"Your Grace, the proposed cost of the twin weddings, the seven days of feasting, the free food and wine given to the city, and the grand tournament will be costly. The treasury can bear it, but perhaps it would be wise to have some restraint." Rhaenys counseled her cousin, the King.
Rhaenys was now an advisor on the small council. She was not given a formal title but was welcome all the same. The small council was heavily in favor of the Greens, with only the inscrutable Larys Strong and Lyman Beesbury as a counterweight. Rhaenys didn't truly trust Larys either; the man liked to insinuate the worst possible scenarios.
This time, none on the council seemed to be concerned with spending coin. Even Lyman had opined that a dual royal wedding should be expensive and that he would find the coin necessary no matter what. Hightower agreed and suggested that additional funding for the Waywardens, roads, and new vessels could be delayed a year. Tyland Lannister boasted that an event like this would facilitate trade, renew bonds, and strengthen the realm.
She had argued against such largess, but even the Grand Maester had urged the realm to be spendthrift:
"Your Grace, many important dignitaries from Essos will be arriving as well. We would not want them to think us niggardly. The realm has prospered over the last decade; let us flaunt the wealth your wise policies have created."
And so Rhaenys found herself with the King as he worked on his great diorama of Old Valyria, with the hopes of persuading him once more.
"Have we not already discussed this at length, my dear Rhaenys? This is a time for much celebration and joy. Oh, don't give me that look. Out with it, say your piece fully, and then I will make my decision. Once made, I will not have you hectoring me further."
"As you say, Your Grace. I see three areas where we can be less wasteful. The first, free wine for hundreds of thousands of smallfolk is not only an absurd extravagance, it will make the Gold Cloaks job significantly harder and more dangerous. I will remind you that the city will swell far past its normal population with these events going on."
She took a breath, and continued.
"Secondly, the prizes for the tournament winners are greater than usual, and with so many additional events, they are greater in number. The purpose of prizes for tournaments is to inspire knights to make the journey and participate. They will already be here. There is little need to further entice participants."
Viserys had stopped fiddling with one of the figures, and was fully listening now.
"Third, we can limit the number of frivolous oddities. Fire swallowers, jugglers, and musicians are well and good. But do we need a pair of elephants from Essos? Or a weaver of shadows from Asshai? Or dancing bears? A multitude of dragons flying above King's Landing should impress one and all."
Rhaenys took a final deep breath. "Viserys, I know how much these weddings mean to you. And we do have the coin. But a wise steward prepares for the worst. What if we have a longer than normal winter? What if the Triarchy or Dorne become adventurous again? We can have the grandest of weddings Westeros has ever seen, and make these proposed changes."
Viserys frowned. "I… suppose some restraint may be in order. I'll make a deal with you, cousin. Go visit Lord Borros in Storm's End. My daughter tells me he is perturbed and feels forgotten by his royal kin. While you are there in the Stormlands, have Lord Baldric Selmy fly with you on Meleys to Dragonstone."
Rhaenys was caught off guard.
"What? Why… one thing a time. If it means showing mercy to the treasury's finances, I have no qualms about meeting with Borros. Why am I flying Lord Baldric to Dragonstone?"
"Excellent! I'm glad you agreed. I can't promise I will take all three of your suggestions to heart, but at least one of them will be done."
Rhaenys both loved and hated how Viserys ruled. He was the King. He could have easily demanded Rhaenys do so. Still, his openness to negotiation allowed her to press forward with what she thought was best for the realm.
"As for Lord Selmy, well, he is one of the finalists for Elaena's hand. She wishes for her prospective suitors to meet her family."
"It is rare for those not of our family to ride double on a dragon. It can be done, of course. But such an event is quite harrowing for one not used to flying."
Maester Gerardys had been most shaken by his flight with Rhaenyra and Syrax.
"To be sure, I reason that my clever daughter wishes to use that as a test of their fortitude."
Rhaenys nodded, that was sound logic, and was the sort of unusual thinking Princess Elaena was known for.
"I will gladly do so, though that seems to be two favors I will be granting. Perhaps you can at the least take two of my three suggestions to heart."
Viserys sighed. "Oh, very well. But if any other houses wish to follow the Lannister footsteps and donate to the weddings… we will use that coin to make it exceedingly splendid."
Rhaenys would take the victories she could. They spoke a bit more about the possible matches for Elaena, a subject that Viserys took to with relish. Rhaenys did not like several of the options, and without knowing them more closely she already was gravitating to Lord Baldric or Ser Alan Beesbury.
The whole affair from a certain light was rather amusing. Rhaenyra had handled her own tour in a lackadaisical manner, whereas Elaena was… regimented. The thoroughness of her process for choosing a spouse was almost unheard of. Rhaenys hoped she found what she was looking for, and that the match helped strengthen Rhaenyra's eventual rule.
***
Forrest Frey was delighted to learn he was the top contender of the Riverlands. It was quite the honor. Best of all he would be riding a dragon! Elaena would naturally be the one commanding Viktoriya, it was impossible for anyone other than that family to ride those magnificent creatures.
When Elaena landed, Forrest rushed to her.
"Princess Elaena, you have no idea how thrilled I am to be able to ride the magnificent Viktoriya."
Elaena smiled at him. "And here you had me believing your joy would stem from distinguishing yourself amongst all your peers and lords. Enough so to be one of only six I deemed worthy candidate for the second round of my courtship endeavors.
Forrest laughed. "That too, but can you fault a man for being enthusiastic to fly?"
She shook her head. "No, I cannot. Flying is an unforgettable experience. Here, let me show you how the chains attach to you. You fit this belt around your waist, and then it is hooked here, and here. This makes it impossible, save for the leather snapping, for you to fall."
Though the saddle was like a horse's, it was also quite different. His legs didn't go fully around the waist of the dragon, for even at Viktoriya's young age, that was impossible. He ran his hands across the scales of the dragon and tried to steady his thundering heartbeat. This was truly happening.
"Are you ready?" Elaena asked as she mounted. He was keenly aware that their bodies were in closer contact than they had been during her visit.
The princess gave no discernable signal, no command in the ancient Dragon Lords' language, no whip, or spur was noticeable. Viktoriya simply took a pair of steps and unfurled her wings and rose into the sky. Forrest knew he was chained to the dragon itself, but that didn't stop him from trying to grab onto the saddle. His breath caught in his chest, but then a massive grin began to dominate his face.
"YAAAHHHHHHOOOOOO!" He cried with sheer joy.
It was incredible to Forrest. They were now higher than the Twins; those formidable towers looked like toy blocks from the height they were at. It was all incredibly beautiful, so beyond anything he had ever seen. Viktoriya banked toward the south and Forrest marveled at the experience.
The temperature for one was surprising. He could feel the heat from the dragon on lower portions of his body. At the same time he felt that the higher they went, the cooler it became. The wind also played a factor, but the way Viktoriya kept her neck up prevented it from striking him in the face directly.
"This is incredible!" Forrest shouted above said wind.
"Yes, yes, it is." Elaena replied.
For hours, Forrest did nothing but admire the view from on high. Time passed as they sped over Westeros and he could feel his body stiffen a bit.
"Will we make the trip in one go?"
"That is my plan, ser, but if you need relieve yourself, we can rest for a time."
"When will we arrive in King's Landing?"
"Well past nightfall."
Forrest opted to take a break a few hours later. It felt grand to stretch his legs and make water. Elaena handed him some strips of dried meat and he felt quite refreshed for the next leg of their journey. Once back into the skies, he realized something.
"Princess, did you fly non-stop to the Twins? Have you not had any rest?"
"I am used to flying for long hours. Do not worry, I shan't fall asleep while we are in the air."
Forrest laughed. He was impressed by her endurance. By his calculations she will have been flying for near 30 hours.
"Are all dragons this fast?"
"No. Only Meleys is faster, but I suspect an excursion like this would require the Red Queen to rest and gorge on food before being able to complete it. Viktoriya is quite talented at conserving her energy while still sailing through air at near her maximum swiftness."
Forrest was once more impressed. He couldn't wait to meet the rest of her family, and hopefully their dragons too!
***
Flying on a dragon had been utterly terrifying. It had been enough to almost call the whole bid for Elaena's hand off, but he would not lose out by being a craven. Once they soared high in the sky, it became less worrisome. Hamish had not understood why, only that his mind was more relaxed when he was over ten times as high as the tallest tower he had ever been on.
He recalled shakily dismounting from Viktoriya. From there, he was given a chance to freshen up, and then he was being introduced to the King. Viserys had been kind, even if Hamish felt as if he was being dismissed as a serious contender as a prospective groom for Elaena.
After their brief meeting, Elaena was gone, off to pick up another one of her suitors, and he was left with the princes, Aegon and Aemond.
"We hear you taught our sister Cyvasse. And she taught us. Care to see how well you compare to us?" Aemond asked him.
Hamish smiled, "Of course, my prince. I would be delighted to play."
The first match was against Aegon. Aegon started with a blistering attack. Hamish had to credit him for his boldness, especially with the use of his dragon. However, he lacked experience, and soon the attack faltered and the ensuing response from Hamish saw him defeated.
Aegon looked frustrated, and Hamish hoped he had made the right decision in going for the win. The prince mastered his features, and then gave him a nod.
"You play well, congratulations on your victory."
"Thank you. It is to be expected since I have been playing for years."
Aegon nodded and stood up, allowing Aemond to take his place.
The screen partitioning the two sides came up, and Hamish arrayed his pieces for defense. If the older brother had been that aggressive, the younger was surely even more hot-tempered. When both had completed their setup, the blind was removed and Hamish's eyes widened in surprise.
Aemond's setup was not aggressive at all. The King was not as well guarded as it could be, but his major pieces were concentrated in the center of his side.
Bait?
They began to exchange moves, and Aemond played with brutal pragmatism. When Hamish had been introduced to the game, it had been described as a simulacrum of war. Cyvasse could not incorporate variables such as morale and logistics, two things Hamish had read were absolutely critical for any commander to consider, but it could approximate tactics and strategy.
With that in mind, players often arrayed their pieces like an army marching and then fought on the board of Cyvasse that way. Not so with Aemond. He moved his elephant forward, knowing it was lost. And yet, by doing it, created an exchange of pieces that left Hamish down a rabble, a light horse, and both spearmen units. Whereas Aemond had lost an elephant and both of his rabble.
Hamish frowned. Another exchange took place, his position was advancing on Aemond's King, but Aemond continued to send out lone units that were well defended if Hamish moved to take those pieces. But he didn't need to take those pieces, and so he did not. Soon Aemond's pieces were scattered in odd directions, and could not easily assist against Hamish's assault on the King.
Play continued and Hamish moved his hand to pick up his dragon – and then paused. He saw in the nick of time just what Aemond was doing. They looked haphazardly placed, but they weren't. Aemond's pieces were perfectly aligned to counterattack, and do so faster than he could. Realizing the ploy, Hamish accepted a trade of Aemond's cavalry units and the threat passed.
Aemond shifted in his seat, a slight frown came upon his features. Without the mobility of the cavalry, his counterattack couldn't work. And when Hamish pushed forward, Aemond's King was lost after another series of moves.
"Well played, my prince. I almost didn't see your strategy."
"Again." Aemond demanded.
Hamish was weary. "Perhaps on the morrow?"
"No, we will play again now."
His brother intervened. "Don't be vexed with your loss Aemond." Aegon looked to Hamish, "My brother is only used to losing to Elaena."
"Elaena is quite good, she picked up the game with astonishing speed. Her attacks are brilliant. I look forward to playing more with her when she returns, but it would be good to rest for the moment. Matching wits with both of you has wearied me."
Aemond stiffly rose. "Fine then. But on the morrow, we play again."
Hamish bowed his head and left the brothers to retire to his room. He wasn't sure what Elaena had in store for all her chosen set of suitors, but he had been told he would be in King's Landing or Dragonstone for at least a month. He was curious if the other suitors knew Cyvasse, as that would be a way to showcase his ability. However if it came to contests of martial skill, he was likely the least suited of them. Either way, merely being a finalist will have brought honor to the Gulltown Arryns, and improve his own marriage prospects if this one fell through.
Elaena would be my preferred choice. With our two minds, what can't we accomplish?
***
Kevan was disquieted by the experience of flying. If he did wed Elaena, it would be something he would need to get used to. He had very nearly lost his breakfast, but had managed to keep it down. The view from on high was incredible, and the old saying about how Targaryens are closer to Gods than men made sense to him fully for the first time. How could arrogance not swell in the breast of a dragonrider?
He had spent little time with Elaena after the flight. She was off for a brief period of rest, and then intended to fly to the North. He was to be left on the island, a guest to the Lady of Dragonstone, the heir of the Seven Kingdoms, Rhaenyra Targaryen. Her beauty was more mature than Elaena's and she clearly weighed more than half again as much as her younger sister. Their hair was similar, as was their blemish-free skin. Their eyes were different; the purple of Rhaenyra's eyes was a fascinating hue, so much so that Kevan had to catch himself and refrain from staring at them.
He also met Baldric Selmy, the Lord of Harvest Hall, and his competition for Elaena's hand. Laenor Velaryon, the infamous Dark Storm spoken of in hushed whispers, was also there to greet him, and Kevan found himself rather surprised by the ruthless warrior's otherwise courtly bearing and relaxed poise.
What was I truly thinking? That he would be some ogre kept on a loose tether ready to maim and kill at a moment's notice? Laenor is nobility, his ruthlessness on the field of battle need not carry over into daily life.
Princess Rhaenyra had decided for a more intimate dinner, and Kevan found himself eating with her and her husband as well as Lord Harwin and Lady Lyra. Baldric was there as well, bringing the number to six at the large table they shared. The food was plentiful, and delicious.
Rhaenyra was eying Kevan and Baldric closely.
"Tell me, what attracted you to my sister?"
Baldric spoke up first. "I thought of my house and its nearness to Dorne. Having a dragon, one that looks so similar to Seasmoke, at least from a distance, will do much to keep my people safe."
Rhaenyra shook her head slightly. "Surely you are stirred by more than duty. My sister is growing into a stunning young woman."
Baldric froze for a moment, but then nodded. "Yes, of course, that went without saying so I did not mention it."
Harwin and Laenor both looked at each other and gave a chuckle.
Kevan thought that a good moment to join the conversation.
"It is the way she carries herself. She could be dressed in rags, but all would know her as royalty. She draws the eye, and when she speaks, you cannot help but be captivated. Beyond a picturesque face, her blue eyes are windows to a mind that is keener than any I have encountered."
Kevan felt pretty good about that, he had practiced that line once he knew he would be meeting Elaena's family.
Lyra Strong smiled at him. "Well spoken, ser!"
The Lady of Harrenhal's support was gratifying, but it was Rhaenyra whose support most likely mattered. And a flash of irritation had appeared and then disappeared from her face.
But why?
"Yes, perhaps pleasant words are a way to my sister's heart, or maybe not. In truth, my little sister has always been a mystery to me. She is as delicate as they come, but faces her fears even though they make her physically ill. I would think that she would want a man of valor at her side, what deeds have you each done to earn your knighthoods?"
Kevan found the notion that Elaena was delicate odd, for she seemed to possess a firmness of character and a confidence that was inherent. Had she been sickly as a child? He noticed too that Laenor's gaze had sharpened at Rhaenyra's question.
Naturally, talk of deeds would have stirred the Dark Storm.
Unfortunately, he did not have any.
"My Master-at-Arms was impressed with my skill. We had just held a tournament amongst our household knights and I had proven the victor. He knighted me on the spot."
That all was true… and he was not an incompetent, but he had been allowed to win. He would never be likely to win a tournament. He excelled much more in administrative tasks entrusted to him throughout his father's lands. Sadly, excellent stewardship of entire lordly holdings did not a valorous knight or wonderous tale make. And regardless, judging by his many conversations with Elaena during her stays at his home, she much more valued the complex 'competition' of economics, politics, and trade over anything as simplistic as a tournament.
Baldric replied more confidently. "I was on patrol as a squire to one of knights sworn to Harvest Hall. We were attacked by Dornish bandits. My ser was injured in the fall, but I managed to pull him to safety and kill two of the scum who tried to finish him off. Neither was good with the blade, but I was knighted all the same."
Rhaenyra looked at Baldric as she finished a handful of grapes.
"Well done ser, have you had further encounters since?"
"Aye, Your Grace. The Martells claim that it is not their men, but mere bandits, but I think not. They are ever a thorn in our side. What your husband did scared them off for a time, but like rodents to cheese, they always return."
"Perhaps we should send Laenor to Sunspear and set that to rights!" Harwin lifted a cup in toast to Laenor.
Kevan hesitated, but then spoke up. This was a topic he felt he could make an impression with.
"No, we should be looking to make a sustainable peace with Dorne. Butchery against Dorne did not work for Aegon the Conqueror, and please do not take offense, ser, but it will not work for you either."
Kevan couldn't quite decipher the unreadable look he was getting from Laenor.
Baldric turned to look at him. "Easy to say from the Westerlands. You do not know the Dornish like we do."
"Ultimately people, lowborn and highborn, act on their desires. Nobles may act out of pride, a sense of justice, religious fervor, their passions, and more. Find what Dorne wants, and come to a negotiated solution for there to be peace, a lasting one." Kevan replied.
Kevan saw Rhaenyra lick her lips, as she watched the conversation with interest.
"You have never fought them, nor have you fought men actively trying to kill you. I have no quarrel with you, but until you have done either, your words are wind on the matter."
Kevan had somewhat of a leg up over the other suitors. Elaena had stayed at Golden Tooth twice, once on her initial visit and then secondly upon her sudden departure from Casterly Rock. He had learned much about what drove the young woman. She believed that nearly all conflict could be solved if people simply behaved rationally, that it was just about creating conditions where conflict would not benefit.
Kevan shook his head sadly. "If that is your attitude, I have no doubt you will not be selected as Princess Elaena's husband. Like her father, she believes the crown should seek peace."
The table moved a bit, someone had knocked it with their leg. Kevan noticed Laenor staring at him. He suddenly felt very out of place, and some of his strength fled him.
"You are… so… mistaken." Laenor said in a strained voice.
Kevan was worried now on two fronts. One, he was supposed to be making a good impression, not vexing her good-brother! And second, perhaps more pressing, while Laenor had seemed courtly and even jovial, he had to remember this was the man who had massacred thousands. Gods, was the Dark Storm even now, with visible determination, attempting to restrain his murderous instincts?
The princess put her hand over Laenor's.
"It is all right, Laenor." Rhaenyra soothed.
"Laenor, Ser Kevan may even have the right of it. Just because what you did was necessary, doesn't mean our gentle Elaena would agree." Harwin added.
Laenor stood up swiftly and Kevan flinched. Even Baldric, who would clearly not be the subject of his ire, reacted and his hand grasped the hilt of his belt knife.
"Your pardon, but I need some air. I'll be taking Seasmoke for a fly."
Kevan could not place the emotion behind Laenor's voice, but he was thankful the oppressive air of danger departed with the Dark Storm's exit. All the same, the young lord could not help the twinge of fear that ran down his spine at those words. Lyra Strong also had a look of relief on her face.
"My apologies for any offense I may have caused." Kevan said after Laenor had departed.
Rhaenyra gestured with her hand, "'Tis not an issue. My husband is rarely bothered by words; do not worry, he is not one to hold a grudge. In truth, it is well that you have boldness in your convictions."
"Yet he is still wrong." Baldric commented. "The Dornish can only be brought to heel by strength. The attacks along the Marches were curtailed only after Ser Laenor reminded them how deadly a dragonrider can be."
They discussed the matter further. Kevan noticed that Rhaenyra was content with watching him and Baldric debate the merits of the use of dragons against Dorne. Harwin added his thoughts on occasion, and Lyra simply watched and picked at her food. He thought the merits of his argument were better, but his own lack of experience in the Marches put him on the backfoot.
Not the best first start, to say the least, but I'll be here for a couple of weeks, and then it is on to King's Landing. Time enough to mend relations with Laenor.
***
Alan was a bundle of nerves. The flight on dragonback had been an experience. The feeling of helplessness so high above the ground was not a pleasant one. He had confided in his grandfather about how unnerved it had made him. Alan had been told it would probably get better in time, and if not, it might not be a full impediment to the match.
The next task before him was to make a favorable impression on Elaena's family. That could be difficult given the politics involved. Lyman was staunchly in favor of Rhaenyra, and one would have to be blind to not see the two major factions within King's Landing. Which made things even more awkward when he received an invitation to have lunch with Queen Alicent and Princess Helaena.
Of course he couldn't refuse, and so he found himself in from of Ser Criston Cole. Cole was an experienced knight, a man nearing forty, but looked nary a day over thirty. He was considered the most dangerous man on the Kingsguard, and a potential future Lord Commander, as well as the Queen's sworn shield.
"Ser Criston, it is an honor."
The man held his gaze for several moments and then announced him to the Queen who invited him in. The room held a table already laden with food. The Queen was slender and dressed in green. She wore a necklace in the shape of a seven-pointed star. It was said that Queen Alicent was pious by nature.
The princess did not look much like Alicent. Her hair was the Targaryen coloring, and her features were less sharp. Her lilac eyes seemed unfocused, even when she greeted him.
"Ser Alan Beesbury. I have been looking forward to speaking with you."
"And I, you, princess." Alan turned to the Queen, "And you, Your Grace."
That had been made a bit awkward. Normally, he should have greeted the Queen first, but that would have meant ignoring Helaena's greeting. The Queen gestured for him to sit, and he did so. A serving maid came and offered him Arbor Gold or mead. He opted for the mead.
"I visited Honeyholt twice when I was girl. How fare your family lands?"
"They prosper, as does the realm. Your husband has built upon the foundation King Jaehaerys the Conciliator laid down. Trade expands, and the kingsroad has never been safer. I believe we have your brother to thank for that!"
Flattery could only help, right?
"Thank you. Ser Gwayne is dutiful, and the Waywardens have been thorough in defending the smallfolk and the crown's interests alike." Alicent replied.
Helaena was staring at him.
"Alan, are there different kinds of bees? Or are they all the same?" Helaena asked.
"There are different kinds. But in our family lands a particular kind is what we specialize in, the ones that make the sweetest honey."
"Do you get stung often?"
"No, I don't often work with the bees myself. They don't sting that often either, only when threatened."
"Can –"
Helaena wanted to continue questioning him, but her mother interjected.
"Helaena, stop asking silly questions. You can ask the Maester during your lessons if it interests you so much. We are here to get to know your sister's suitor."
"I don't mind answering her questions, Your Grace."
"No, you'll answer mine."
Alan nodded, ignoring the downcast look from the princess. She seemed younger than her age of two-and-ten, whereas her half-sister seemed older and more mature than someone just shy of turning six-and-ten.
"You are a knight, and therefore an ardent follower of the Seven. Is that so?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Do you attend holy services often?"
"I cannot claim to attend every seventh day. But I have never missed Feast Day of Our Father Above."
Alicent nodded. "The Father is just. Would you be faithful to your wife, or do you have a straying eye?"
That question caught Alan off guard. The faith of the Seven spoke of women violating marriage vows, but not men, save in the case of men knowingly laying with a married woman. Men had needs, and so long as it was not flaunted, it was something most women were expected to turn a blind eye to. Alan had visited brothels, though it wasn't something he indulged in overfrequently.
"Your Grace, your daughter is here with us, I do not feel comfortable speaking about such a thing."
Alicent blinked in surprise.
"A simple yes or no is quite sufficient."
"Ah, well, no I do not intend to stray."
"Do you have any natural born children?" Alicent asked.
He was astonished at the brazen questions the Queen was asking of him.
"No, Your Grace."
"What is your opinion of the baseborn? Can they be trusted?"
Alan tapped his foot nervously as he thought about the question.
"I believe any can receive the blessing of the Seven. Bastards are oft born with little, not even a name. I suspect that for some of them, this may mean they are more likely to grasp what isn't theirs. But I would not distrust simply for who their parents were."
Alicent was eyeing him. She thrust another pointed question in his direction.
"If my daughter were to birth a child not from your loins, what would you do?"
Alan's ears reddened. "Princess Elaena would never…"
"Of course she wouldn't. I am asking you to consider an impossibility, but I would hear your answer nonetheless."
"Well. I. Well, I would need to understand the circumstances. If some brute accosted her and forced himself upon her, it would be no fault of hers. If she slept with someone willingly… I would need to set her aside."
Alicent took a sip of her wine.
"So, you would not wish to have another man's child inherit Honeyholt?"
"No, Your Grace."
"If you are chosen by my daughter, you have the good fortune to never have to worry about such a thing. Elaena is dutiful, and would never stoop so low. I think you would agree that any woman who spat on the Seven by violating their vows is not fit to run a noble house."
"As you say, Your Grace."
Alan knew what she was getting at now, but could not believe the audacity to do so in such a blatant manner. In front of the Princess Helaena as well! It was somewhat of an open secret that Princess Rhaenyra had given birth to sons that were not Laenor's. To even suggest it to others was tantamount to treason.
Alicent let the silence build, seeing if he would say more. When he did not, she took a bite of the spiced heron and resumed her questioning.
"Have you an able steward in Honeyholt? I know your father passed some years ago, making you the heir. With your grandfather serving on the small council, and you here; I must wonder."
"Yes, we do. My grandfather has always had able stewards, and I scarcely have to do much other than handle disputes that may arise."
"If you wed my daughter, could you see yourself living in King's Landing for a time, even years?"
"That would depend on what Elaena would want. I would not be opposed."
"Good. Now…"
Alicent proceeded to ask several more questions. Though not blood-related, Alan could tell where Elaena had learned how to barrage someone with inquires!