The Deal

Tower of the hand

Otto was packing his things to get ready yo leave Kings Landing. He stopped at the sound of Prince Rhaegons voice

"Such a shame. How the mighty have fallen." He said.

"You did this? You're the one who convinced the king to dismiss me." Otto said in disbelief.

"I gave you a chance to leave with your dignity in tact, but you chose to decline my offer." Rhaegon said.

"You have made a grave error, boy." Otto spat.

"Have I? You see Otto it's easy to take someone's life, but to make them suffer is much more...delicious. You made your bed when you chose to have your daughter marry my father." Rhaegon said.

"You've never cared about the realm." Otto said.

"That's where you're wrong. I do care about the realm, I care about my sister more, and I'll seek vengeance for her. She loves me, and I love her. The next time, you upset her." Rhaegon said. "Safe travels, my lord." Rhaegon then left the Tower of the Hand.

It was raining in the Kings Landing, and Otto was getting ready to get on his horse.

"A moment." He stopped at the sound of Alicents voice. She was shielded from the rain by a servant holding a big umbrella. "I do not wish to see you go." She said.

"Such is the kings decision." He said as he put his gloves on.

"A decision I most bitterly regret." She said.

He looked at his daughter. "And yet you made it possible, you chose Rhaegon and Rhaenyra." He said.

"She swore her innocence, and I believed her." She said.

"You wanted to believe them, as did their father." Otto spat.

"Your informant was wrong, an honest mistake perhaps, but I didn't not forsee this." Alicent said, tearing up.

"You should have." He said angrily.

"If you had not been so relentless in advancing Aegon as heir!" Alicent yelled, and Otto walked toward her.

"Listen to me daughter, the king will die, it may be months or years, but he will not live to be an old man, and when Rhaegon ascends the throne, the realm will not accept him. He's violent and impulsive like Daemon, or worse. He'll kill your children, all of them. Please, Alicent, prepare Aegon to rule or watch as Rhaegon slaughters them before your eyes."

Alicent was crying. She didn't want to believe that Rhaegon was mad and cruel, but she couldn't help but wonder if the crown prinve would really do what her father was saying. Seeing her distress, Otto hugged his daughter tightly, and she cried on his shoulder. He then climbed on his horse and rode off, leaving Alicent to think about what he said.

Ship

A week later

Viserys was puking through the whole ship ride, and the newly appointed Hand of the King, Lord Lyonel Strong, handed him a cloth to wipe his mouth. Rhaegon was angry, but he was also worried. The crown prince noticed Ser Criston Cole staring at Rhaenyra, and he couldn't help but feel jealous because the Kingsguard knight looked at her in a way that a knight shouldn't look at a princess.

The ship landed on Driftmark, and the royal party saw Ser Laenor and Ser Joffery sparring. The two knights stopped and bowed their heads to the royal family.

"Where is Lord Corlys?" Lyonel asked. "He should be here to receive the king." Just then, the doors opened, and they saw Lady laena and the Sealord of Bravos' son.

"Welcome to High Tide, your grace." She greeted the king, and they both bowed.

"What is the meaning of this Lady Laena?" Lyonel asked again. "Is this how House Velaryon greets its king?"

"My father has but just returned from his long journey, and he has hastened to the Hall of Nine to await your grace's arrival." Laena said.

Viserys was pale from all the throwing up on the ship, and he just needed to rest. "Let's just get on with it."

"One moment." Rhaegon spoke up. He looked at the sealord of Braavos' son. "So you're Ferrego Antayrons, son?"

"Yes, my prince." The man said.

"What was your name again?" Rhaegon asked.

"Lysor, my prince." Lysor said.

"Ah, yes, I remember now. You're the son who squandered your fathers wealth and was planning to do the same with Lord Corlys by marrying Lady Laena." Rhaegon said.

"I would do no such thing." Lysor defended himself.

"Lord Lyonel, can you read this for me?" Rhaegon handed a letter to Lyonel, and it confirmed everything that Rhaegon said about Lysor to be true. The new Hand of the king then gave the letter to Viserys, and the king read it as well. "That's a nice coat. I assume Lord Corlys bought it for you." Rhaegon then walked closer and felt the coat. "No, this is Pentoshi. Looks good." Rhaegon then grabbed Lysor by his collar and delivered a headbutt on Lysors nose. Rhaegon looked at Laena. "Apologies, my lady. Let us go and see your father." The group walked past Lysor as if nothing happened. The king, his family, his Kingsguard, and lord Lyonel were being led through the hall of nine to see lord Corlys as they got to the door. Rhaegon looked at Rhaenyra. "Perhaps you should go with lady Laena and see what you might have for breakfast." Rhaenyra nodded at her brother. Rhaegon once again noticed Ser Criston staring at Rhaenyra. He ignored it for now and entered the Hall of Nine.

As the three men entered, they walked along the halls and finally saw Lord Corlys sit upon the Driftwood Throne. He walked down the steps and greeted the king.

"Your grace." He got down on one knee.

The king coughed, then looked at Lyonel and back at Corlys. "Rise, Lord Corlys."

Corlys rose up and looked at Rhaegon. "My prince. Forgive my...disrespect, but why did I hear that you assaulted the Braavosi Sealords son?" He asked.

"He would've ruined your daughter and your house, my lord." Rhaegon said.

If Lord Corlys didn't like Rhaegon, this would've angered him. All he did was nod. "Be welcome. May I offer you a chair?" He asked.

They were interrupted by Rhaenys bursting through the doors. "Cousin." Rhaenys happily greeted and went to him and held his hand and gasped as he felt he was missing two fingers. "Are you well?" She asked with concern.

He coughed and smiled at her. "Very."

"Congratulations, Lord Lyonel." Lord Corlys spoke up. "I could think of no man more suited to be the Hand of the King."

"That is very kind of you to say, Lord Corlys. His grace has honored me with the post." He said.

"Pity about ser Otto." He said arrogantly.

"Yes, well, perhaps it was not meant to be." Rhaegon smirked. "But Lord Lyonel is well suited for the post." Lyonel nodded at Taeron.

Viserys looked around. "Despite spending most of my days amidst the grandeur of the Red Keep, the halls of High Tide never fail to impress."

"You flatter me, your grace, though I do wish we could meet under happier presences." Corlys said.

"How so?" Rhaegon asked.

"Daemons wife, the Lady Rhea Royce, has passed." Corlys said.

"A hunting mishap." Rhaenys spoke up. "She was thrown from her horse. Her neck and skull both crushed in the fall."

"A most surprising end. Lady Rhea's skills as both rider and hunter were well-known." Corlys said.

"The gods are cruel." Rhaenys said.

"Indeed." Rhaegon agreed, although he knew the truth.

"Lady Rhea was a fine woman and a good wife to my brother," Viserys said.

"It's a shame that her and Daemon had no heirs." Rhaenys pointed out.

"Mayhaps we can turn toward happier pursuits." Viserys said as Rhaenys offered the king some wine. "No, thank you." He declined

"What did you have in mind, your grace?" Corlys asked.

Viserys coughed. "I wish to propose a marriage between your daughter, Lady Laena, and my son Prince Rhaegon. It's long passed time since our houses were united in blood. The last pillars of Old Valyria."

"You honor both me and my house, your grace." Corlys said happily. "There are certain details I wish to be clarified before Princess Rhaenys and I could accept this most...generous proposal."

"What details?" Viserys asked.

"We would like to know how the succession will be handled." Corlys said.

"Rhaegon is my heir. Upon my death, my throne and my titles will pass on to him." Viserys pointed out.

Rhaegon smirked. "I would also like to make another proposal. A match between your son, Ser Laenor, and my sister Princess Rhaenyra. The dragon will rule the sky, and your line will rule the seas as one family."

Viserys started coughing more and more, and this worried everyone. "Might I have a chair brought in for you?" Corlys offered.

"No, I do not require a chair, as my son said. The Targaryens and Velaryons will rule as one for generations to come."

Lord Corlys smiled. "This is an equitable proposal, your grace."

"Good. Now, if there's nothing further, my father needs to rest." Rhaegon said. An hour later, Rhaegon was walking with Laena. "I hope I didn't offend you by hurting Lysor."

"No, my prince. I'm grateful that you showed me his true nature." Laena said.

"Your house is among the most powerful in the realm. It would be a shame to see it destroyed by some imbeciles ambition." Rhaegon said.

"Did you only do it for my house?" Laena asked.

"At first, when I received the letter, yes, but then I was entranced by your beauty." Rhaegon said, and Laena blushed. "My lady, there's something that I have to tell you."

"Alright." Laena said.

Rhaegon and Laena stopped walking. "You seem like a good woman, and I'm sure that in another life, I would love you more than life itself, but -" Laena cut Rhaegon off.

"You love another." Laena said.

"How did you know?" Rhaegon asked.

"I saw the way you looked at her when you arrived. I heard the way she spoke about you when we had breakfast." Laena said.

"I have no doubt that I could love you, Laena, but I can't pretend that I do not love her." Rhaegon sadly said.

"I understand. I appreciate you for telling me, and I'm grateful that you are willing to try and love me." Laena said.

"You're not angry?" Rhaegon asked.

"I can't fault your heart for wanting what it wants. Can...can I kiss you?" Laena asked.

Rhaegon looked around. :We have no eyes on us, so yes." Rhaegon cupped Laenas' cheeks and passionately kissed her.

On the shores, Rhaenyra was walking with Laenor. Her father had informed her that she would marry him and the pair decided to go for a walk together.

"In truth, if it had to be someone, I'm glad it is you." She told Laenor. "I know this union is not what you would choose."

Laenor seemed angered by the fact that he was to marry the princess, especially when he did not even fancy women. "I hold nothing against you, cousin." He told her.

"No I...rather dare I say it is a match of taste? I prefer roast duck to goose. I can not say why." She said.

Laenor was confused but decided to play along. "It's not for a lack of trying. There are those who like goose very well."

"I find it a bit greasy for my taste." She smiled. "I know whatever agreement was struck between our fathers will not change your appetites, nor will it change mine." She told him

This shocked Laenor. The only thing he was thinking was how does she knew of his apetites. How does she know he prefers laying with men? "Then what do you propose?" He asked, keeping his composure.

"That we perform our duty to our fathers and the realm and when it's done each of us dines as we see fit." She offered this deal knowing that she would have her fun and he would have his, and maybe she could have sex with Rhaegon more.

"What of your brother, Rhaegon? Laenor asked.

"I doubt he'll have a problem." Rhaenyra smirked, and Laenor then smiled at her, accepting the deal.

Meanwhile, in Kings Landing. Alicent was in the godswood. She was a nervous wreck since she was in love with Rhaegon, and she couldn't stop thinking about him. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"An outsider. Among the natives."

"Lord Larys." The Queen greeted

"Malvales. A rare bloom, he said as he touched the flower indigenous to Braavos. By all rights, they should not be here. Nature is such a mystery." He noticed the Queen walking away.

"The weather has been lovely." Alicent said, trying to get away from him.

"Indeed." The club foot agreed. "And yet it is a dark day for the realm. Your father was a good man."

"As is your father who took his place." Alicent said.

"And still the manner of his departure feels something of an injustice."

"What do you know of the manner of his leaving?" Alicent asked.

"Don't worry, your grace. I'm only here to serve if you needed an ally." He offered

"I am the Queen. I have no shortage of allies." She reminded him

"Naturally. Princess Rhaenyra, for example." Larys said.

"State your purpose, my lord." She said, annoyed now.

"I did wonder if she could be relied upon now that she is unwell." Larys said.

"Unwell?" The Queen was confused now. "I haven't heard anything."

"Begging your pardon, your grace, I must be mistaken." He said but chose to push further. "It's just that on the same night Ser Otto was dismissed, the Grandmaester delivered a tea to the princesses' chambers."

"A tea." She choked.

"Yes." Larys knew he had her now.

"That the Grandmaester himself brought?" She asked almost in tears.

"At the direction of the king as I understand it." He dug deeper now. "I do hope she's not unwell."

"Rhaenyra and Rhaegon sailed with the king to Driftmark yesterday at daybreak." Alicent said.

"Oh, what good news. I must've been in error. Or a relief." He walked to her. "See, I thought for Mellos himself well...her condition must be something very serious. What happiness it is to have been wrong." He said.

Alicent walked away in tears. She felt betrayed by Rhaenyra after she swore on her mother's memory that nothing happened between her and Rhaegon.

Driftmark

"Fancy a sparring session?" Rhaegon asked Laenor.

Laenor smiled. "Of course, my prince."

"Please call me Rhaegon." Rhaegon insisted.

"This should be fun." Rhaenyra said.

"Indeed." Laena agreed.

"I think Laenor will win. He's been training day and night." Joffery said.

The prince and young knight engaged in their sparring. Laenor had grown stronger, and he believed that he was faster since the crown prince was bigger. Their swords clashed, and just as Laenor was about to attack, Rhaegon quickly aimed his sword at Laenors neck.

"Easy. That could've been your head." Rhaegon smirked, and Laenor was sweating. Laenor then moved aside and attacked Rhaegon again, but the crown prince dodged and quickly swept Laenors legs. The heir to Driftmark fell down, and Rhaegon stood above Laenor with Blackfyre pointed at him.

"I yield." Laenor said. Rhaegon smiled and helped him up.

"Your hesitation can cost you your life. Next time, don't hold back." Rhaegon advised. "Another round?"

"Yes, Rhaegon." The two sparred again, and this time Laenor learned from his mistakes, and they sparred for hours. Rhaenyra and Laena looked at Rhaegon. They loved him and enjoyed watching him spar. They loved that he had a kind heart despite what most people say about him. Rhaenyra decided to leave since she felt a bile rise up in her throat.

Ship

It was time for the royal family to leave, and as the ship sailed to Kings Landing, Ser Criston saw Rhaenyra. He had felt something for Rhaenyra. Something that the Kingsguard should never feel for any royal or noble woman.

"Did the sleep flee you as well?" Rhaenyra asked.

"I needed to see you, princess." Ser Criston said.

Why? Rhaenyra was surprised.

"You've confided in me now and then... over the years of our...acquaintance, especially when Rhaegon went to war... and I feel as if I know you better than anyone." Ser Criston was nervous.

"As my sworn protector, you're supposed to know me to a certain extent." Rhaenyra pointed out.

"I've heard you say many times how you loathe the lot of your position. That you are to be married off at your father's whim with no thought given to the yearning of your heart and now the day comes...Ser Laenor is a good a d decent man, but you did not choose him. He was chosen for you." Ser Criston said.

Rhaenyra nodded. "It's true." She wanted Rhaegon only.

Ser Criston smiled. "If there were another path, one that led to freedom, would you dread it?" The Kingsguard knight asked. "Rhaenyra. Before I came here, I was a knight of the Stormlands. I have deep knowledge of the port of Sunspear, where I've seen the ships of Essos setting with their holds full of oranges and cinnamon, and I've always wished to see where they went."

Rhaenyra was still confused as to why Ser Criston was telling her all of this. "Are you asking for leave?"

"I'm asking you to come with me." Ser Criston boldly said. "Away from all of this. From the burdens and the dignitaries of your station. Let us leave it all behind and see the world together." Rhaenyra tried to stop Ser Criston, but he kept talking. "We'll be nameless and free to go where we like, to love as we like in Essos. You could marry me... a marriage for love, and not for the crown." Ser Criston finally finished.

Rhaenyra took a deep breath and exhaled. "I didn't know that you felt, Ser, but I don't love you. I don't want you, and I can't be what you ask of me."

"Because of Rhaegon?" Ser Criston bitterly asked.

"What do you mean?" Rhaenyra kept her composure.

"I saw how you looked at him since we've arrived here, and I know the rumors about the two of you... unless it's not a rumor. Princess,  your brother defiled you. He took advantage of you. The only one not suffering is him. He is to be king, and I will serve him, but he does not deserve you." Ser Criston said.

"I think you should go, Ser." Rhaegon made his presence known. "You're making my sister uncomfortable." Ser Criston was seething and stormed off. "Are you alright?" He asked Rhaenyra.

"Just surprised. I never knew that he felt this way." Rhaenyra said.

Rhaegon sighed. "I had some suspicions, but I was hoping that I was wrong. You're pale. Are you sure that everything is alright?"

"I'm alright. Perhaps I just need to eat." Rhaenyra said.

"Then let us eat." Rhaegon helped her down the steps as they went to eat.

Rhaenyra has been feeling sick but not sick enough not to be in control of her body. Being on the ship did make it difficult for her, but she was strong enough to hold it back. She already knew what was wrong with her, and she would have to marry Laenor as soon as possible.

Hi guys, here's another chapter of Blood of the Dragon

What did you think of Rhaegon talking to Otto after his dismissal?

What did you think of Rhaegon putting the Braavosi Sealords son in his place?

What did you think of Rhaegon and Laenas talk?

What did you think of Ser Cristons' confession?

I'm open to suggestions for this story

Please comment and vote

Thanks, guys