arms and not let go. Now go before you piss me off even more." 

I scoffed, "Please..." I muttered before turning around and walking away, 

"Just drink some wine and you'll be fine." 

**********************************************

"Leaving already?" Uncle said as I ran into him on the way to the Dragonpit

I saw that Monica and Naerys were behind him, my sister was holding a book. 

I nodded, "Yes, Your Grace." I said as I readied my satchel, "I'll fly to Storm's End for a couple of supplies and check on the Castellan and make sure Morghul is fed well. Shouldn't last a day or so. Then it's a direct flight to Dorne." 

"Hm." He said, "Very well." 

"Brother!" She said with a bright tone, "I think I'll be able to claim a dragon soon." 

I smiled as I walked past Uncle and crouched down, "Sister." I said as I pat her head, "I am sorry, I will have to leave for a while, okay?" 

She frowned, "What?" she said, "Why? I want you to be here when I claim my dragon...." 

"It's okay." I said as I chuckled, "It could be a surprise, no?" 

She nodded slowly, "Okay..." She said with a sad tone, "I don't want you to go...." 

"I have to." I told her as I patted her shoulder, "I'll be okay, though. Don't worry about me." 

"Rhaegon is a Knight of The Realm, Monica." I heard Uncle say, "He has duties to attend. When he returns, he'll bring lots of gifts to you." 

I nodded, "Yes." I told her before looking at Naerys, "And for you as well, Princess." 

The Princess smiled, "Really?" She said, "Nice~!" 

I straightened up, "Do not be mad, Monica." I said, "I am a busy man." 

"You always are." She muttered as she looked down

"Don't be like that..." I told her, "You'll break my heart." 

"Sometimes it feels you don't love me...." She said before walking past me 

I turned to see her walking away, suddenly being followed by a pair of Father's soldiers. 

Uncle looked at Ser Barristan who was standing idly and nodded at him. 

Ser Barristan merely walked toward where Monica was walking, following her and the soldiers. 

I sighed, "Man..." I said

Uncle looked at me, "It's okay." He said, "I'll have a word with her. She's just a child." 

I nodded, "I know." I said, "Well...Your Grace...Hopefully your talk with your brother goes well." 

He raised an eyebrow, "How do you know about that?" 

I shrugged, "I can see the future." I said, "I shall take my leave." 

"Good fortune to you, Nephew." He said with a smile as he held Naerys's hand, "Have a safe flight." 

I bowed slightly, "Thank you, Your Grace." I said before turning around and walking towards the Pit's gates, 

"Let's see where this goes...."