Rhaenys
Sunspear
Her chambers had the best view of the sea in the palace, which was surrounded on three sides by the azure waters of the summer sea. She watched as the sea stretched out endlessly, shimmering under the sun's golden rays. The horizon seemed to merge with the sky, creating a breathtaking canvas of blues and whites.
Her gaze then shifted to the docks being repaired. The damage from the pirate attack was evident, with shattered wooden planks and partially submerged wreckage littering the water. Workers moved tirelessly, hauling beams and planks, hammering nails, and coordinating efforts to restore the docks to their former glory; it was a constant reminder of the recent chaos.
She had not left the chambers for days, not since she had learned of her mother's death. The final conversation between her and her mother echoed endlessly in her mind.
"I am not coming with you."
"Rhaenys, please understand…"
"No, Mother, I have made my choice."
She had never been religious, but after the news of her mother's abduction had spread, she had prayed every day for her safety.
But she would pray no more, for the gods were cruel.
Her mother was dead.
She walked over to the mirror and gazed at her reflection. Her face, a blend of Valyrian and Rhoynar features, was a striking contrast. Her violet eyes, usually so vibrant and full of life, now seemed dull and listless. Her once-glossy black hair, typically meticulously styled, was now disheveled and unkempt. Her cheeks were sunken, and her skin had a pallor from not eating much. Despite her natural beauty, she looked weak and fragile, a shadow of her former self.
"When did it all go wrong?" she wondered, looking at herself in the mirror. Her mind went to the rebellion, as her uncles liked to blame, but no, she knew even without it happening, her life would be the same as it is now.
Once, her father had been the best person in the world to her, but then he changed. He became a distant figure, more consumed by his visions of the future than by the needs of his daughter. Her mother, too, became a sparse presence in her life. Aegon's frailty meant that her mother focused most of her attention on him. Her relationship with Aegon was also strained because of this. His constant need for attention and care made her feel neglected and overlooked. Elia, consumed with worry for Aegon, often seemed to forget that she had another child who needed her.
The day she lost all love for her father was the day she overheard a conversation she was never meant to hear. She loved exploring the hidden pathways in Maegor's Holdfast when she was a child. Once, she found a path to her father's chambers and planned to surprise him, hoping to show that she had found this secret on her own. She wanted to see him look at her again like before, with pride.
But all she heard was a fight between her mother and father. She learned that her father intended for her to marry Aegon and possibly her aunt Daenerys once she was of age. He spouted how special Aegon was, how he was their savior, and then began rambling about prophecies. She was scared and confused by what it all meant. The father she idolized spoke of her future as if she were a pawn in his grand design, not his beloved daughter. The realization shattered her innocent admiration and replaced it with deep-seated resentment.
And then she was sent to Dorne; she felt as if she were being thrown away. But life in Dorne turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She found herself embraced by her mother's family, especially her cousins. They introduced her to new ideas and ways of thinking that she had never encountered in King's Landing. Her cousins became like siblings to her, a family she always wanted.
It was not that she disliked all her family on her father's side. Her uncle Viserys was a kind man, a man she thought her father once was. He had come to visit her many times. She did not know her aunt Daenerys, as she spent most of her time on Dragonstone, though according to her uncle, she was a sweet and gentle soul.
And then… and then there was Maekar, her half-brother, who was sent away to Winterfell. He was a mystery to her. Some in Dorne blamed Lyanna Stark and him for the rebellion, something she herself once believed. But now, knowing about her father and his plans, she could not help but think if Maekar too was a piece of her father's convoluted puzzle.
Her thoughts drifted back to her mother and to when she arrived here months ago. It had brought a sense of hope for her. She spent more time with her mother than when she was a child. They began to mend their relationship, bonding over shared memories and the beauty of her homeland. But it did not last. It wasn't long before her mother's focus shifted back to Aegon, causing another rift between them. She felt the familiar sting of being overlooked and undervalued.
Her mother wished to leave early and wanted her to come with her. They fought, and cruel and scornful words were exchanged, mostly on her part.
Her heart ached at the thought. The last words she had spoken to her mother were filled with bitterness and pain. If only she could take them back. If only she had known that would be the last time they spoke.
A knock at the door broke her out of her thoughts. "Rhae, Rhae," she heard her cousins call.
She sat up and dried her tears.
"We're coming in," she heard Obara say from the other side of the door.
The door opened to reveal Arianne, Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene. Arianne stepped forward first, concern etched on her face. She walked over to her side. "You can't stay here like this," she said, and the others nodded in agreement.
She did not speak, her eyes still red from crying. Arianne sat by her side and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Father has been asking for you, and Uncle Oberyn arrived yesterday."
She stood up, her heart heavy with grief. She didn't know the details of her mother's death, only that she had been killed by Euron Greyjoy. She didn't even know the fate of her brother, having fled here as soon as her uncle told her of her mother's fate.
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered. "Come, I wish to meet Uncle Doran."
Arianne stood as well, looking her over. "You can't leave like this," she said, concern in her voice.
"I do not care, Arianne," she replied, a touch of steel in her tone.
Arianne was about to protest, but Obara placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. "Come, Rhae," Tyene said gently, taking her hand and leading her out of the room.
They made their way down the Tower of the Sun, the tallest and most opulent part of Sunspear. The sandstone walls were cool to the touch, and the soft glow of torches illuminated their path as they descended the winding staircase. The halls of Sunspear were a place of elegance and warmth; the walls were adorned with vibrant tapestries depicting the rich history of Dorne. Sunlight filtered through the arched windows, casting intricate patterns on the terracotta floors. They passed through the airy courtyard, where the scent of blooming citrus trees mingled with the salty sea breeze.
Arriving at her uncle's solar, they paused outside the heavy wooden door, its surface intricately carved with the sun and spear emblem of House Martell. Tyene gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before pushing the door open.
Inside, the room was bathed in the warm, golden light of late afternoon. Shelves lined with books and scrolls covered the walls, and a large table in the center was strewn with maps and documents. Doran Martell sat behind it, his gaze lifting as they entered. His face was lined with worry and sorrow, but he managed a small, welcoming smile for his niece.
"Rhaenys," Doran said, sitting in his chair, a blanket draped over his gout-ridden feet. It saddened her to see him like this, once a man who would take long walks with her along the beaches of Sunspear.
She got to the point quickly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "How did my mother die?"
It was not Doran who answered but her uncle Oberyn, who entered the room with a fierce look in his eyes. "She was murdered by Euron Greyjoy," he said, his voice filled with venom. "Her throat slit like a lamb at the slaughter."
She rushed to her uncle, wrapping her arms around him, and Oberyn comforted her, his strong arms offering a semblance of security in the face of her grief.
"What about Aegon? Is he safe?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The room fell silent, the weight of her question hanging heavily in the air.
She asked again, her voice more insistent. "What about Aegon?"
Doran sighed, his face etched with sorrow. "Elia was found, and Aegon was saved. Maekar, your half-brother, sailed to Skagos and fought Euron Greyjoy. He killed him and saved Aegon."
Rhaenys's eyes widened in shock. 'Maekar' she thought in surprise.
"I once thought the boy to be Elia's shame and ignored him till now, but the boy has avenged our sister," Oberyn said to Doran.
She shook her head. "That still does not answer my question. How is Aegon?"
Doran remained silent for a moment before speaking, his voice heavy with the truth. "We do not know. They say he is fine, but reports from the Red Keep say he was barely holding on to life when your half-brother found him."
Oberyn stepped forward, his tone firm. "He is fine, brother, and we have already talked about this. This is not the time to scheme."
Uncle Doran turned to her, his gaze intense. "If Aegon is unable to do his duties, you know what that means."
Oberyn quickly interrupted, his voice sharp. "It means nothing. Our sister just died, and you are already—"
"Stop it, both of you," she said, raising her voice. "Uncle Doran, I know what you mean, but this is not the time. I wish to leave for King's Landing as soon as possible," she added.
Doran nodded. "I will make the arrangements," he said.
"We will come with you as well," Arianne said, with Obara, Tyene, and Nymeria nodding along with her.
"Arianne…" Doran began to say.
"I shall go with them, brother. No harm will come to your heir," Oberyn said.
"Thank you, Uncle," she said.
"Now come, niece. You look like you could use a good meal," Uncle Oberyn said, leading her and her cousins outside. For the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of happiness amidst the overwhelming grief.