Jessamyn Redfort luxuriated in the warm embrace betwixt Jeyne Arryn's arms. Jeyne's blue eyes always held such a fire to them, she felt she could swim endlessly in their pools. Their lovemaking had held a different flavor when at an inn instead of the Eyrie. Jessamyn wasn't pleased to be out on the road, even with a hundred loyal House Arryn guards. Her lover, the Warden of the East, underestimated just how treacherous her enemies could be. Though in this instance, it had been Jessamyn that had convinced Jeyne to make the journey to Gulltown.
"This was novel, and more than a bit of fun." Jessamyn broke the silence. "But I still find the choice to meet the suitors in Gulltown instead of the Eyrie a terribly crass decision by the princess. Does she even realize the position it puts you in?"
Jeyne sighed. "You read too much into it, my love. The Eyrie or even the Gates of the Moon aren't as easy to travel to."
"She can bloody well fly on a dragon and have two gatherings, instead of one. This is the crown showing blatant favoritism to the Gilded Falcon over you. I tell you; this is Daemon's doing, and even though that ignorant lout is most like just scoring petty points, it puts us in danger. Your rat of a cousin, Arnold, has already tried once to usurp your position. My little ears tell me that he continues to sway the other Lords of the Vale against you."
"They've given me their oath, Jessamyn. Few will openly become oath-breakers. We have ample guards, and the Eyrie is unassailable. Your ears keep me protected from assassins. All is well, you mustn't allow your fears to poison the joys of today."
Jessamyn kissed her, and looked her in the eyes. "Jeyne, I cannot turn a blind eye to your person. Elaena Targaryen will choose a husband within the Seven Kingdoms. If it is from the Vale, the danger is immense. Daemon was not a threat, because he was hated throughout the Vale for the shame he brought to his wife and the insults he levied against us all. Elaena is different, my ears tell me she has the favor of the King, and regularly meets with both the Hand and the Heir. If the Lords of the Vale sought to depose you, and Elaena backed it, we would be undone. With even a young dragon, a hundred men would likely not be enough to save you."
"Stop it, she's a girl of five-and-ten. She will not be burning anyone with her little dragon. Lest you forget, Viserys is fond of me. We've done nothing to offend him or Elaena. We also have a number of allies throughout the Vale; for all we know, she will marry one of them, and our position will be even more secure. Upon your advice, I have agreed to attend this gathering of suitors in Gulltown, to get the measure of this princess who may soon be married to one of my vassals. Let us not worry overmuch for the moment before our meeting."
Jessamyn let the matter drop. Elaena could destroy the delicate balance that held the Vale together. Jessamyn would never defy Jeyne. Jeyne had commanded her not to arrange Arnold's death, and so she would not. A clear command would never be betrayed. What Jeyne did not know however… that was another matter. Assassinations were tricky and difficult things to arrange, but if the wrong suitor was seen with favor, they may just have to be removed. Jessamyn would not let Jeyne's rule fail, or harm come to her person. For love of her, Jeyne had refused to get married, refused to do what many thought was her duty as the Lady of the Vale. Jessamyn had not asked her to do this, but Jeyne's insistence on 'not living a lie' had shown just how much Jeyne valued her. It made Jessamyn even more desperate to keep her safe.
***
Garland Grafton was there to greet the Princess Elaena of House Targaryen. A dragonrider visiting the Vale was not something many would miss. Lord Isembard Arryn, the most important man in Gulltown, had two dozen men-at-arms and knights cordon off the landing area for the dragon. Thousands of the small folk of Gulltown had turned up to see a dragon in the flesh, but they were kept a respectable distance away.
Technically Garland's aged father ruled over Gulltown, but all knew it was Isembard who held the wealth and power of the city. In the past there had been conflict between the cadet branch of House Arryn and the Grafton family, but in the end a relatively easy peace and cooperation had come about. The Graftons kept their honor as official rulers of Gulltown, and received a modest flow from the tariffs in the port. In return the Arryns of Gulltown continued to grow wealthy through trade, and made all the meaningful decisions. Had agreements not been reached, the knives may have come out, or perhaps the wealthy Arryns, who owned most of the vessels would have simply strangled trade coming to the city until the Graftons were bankrupt. That was years ago, and Garland thought the mutual prosperity turned out for the best, even if it did chafe at times.
The Gilded Falcon is what they called Lord Isembard, and it was his manse that the Princess Elaena would be staying at. However, it was Garland who would have first crack at wooing her. The entire situation was irregular, normally agreements to wed would not be made by the bride herself, particularly when she had not yet reached the age of maturity. Garland was sure whoever the princess picked would still need the blessings of the King, but even in the Vale, the talk was that the King favored Elaena above his other children.
If he could wed her… many things would be different. The patronage of the Targaryen house could see the Graftons rule Gulltown in truth. More than just that, a dragon was a formidable asset. Just its mere presence would deter Essosi pirates and other threats.
He glanced over at his competition. Ser Corwyn Corbray was better at the lance and sword than Garland, but he was but a second son. Arwood's boy was a jest, nearly as bad as Lord Jacob Waynwood, who was over thrice Elaena's age. Lord Roland Crayne was a man in his 20s whose dashing good looks hid the fact he was utterly incompetent on horseback.
The Craynes are barely better then landed knights, no, unless the princess is lovestruck by golden locks, she will not choose him.
Two Arryns troubled him. Lady Jeyne's distant cousin Joffrey Arryn was almost the same age as Elaena. He was still a squire, but all knew he would be knighted soon, as he was gifted with arms. The boy was also Lady Jeyne's favored pick for the match with the princess. Normally, that wouldn't concern him, but the stubborn spinster had chosen to make a rare trip out of the Eyrie.
It is absurd that she refuses to wed at all. Ser Arnold has the right of it.
The other Arryn was Hamish Arryn, the nephew of Isembard. The boy was a year younger than Elaena and had no martial ability to speak of. Many thought he would become a Maester, but Garland knew that the Gilded Falcon often took counsel from the boy. A clever mind and a silver tongue may find ways to entice the princess where a host of martial knights may fail.
Garland watched as the dragon in the sky grew larger as it descended. The silver scales shimmered in the noonday sunlight, and the heir to House Grafton admitted that the creature was majestic. It was larger than a horse, but nowhere near the size of the greater Targaryen dragons such as Caraxes. He had seen the monstrous creature once, when Daemon had arrived in the Vale, and it had been more terrifying than awe inspiring.
Introductions were made and he got his first up-close look at the princess in some time. He had been to King's Landing for a tournament and had seen her in the stands next to her father, but never this close. Save for her blue Arryn eyes, she looked every inch a Targaryen royal. Her silver hair and facial features made it clear to all that she was the blood of Old Valyria.
And then she was upon him.
"Ah, Ser Garland, I am to understand you will be my escort until the feast in some hours. Have you any gardens or coastal spots that would be pleasant to stroll in?"
"Yes, Your Grace. There is a spot I know in the city that has hedges with a variety of flowery plants that I am told is delightful."
"Told, so you have never been?"
Garland stumbled a bit at the question. "Errm, no, I've been there before."
"And is it delightful?"
"I would not use that term, but noble ladies have. It is bright, and there is a pleasant…"
"Forgive me, 'tis just a bit of a jape. I fear my tongue has grown saucy when speaking with my brother, I hope that does not bother you overmuch."
Garland shook his head. "Not at all princess, we Graftons are well versed in wordplay, we have to be when dealing with the mercantile class, especially the Essosi."
The princess smiled at that answer.
"Forgive me for my directness, ser, but I have at last count, eleven suitors in the Vale that I intend to speak with. Tell me, why should I choose you and House Grafton?"
She's not a wilting flower, if we were to wed, I suspect every day she would keep me on my toes.
"My father oversees Gulltown. Save for King's Landing, Gulltown is the largest city on the eastern side of Westeros. We have a history dating back for generations, and have always treated with others honorably. With Essos nearby, particularly Braavos, we can provide luxuries like you may find in King's Landing. As for me personally, I am not one to boast of my own deeds, but feel free to ask others of my accomplishments. It would be an honor to marry you, Elaena Targaryen."
"I shall ask others, good advice, ser. Tell me, what are your expectations regarding the bearing of children."
Garland blinked. "Ah, well it would be expected that I have a son to carry on my name. I do have a sister, but she is wed to a landed knight and her children will take his name. The Grafton family name will need to be continued."
Elaena nodded, "It is only expected, and were I to prove barren? Or bring forth only daughters?"
Garland felt he was being tested. Everyone in the Vale knew that Aemma Arryn died in childbirth bearing Elaena into the world.
"It will be up to the Gods to decide what happens, but if you worry that I would put you aside, have no fear on that count. I would not dishonor you so."
Not when it means bringing down the wrath of the King, or later your brother or sister depending on how the succession goes!
The questions from there seemed to be on less precarious ground, but he still felt worn from them. They came one atop the other. Elaena never seemed hurried in her speech, but they covered a tremendous amount of territory. Questions regarding his father. Questions regarding the Vale's politics. What he thought of the Dragon Bank. His views on the Stepstones conflict. What issues troubled the nobility in the region? What were his favorite leisure activities? It was impossible to tell if his responses were favorable, as Elaena kept her polite smile and similar tone throughout it all. She nodded along to his answers, but he soon determined that was not agreeance, just encouragement for him to expand upon his statements.
Elaena claimed the garden was in fact a delight, and then he took her to her rooms and introduced the serving staff who would make her stay comfortable.
"After the feast, or on the morrow, may I call upon you again?"
He held his breath, if she declined, it would likely mean he had failed.
"Yes, I am open to that, however the schedule will be rather delicate. I wish to cause no offense to the other suitors, but I will find time. It would be good to go riding on horseback, I've done little of that, thanks to Viktoriya."
Garland smiled. Clearly, he had made a good impression.
***
Ser Arnold Arryn sat at the feasting table alongside his allies. The table that Isembard set was fine. Mutton, turkey, fish, chicken, beef, and dozens of sides lay before him. His cooks could give those in King's Landing a fair run. His distant cousin was a man of wealth, and unfortunately, caution. They called him the Gilded Falcon for his wealth, but Arnold thought he was more a gilded mouse. He had received no support from his distant cousin when he tried to set matters right in the Vale.
Ironic that if she had not been a woman, I'd be short a head, but then had she not been a woman I would never have tried to depose her.
He took a sip of the white wine from Lys, the taste growing on him. To his left sat Ser William Royce. The young man was a knight, wedded to honor and duty, but he could be made to see reason. To his right he held a place for Ser Garland Grafton. It gratified him that his invitation was accepted.
Arnold and company sat at a long table that was perpendicular to the head table. There at the place of honor was Lord Isembard and his wife dining together with Jeyne and Princess Elaena. The princess was a fine prize, it was a pity his son, Eldric, was too young for such things. With a dragonrider, even a girl dragonrider, on his side, there would be so many more options.
The princess had made it clear to all that she would make no decision on her trip to Gulltown, as she had promised to listen to the suitors from the other parts of Westeros before making a final decision. Arnold had pride in the Vale, it was a place of honor, of history, and home to a refined people. Lannisport and Oldtown may be larger cities, but they were further from the delights of Essos. The Vale also sat right next to the crossroads that connected the North to the southern parts of Westeros. Who wouldn't wish to hitch their fate to the Vale?
Ser Garland took the seat. "Ser Arnold, are you well?"
"I am, all things considered. I would ask the same of you, how did you fare with the princess?"
Garland glanced at the princess and then gave him a half-smile.
"Well enough that she wishes to spend more time with me while here in Gulltown. She has a presence about her, hard to define, but I suspect it is her royal upbringing. Not yet an adult, but one used to command."
Arnold wasn't sure how to feel about that, but would ponder Garland's words later.
"I am glad it is going well, and wish you good fortune in being selected. I do find it proper that she is seeking a husband, even in an unusual fashion. I'd say we've had quite enough of noble ladies not doing their duty."
"Here, here," Ser Jaspar Coldwater spoke up from across the table. "Who ever heard of the head of a house not marrying and continuing their line. 'Tis an absurdity."
Garland nodded. "We are all troubled by Lady Jeyne not choosing someone to be her husband. But this is an old grievance you have, and there's no use dredging it back up."
Arnold grabbed him by the arm. "It is not such an old grievance, Jeyne could still marry, she's not yet reached her thirtieth name day, and even past that she could bear children. If she refuses to do her duty, she should step down and let a proper Lord of the Vale rule."
"We are sworn to her, I made the trip to the Eyrie with my father."
"And the King could set aside those oaths, or other acts of malice and offense to the Gods by Jeyne could bring cause for nobility to set her aside. Fealty is a two-way-street, if she has committed crimes, well, it would be justice to see her punished for them."
"What crimes?" Garland asked with a half-grin.
Arnold shrugged. "I speak of possibilities, I would never accuse anyone of something, even if I thought it to be true, without proof."
The Grafton boy nodded. It was not a complete success, and he would have to do more to fully bring him into his camp, but at the very least he was sympathetic to the idea of replacing Arnold's cousin. Arnold felt eyes on him and he looked up to see a gaze belonging to the Redfort girl. He smirked at her and raised his cup in her direction. She looked away.
Rumor held that the unmarried Jessamyn Redfort, and the unmarried Jeyne Arryn, were more than just close friends.
I'd happily leave them to their deviant lusts if Jeyne was not in my path.
Arnold stood up.
"I would like to give a toast! To the Princess Elaena! May the Maiden, Mother, and Crone bless her with joy, fertility, and wisdom."
Almost everyone joined him the toast, for who would wish to cause affront with the princess?
"A fine toast," Lady Arryn spoke in response, "but tell me, cousin, what brings you to Gulltown? Surely your son is too young for our princess."
"More's the pity, but you are correct, cousin. I have come because Princess Elaena is an important figure to the Seven Kingdoms. She is a daughter of the Vale through her dearly departed mother. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to journey here and meet with her."
Elaena smiled at him from the high table. "Thank you, Ser Arnold, perhaps there will be time later and you can share a story or two of my mother."
Arnold gestured his agreement and sat back down. He gleefully observed the look of annoyance and then the slight tinge of concern that came upon his cousin's face.
***
Hamish Arryn knew, as the nephew of his uncle, that his status as heir to the Gilded Falcon's fortune was temporary. His uncle had not been married overlong, and would no doubt produce a son eventually. Hamish did not resent his future cousin; it simply was the way the world functioned. He did have a seat at the table, and his uncle's ear. That was more than enough to give him wealth and power sufficient to place him above more than half the kingdom's nobles.
He would not mind a greater station in life, but was unwilling to risk his current pleasant circumstances for them. Activities like Ser Arnold, his distantly related kin, partook in were not something he would involve himself with. Hamish did enjoy the thought of being married to a royal. A royal dragon rider. The thought of being allowed to ride a dragon in tandem with the princess – such an experience would be exciting.
He also knew his chances were slim. He had no great accolades, no skill at arms, and no fame. He did have his mind, and he did have his uncle's support. Elaena was called the "Realm's Blessing" and some said driving force behind the Dragon Bank. Most thought it was Lord Beesbury who had accomplished everything, and had used Elaena as a figurehead and way to gain the King's favor, but Hamish's uncle didn't think so. And Hamish himself knew that age and experience did not always grant wits.
With the idea that Princess Elaena was intelligent, Hamish decided he would attempt to capture her heart by appealing to that nature. Cyvasse was a game played in Essos, and he had learned the game a couple of years ago. For the time allotted to him with the princess, he would not spend it riding, or strolling through a garden, or reciting poetry like one suitor had tried. No, he would engage her mind over Cyvasse.
"The Princess Elaena Targaryen!" A guard called out after knocking.
Elaena came into the sitting room and Hamish bowed his head.
"Your Grace, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you. It is my fondest wish that we get to know each other better. I hope you do not mind participating in something new."
The princess was pretty. A year older than Hamish and he had to admit he was quite smitten. She seemed to be made up of the finest porcelain, almost inanimate, until she moved. Her movements were elegant, and confident. Hamish felt like a newborn calf in comparison to her refined grace.
"It is my pleasure, Hamish. As to something new, that depends on what it is, but I like to consider myself forward-thinking."
"Wonderful, have you heard of the game Cyvasse?"
She shook her head.
"No matter, as far as I am aware it is not played in Westeros. One of my uncle's trading partners is from Volantis, where the game originates, and he taught my uncle how to play. He in turn taught me, and I've played with him ever since. I will teach you as well."
Hamish saw Elaena's eyes sparkle with interest. He had watched her at the feast; she always seemed to be attentive when someone spoke, but he could see the difference in her body posture. Smiling, he took out the board, and placed the pieces of ivory and jade upon it.
"The game can be complex at times, but the rules are not overly complicated. We are each given a set of several pieces. Ten different types, but some have multiples. The most important piece is your king, it becomes captured or trapped, you will have lost."
Elaena listened with obvious interest and asked clarifying questions as he went over the movement and strengths of the rabble, spearmen, crossbowmen, light horse, heavy horse, trebuchet, catapult, and dragon. Elaena picked up the dragon figure and examined it.
"There is a small curtain that we place to hide our board from our opponent. We each position our forces as we desire. Once complete, we will then reveal the board, and play takes place in turns. There are many strategies. Some players focus on striking out at the enemy king, while others seek to deplete the enemy's armies in a war of attrition."
"This does sound intriguing; I believe I understand the rules. Shall we play?"
Hamish nodded, "Yes, and I should warn you, I have played this quite a bit over the years, so please do not worry over your performance. I was quite rubbish when I first challenged my uncle, and yet now I can defeat him more times than not."
The princess shook her head. "I will not worry about my performance, if you promise not go easy on me."
Hamish smiled, "As you wish."
He set up his pieces, using one of his typical strategies that he would use against his uncle. Elaena thought for a bit, but ended up completing the deployment of her own figures only shortly after he had done so.
The curtain between the two sides was removed and Hamish reviewed what the princess had done. She had moved most of her units with additional movement and grouped them on one flank. Her formation of spearmen, crossbowman, and rabble was well-positioned to protect her king. She had picked up how pieces synergized together.
As play began, they also conversed.
"To be blunt, Your Grace, I was surprised to be included in the suitors you agreed to see."
"The minimum requirements were not difficult. If you are a noble from the Seven Kingdoms, and not born on the wrong side of the blanket, then I am meeting with you. In truth, I also wish to know more about the people of Westeros."
Hamish could see the wisdom in that. He moved his elephant to a location where it could be defeated. However if Elaena took the bait, he would end up rolling through her weaker side.
"You are presently the heir to a large fortune, but it is unlikely for you to inherit. What advantages would I have in agreeing to wed to you?"
The princess had not taken the bait. Hamish frowned; she was good. He almost missed her question, and then hastily turned his attention more fully to it.
"My uncle would be quite generous in providing land. I will also be given a sizeable stake in the mercantile fleet. You will not want for creature comforts. There is also some thought to how your dragon may be used to quell some of the troublesome areas of the Vale, such as the Mountain Clans. Some of those areas have metal deposits, no silver or gold, but still worth developing."
Elaena nodded and gestured at the board, "It is still your move."
Hamish moved his dragon from one end of the board to another, setting up a potential assault on Elaena's king. Elaena moved her catapult, cutting of a potential advance. He could move his dragon to break her line, but the catapult would remove his most powerful piece. He put his fingers to his temples and stared at the board for alternative avenues of attack.
"A compelling argument. Children, what would be your expectations?"
Hamish glanced up at the princess. "What I would expect is what most nobles in Westeros desire. An heir and a spare. That is an expectation, but were I to win your hand, I am quite comfortable with unexpected situations. What would you prefer?"
She blinked, and her following smile was larger than her pervious ones. "Since you have asked, two children would be my limit. Additionally, the process of bringing forth those children would be my purview. After the children are born, we will stop carnal activities, you may sleep with who you like, even produce bastards, so long as our own children's birthright is not challenged."
Hamish was rather surprised by the stipulations. Despite that, he picked up one of his spearmen and advanced forward.
"I assume you are still unspoiled, Your Grace, why those specific stipulations?"
Elaena moved her heavy horse down his flank, and then looked him in the eye.
"Tastes vary from person to person. I believe I will not find the act pleasant. If I am wrong, well we can always amend the agreement. To be clear, this is a hypothetical scenario based on me selecting you, not a true negotiation. I must ask, would you find such a scenario tolerable?"
They traded materiel in a short fight on the flank as Hamish mused over the question.
Some men are sword swallowers, it stands to reason some women would also have the same sort of difficulties, only the other way around. She is beautiful, and it would be a shame not to regularly do… that, but the other advantages far outweigh that concern. And it appears she wouldn't be jealous of other women.
"Without question. Physical pleasure is fleeting, and easy to come by. Having someone like you at my side would still be well worth it, even if we did not lay together more than the times needed to produce children."
Elaena seemed to like that answer, and they focused on the game in companiable silence. Hamish was deeply impressed with the natural aptitude for strategy the princess possessed. He very nearly lost, but in the end, his experience in playing the game regularly, led him to victory.
"A very enjoyable afternoon, Hamish. Since I am residing in the manse, I'd like to play with you regularly. And at least once with your uncle."
Hamish grinned, "That can most certainly be arranged."