Helaena was with Aegon and Aemond as they learned from Elaena. She taught them often, and frequently in different ways than the Maesters did. Though Helaena enjoyed the time together with her family, the subject matter was not as interesting to her. She much preferred visual productions as opposed to theories about how trade functioned and the arithmetic behind it.
"Very good, Aegon, now what would happen if the toll was increased by one silver moon per wagon to get over the crossing?"
They were discussing how lords raised taxes, and one of those ways was the taxing of goods that crossed bridges. House Frey had made their fortune that way.
"With a hundred wagons," Aegon began, "it would be another 100 silver moons in revenue."
Elaena smiled, "One would think that would be the case, yes? But in the real world, it wouldn't be. Who can tell me why?"
Helaena could picture the wagons crossing, she could picture how angry the merchants would be in paying the additional toll. She knew the answer, but Aemond was quicker.
"The increased tax would discourage people from using the bridge. They would take their goods elsewhere, try a riskier crossing, or maybe even go into another line of work." Aemond answered.
"Precisely, so in this instance let us say this discouraged thirty wagons from making the crossing, how much extra revenue was raised?"
Aegon quickly jumped to answer, "Seventy silver moons!"
"Are you sure? Remember, we were raising the existing crossing toll, which for our example was also one silver moon."
Helaena watched Aegon think carefully, "Ah, so we lose the thirty moons of the wagons who chose not to make the crossing who otherwise would have, and have to subtract it, so we only gained forty silver moons."
Elaena nodded, "Correct. Now say the lord was desperate to raise money, and forty moons a month was not sufficient. What if he chose to raise the total toll to three silver moons a wagon?"
"How many opted not to complete the crossing?" Aemond asked.
"Excellent question. Due to the drastically decreased profit margins for the merchants, all but ten of the wagons opted to bring their goods to a different market."
Aemond was quick with his numbers, "In that case the total revenue collected was thirty silver moons, and the lord has put an arrow into his own foot."
"Very good, this an important concept. A higher rate of taxation does not always lead to an increase of revenues."
Aemond was nodding, "Yes, that is why the lord should have worked with his peers and required the merchants only to cross there, or only allow the peasantry to profit from the sale of goods through that route."
Helaena saw Elaena's eyes widen in outrage.
"Such a thing would discourage trade and decrease productivity," Elaena replied.
Aemond shrugged, "Peasants need to eat, and they till the land that the nobility owns. We shouldn't allow greedy merchants to bankrupt the royal and noble coffers. I understand why it is important to think through the consequences that aren't always… linear, but we shouldn't be held to the whims of our lessers."
Elaena narrowed her eyes, "That nears very close to the idea of turning the people into something very akin to slaves."
Aemond nodded, "Slavery is illegal in Westeros, but we can use proper laws to force people to obey. Tradition prevents us from enacting slavery, but we could regulate all economic activity. Then they can either follow our commands, or starve."
Aegon rounded on his brother, "What is wrong with you?"
"To what end Aemond? Do you think turning the Westrosi people into mere tools would help our society flourish? The free man can innovate, can look at new processes and ways of doing things, while a slave must merely obey and seldom performs at their best. Instead of creating laws seeking to curb people from using their economic self-interest, why not harness it?" Elaena lectured.
Helaena always admired Aemond's certainty. Aegon followed whatever Elaena suggested and counted it as true in all aspects. Aemond dared to challenge, to argue, and to pit his wits against Elaena's.
"That may be the case, sometimes, Elaena. However, Old Valyria practiced slavery and it was the most advanced society in the history of the world. Clearly, slavery, or a faux slavery like I suggested, does not impede advancement."
"We know very little from that time, and even if they were advanced, it didn't mean they couldn't have been more advanced without the repugnant practice of slavery," Elaena replied.
Aegon added in, "And slavery is wrong! We aren't Essos; you are being stupid Aemond."
Aemond snickered, "'Tis not stupidity, but a philosophical difference. Elaena believes the barely literate farmers, cattle growers, smiths, and carpenters have some sort of intellectual value. I disagree. The nobility knows best, and the ancient and high nobility such as the houses of Targaryen, Hightower, Velaryon, Arryn, and Dayne – know better even above them. We are taught by Maesters; we have time away from petty labors to apply what we learn. Innovation, efficiency, and progress comes from us, not unwashed peasantry or greedy merchants."
"And what would you know of how to make a smithy run more efficiently? What reason would you have to ensure that even the tiniest sliver of metal is made useful?" Elaena questioned.
Aemond paused, "We are talking progress, not penny counting."
"The little efficiencies add up. The smith knows his craft, and knows how to be efficient. Other smiths may experiment and discover a new way of preserving metal, or decreasing production time; they will know this because they do it daily. You and your book learning are not going to know where to even begin with it. An economy with hundreds of thousands of tradesmen, all seeking efficiency to be more profitable, will find the best ways to do so. Strip away economic incentives and you will get your labor, but it will not innovate."
Aemond paused to consider, but then bowed his head. "I will think on it, sister, but I do not concede the point."
Elaena nodded, "When you have thought it over, we can continue the discussion."
Soon after they went their separate ways, while Helaena stayed to talk with Elaena.
"Sister, can I ask why you didn't speak to the goodness or evilness of Aemond's proposal?"
Elaena looked surprised by the question. "Morality does not motivate everyone. It is a paper-thin shield. In the event one can succeed in their goals better by choosing a reprehensible way of going about it, then people will do it. But if they see that individual liberty is the best way to achieve their goals, well it will be for the better of all. I fear our brother does not weigh the circumstance of those he considers beneath him as having much ethical weight. If negligence led to an accident that harmed me, or you, he would be wroth, but if negligence led to an accident that harmed a servant, he would not particularly care."
Helaena felt a little shiver as she recalled visions of Aemond riding a different dragon into battle than Vermithor.
"It seems cruel that a lord would only care about the people because of gold, instead of their overall welfare."
"The world is as it is, Helaena. You can appeal to people's rationality, and ask them to ponder what they would wish to happen to them if they were in those circumstances, but not everyone will do so. You believe slavery is wrong, I wholeheartedly agree, and yet slavery has persisted in Essos for centuries. You can't trust people to have ethics, but most of the time you can trust their self-interest. I say most, because there are always that vile subset of people who are irrational."
Helaena rarely felt anger from Elaena, but she heard a tinge of it in her voice, and it frightened her. Her dreams, nightmares really, of Elaena terrified her. They hadn't changed her relationship because they were so removed from the way Elaena behaved, they had to just be nightmares. They had to be. But when she heard the hardening of Elaena's voice, it troubled her.
"T-thank you for explaining that, sister."
Elaena graced her with a kind, genuinely pleased sort of smile. A warm, heartening sort so far removed from any of those wrathful, vicious ones seen in her dreams. "Of course! Questions are good, I wonder if you pay attention sometimes, but clearly you do. I am gladdened to help your mind grow in any way I can."
Helaena exited the room and headed for the Dragonpit. She didn't like being around arguments, or as Aemond would call it, 'spirited discourse' for very long. Dreamfyre always comforted her and the quiet of her presence was always the perfect balm for when her mind got itchy.
***
Rhaenyra had offered to have her lover give birth on Dragonstone, but Laena wished to give birth in her home, on Driftmark. Naturally, Rhaenyra and Laenor rode on dragonback to be with her. Elaena joined them as well. She had matured into a radiant young woman of four-and-ten. Her Targaryen features of silver hair were paired with large deep blue eyes. Her frame was still slight and petite, but no would mistake her for being a little girl.
"I am certain 'tis a boy this time," Laena stated firmly, her belly big and ripe.
"Boys are a joy, but mine get in quite enough trouble, so despair not if you have another girl!" Rhaenyra laughed as her eldest son, Jace, made protests at the comment. Her little boy was growing up, his seventh name-day was a moon ago and in celebration of that milestone, he had been allowed to ride with her on Syrax. Vermax was yet too small to be ridden. Luke, Aenar, and Aelyx remained on Dragonstone.
Both Luke and Aenar had dragon cradled eggs, however Daemon had convinced her not to have an egg placed in Aelyx's cradle. Her uncle had said that Tessarion, Silverwing, and three wild dragons nested on Dragonstone. Any of those five would be larger and more formidable than a freshly hatched dragon. Her uncle was ceaseless in his concern over the succession; Rhaenyra suspected it was due to his own experience at being removed as heir.
He really should not worry so much, my father will not change his mind, and the lords have sworn to me.
Turning her mind from politics she saw Laena clutch at her stomach.
"We will have to cut short our meal – I fear the babe has decided his time has come."
They moved to the birthing room. The local Maester of Driftmark was in attendance, a man named Vaelar. He was middle-aged with a fading hairline, and had a modest chain adorning his neck.
"Lady Laena, this way." Maester Vaelar motioned.
Daemon waited outside, as was typical for most, though Laenor was always by Rhaenyra's side when she gave birth. Jace was left in his care, and Daemon promised to show him a new trick with the blade while they waited the arrival of his new 'cousin,' the term being the best fitting given the family ties on both sides.
Princess Rhaenys joined them in the birthing room. The number of princesses in the room nearly outnumbered the birthing attendants, Rhaenyra thought with amusement. Elaena and Laena were not that close, but nonetheless Elaena quickly went to her side first and grasped her hand to give it a squeeze of reassurance.
"Elaena, it won't be long before you are wed and go through the same," Laena said with a smile. "Has anyone caught your eye?"
Rhaenyra knew Laena well; surely she wanted to take her mind off as much as possible. The twins had been an ordeal for her. Rhaenyra found childbirth fairly easy, but she had not ever given birth to twins. Rhaenyra listened in and Elaena began her 'cost-benefit analysis.' Elaena seemed to be going through a process of elimination. Already she had crossed off the Iron Islands and any sort of Essosi match. Beyond that, everyone within five years younger than her, and ten years older than her, was on the table.
Leana put forth the idea of marrying someone like Daemion, her cousin Vaemond's youngest son.
"An interesting thought, daughter. While he is many places down from inheritance of the Driftwood Throne, it would keep the dragons in the houses of Targaryen and Velaryon." Rhaenys commented.
Rhaenyra had mixed feelings of that idea. Vaemond had little to his name, outside of a small fleet of ships, and Daemion was his second son, so would inherit little. House Velaryon was wealthy, but not that wealthy. The idea of such a match would be quite the step-down for a King's daughter. And yet, Rhaenyra did like the idea of her sister being wed into the Velaryon family like she had done. It would keep her close by and that was important to Rhaenyra.
"I will consider it, Rhaenys. However, the idea of keeping the dragons to just our two families is not realistic. As House Targaryen flourishes, matches will be made and daughters will wed out. Helaena is promised to Aegon, but my sister Daenora will need a husband. And my other brothers and my sister's own sons will likely one day branch out and marry into families with lords who only have daughters. Dragons will almost certainly spread out across the realm in the next few generations."
Rhaenyra felt unease at that. When she was Queen, she may have to take some steps to ensure that wasn't allowed to happen. She knew that Daemon and her father thought that once the blood of Old Valyria grew diluted enough, the offspring would not be able to bond with dragons, and yet how many generations would that take?
"We'll beggar the realm feeding them all," Laena joked.
Elaena titled her head, "Dragons do eat frequently, but it is manageable. In fact, I would wager Westeros could easily handle a hundred dragons without fear of impacting the food supplies. Our population density is rather sparse…"
"Compared to what?" Rhaenys interrupted.
Elaena turned slowly, paused, and then asked, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
Rhaenyra wasn't great at reading her sister's expressions, but she had a feeling Elaena had been caught off guard and had heard perfectly fine.
"When you said our population density is rather sparse, what are you comparing that to? Essos has some great cities with many people, but that isn't the norm even in Essos," Rhaenys replied.
"Ah, what I mean is that it is sparsely populated compared to what it could be. In the Crownlands and Riverlands, most of the land is not used for industry, raising herd animals, or farmland. In some places it takes days of travel to get from one small town or village to another, especially off the beaten road and rivers. Dragons can also live off fish, and we are far from being close to overfishing, at least here in the south."
Rhaenyra watched as the two discussed the issue at length. It was rather dull, and somewhat embarrassing that both of the other princesses in the room had such a greater command over the knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms. They knew the populations of cities, towns, lands, as well as the major industries, trade, and even types of food that was grown. Rhaenyra could dimly remember learning about all of this, but that was years ago, and since it was rather dull, she had not kept up with it. Evidently her studious sister had done so, and Rhaenys in her role as Lady of Driftmark had as well.
It does make sense, given how much trade House Velaryon does. When I am Queen, it isn't like I won't have advisors who know all of this anyway.
Yet it bothered her all the same that a conversation was going over her head. Rhaenyra was the heir; conversation should circle around her. Obviously, Laena and her birthing would take primacy over all, but other than that, any talk should have her a major participant. In truth, she found herself decidedly uninterested and frustratingly without much to say. Finally, she had enough.
"Let's not put dear Laena to sleep with such talk, instead I am curious, what names have you decided if it is a boy or a girl?"
"For a boy, Daemon wants Aegon, after the Conqueror."
"Aegon?" Elaena asked with surprise in her voice. "That will make family gatherings confusing."
Laena let out a wry laugh, "I said the same thing! But Daemon is insistent, he says that such a strong name should be given to his son. And if it is a girl, he would like it to be named Visenya. But I know it will be a boy."
Rhaenys sighed, "You are unable to will the sex of your progeny, my sweetling. The Gods alone will decide."
"Yes, they will, and they have decided." Laena's voice was firm on that.
Rhaenyra hoped it was a boy as well. When Daemon wanted something, he truly wanted it. Her visage turned lascivious thinking about one of Daemon's requests, an expression wholly inappropriate for a birthing room. She quickly wiped it off her face before someone noticed the stray thought.
The hours ticked by, and little progress was made. The Maester said the babe was ready, but was not in the right position. Laena was proving her mettle, and cheerfully stated this was far less painful than when she had the twins. As the hours trickled by, Rhaenyra noticed her sister was frowning and had grown wan.
"Elaena, everything will be fine, you look tired. Why don't you get some fresh air, we will send for you once the babe nears," Rhaenyra offered.
"No," Elaena replied in a steady voice, "I am quite well, I don't want to miss anything."
Time went on. Maester Vaelar had Laena change positions several times. He had one of the female attendant's massage Laena's side, but nothing was making the babe progress, despite the fact the contractions were growing heavier.
"My Lady, there is a complication. Please excuse me, while I consult with the father."
Rhaenys stood up. "You can consult with us, here and now, Maester."
Vaelar looked unnerved. "Perhaps not in front of the mother."
Rhaenyra thought that Rhaenys was barely keeping her temper in check with the Maester, but she acquiesced and they left the room.
"This Maester does not fill me with confidence, good-sister. With Dragonstone so near, I can bring back Maester Gerardys in several hours. He's even better than the Grand Maester when it comes to the healing arts," Rhaenyra proposed.
Laena was breathing heavily. "No need, I'm sure it will all be fine."
Laenor came in with a look of panic and worry on his face.
"Sister, how are you feeling?"
The attendants squawked a bit at a man entering the birthing room that was not Laena's husband, but it was her brother, so none dared to ask him leave. Rhaenyra thought this would be true even if her husband was not who he was. Bonds between siblings were often very close.
"A bit worse now that I've seen your terrified expression, brother. What did the Maester say?"
Laenor's eyes grew misty, "I know you wouldn't want the truth hidden from you. The Maester fears for both you and the babe. Unless the babe moves properly soon, it could die within you. Attempt to retrieve it would be… a similar situation to Queen Aemma's."
"That won't happen." Elaena announced firmly.
Laenor gave her an uneasy glance.
"Where's Daemon?" Laena asked, a note of fear in her voice for the first time.
"He's being summoned, Maester Vaelar wants to discuss options with him." Laenor replied.
Elaena released Laena's hand and moved to where the attendant was still rubbing.
"I've studied at the Citadel; you are doing it wrong."
"Princess, I…" the woman replied, but Elaena physically moved into her space and she had to back up.
Elaena's hands touched Laena's side and Rhaenyra watched in fascination as her deft hands began moving in repeating pattern, swift and sure.
"We need another opinion on this Laena, I won't watch that oaf butcher you. I am taking Syrax and bringing back Gerardys." Rhaenyra rounded on Laenor. "Don't let them do anything drastic until I return."
Rhaenyra was done arguing, she rushed from the room and ran to Syrax. She would fly faster than she ever had, and use every trick Elaena had shown her about using updrafts and tailwinds to eke out more speed. She would not let her lover die – she wouldn't!
***
Laenor was beside himself with worry. His only sister was going through treacherous waters far from the shore, and Laenor could think of no way he could help. His wife had the right idea, she was at least doing something, being productive, all he could do is provide a comforting presence. Though how his endless pacing in the room could help, he knew not.
Maester Vaelar had returned to the room and examined Laenor's sister.
"Ah, the babe is finally making progress, you must keep up your strength Lady Laena."
Laena gave him a smile; her face was strained with tension and she was sweating profusely.
"The pain grows worse, Maester." Laena gave a small cry and grit her teeth as a painful contraction ripped through her body.
Daemon entered the room. "My lady, the Maester thinks the babe will not come, but I know you will not fail."
"He will come, he's just… ahhh, SEVEN HELLS, stubborn. Difficult. I wonder where, ahh, where, he would have gotten that from."
"Where is Rhaenyra?" Daemon asked, after glancing around the room.
Laenor answered him, "She's gone to fetch Maester Gerardys."
Vaelar gave a sniff Laenor's statement. "No doubt the good Maester Gerardys has done a fine job helping the princess through her trials of womanhood, but he could do no more than I in this moment. The babe is simply not in position for a birth. We can cut…"
"I said no, do not make me repeat myself again," Daemon interrupted in a chilly tone.
Laena exhaled sharply. "Is it that bad? Is there no hope?"
Vaelar grimaced, "I had not sought to worry you over it, my lady. You must keep your spirits high if the birth is to be successful."
The Maester brought forth another concoction for her to drink, which she did with a grimace. Laenor saw his sister's body tense, but no cry of pain accompanied it.
"That works fast, you have my thanks, Maester," Laena said.
Vaelar gave her an odd look, but dismissed it and reexamined Laena. By now it had been more than half a day.
"The babe seems to have repositioned, but it is moving oddly. I fear you still have a long way to go, my lady."
Laenor watched as the evening turned to morning. He was weary himself; his mother had gone to take her rest with strict instructions to be awoken as soon as the time of birth presented itself. His mother had attempted to get Elaena to join in resting, but the princess had refused.
Elaena is made of sterner stuff than they could possibly know. Still, she looks as if she has been battered by a storm for nights on end.
More seemingly agonizingly endless time had passed. Laena was pushing now and the roar of a dragon could be heard. Soon after, a very discomfited Maester was bustled into the room. Vaelar looked at him and gestured toward Laena.
"She's opened enough, the babe has stubbornly been difficult, but you have arrived just in time for the birth."
Laena gave a shudder and Laenor saw her clench her muscles and push as she was instructed. Laenor blocked out the talk of anatomy and birthing process that the Maesters quickly conferred on. Elaena patted Laena's hand and then looked at Laenor directly.
"Bring your mother, the babe comes."
Laenor looked at Laena and then nodded and raced through Driftmark. His mother quickly followed him back and there before him in the room, he saw what was birthed. Bile threatened to escape the back of his throat. Laena had given birth, yes, but to… what? The thing was wide and shorter than a normal babe. One socket leaked some substance, but held no eye. His backside was covered in grayish scales and its cries were wet and pitiful.
"My baby, let me see my baby." Laena demanded and the Maester slowly revealed it to its mother.
Laenor watched as Laena took the deformed child into her embrace and held it to her. Rhaenyra was speechless, while Daemon looked the Maesters.
"What did you do? What has happened?"
"You cannot blame us, 'tis the Gods who decide the form of a child." Vaelar replied.
Gerardys nodded his head. "Aye, Prince Daemon, and I hate to be the bearer of ill news, but the babe will be unlikely to live long. There is something wrong with it, 'tis a fate of some children of your house. I could go into the Citadel's theories as to why, but it will be little comfort."
Laena had heard and was quietly crying as she held her son. "My Aegon, my little Aegon."
"No. Call him Maegor, calling him Aegon now would be tawdry," Daemon demanded.
"He is our firstborn son!" Laena angrily protested.
Laenor saw his wife had tears in her eyes. She looked as if she was about to say something, and even opened her mouth, but the words would not come out.
Elaena felt the babe's cheeks. "May I hold him for a moment, Laena?"
"For a moment."
Laenor watched as one of the most prolific killers alive in Westeros gently took the deformed babe into her arms. He almost worried that she would drop the weight, slight as it was. Somehow, she looked even more worn than his sister! Despite that, her grip was steady, yet careful as she held the now Maegor-named boy.
"You two should speak of names when the danger has passed," Elaena said. "I disagree with the Maester's assessment. The child can live, his breathing is steadying and I have just felt for a heartbeat. It is strong."
Vaelar looked at the babe and pressed his fingers on him; he looked surprised.
"I would not give any false hope, but the princess is correct. The babe's heart beats well. His other deformities will impact his quality of life, but they are not life-threatening in and of themselves."
Laena gave a cry of joy and took her offspring back.
"And my sister?" Laenor asked. "Is all well with her?"
Both Maesters nodded, Gerardys said, "It was a difficult birth so we will need to monitor her for any birthing fever. But there is no immediate danger."
"Thank the Gods." Laenor declared.
"You would thank the Gods for… that." Daemon growled.
"Daemon!" Laena's voice rose in anger.
"It is not your fault, Laena. It is not. But you cannot expect me to be pleased that you have borne something so freakish."
"He is your blood!"
"Aye, and the shame of it will be on me. He will not hold the conqueror's name."
Rhaenys rounded on Daemon, "Is that all that matters to you? Get out, you are not welcome here while your words create torment in my daughter's heart. She has labored for nearly a full day, begone if this is the comfort you would provide your lady wife."
Daemon exhaled sharply and then left the room without another word. Laenor felt a bit of anger at his good-brother. No one expected a man to be happy with a deformed birth, but to be so callous while his sister lay weakened and emotionally weary was unconscionable. Elaena stood up, and then promptly swayed and fell back into the chair.
"If someone could help me get to my room, that would be greatly appreciated." Elaena asked and then shut her eyes and slumped into a slumber.