Medrick checked the blow from Baldric on his shield with a grimace. The lord from the Stormlands was strong. Though of even height, Baldric was built like an ox, and Medrick thought that a man that muscular should at least be slower for it, but that was not at all the case.
Keenly aware that both princesses Rhaenyra and Elaena were watching, he took a backstep then launched his own assault with the tourney sword upon Baldric. Baldric weathered the storm and the two fought in earnest, back and forth.
Medrick felt he had the edge on skill, his placement of blows was better, his use of spacing allowing him to make his movement more compact, efficient, and yet he was losing the bout. Skill, experience, and expertise mattered, but in the armored battles of Westeros strength and endurance were just as important.
If he was to win, he needed to trick his opponent into making a mistake. With a cry, he launched himself forward with an obvious overhanded attack. Baldric stepped into the attack and smashed the hilt of his blade forward toward Medrick's head. Medrick titled his head to the side and the bigger man brought the hilt down hard on his shoulder before Medrick could use his shield to push Baldric away. The layers of steel and the gambeson underneath prevented the blow from causing a broken bone or even more than light bruising, but the power of the strike collapsed his balance and Medrick found himself falling to the ground.
Medrick went with the blow, hit the ground, rolled away and brought up his blade in an upward slice that Baldric parried with ease. Baldric went on the offensive as Medrick tried every trick and battle tactic he could think of to try to prevent the onslaught. Unbalanced and backfooted as he was, he could not stop the inexorable advance and soon Baldric had him down.
"Well fought!" Joffrey Lonmouth called out and ensured that both fighters were not injured.
Baldric held out his hand, and Medrick took it and allowed himself to be helped to his feet.
"The reputation of the Marcher Lords is not misplaced." Medric complimented.
"My thanks."
Rhaenyra and Elaena were walking down the steps.
"A well fought victory! Lord Baldric you should leave the Stormlands more often and compete in the King's Landing tourneys. I would adore seeing you thrash Ser Criston."
Medrick frowned at that. Ser Criston was one of the finest knights in the realm. He routinely won victories and had served honorably as a member of the Kingsguard for years. Many thought he would be the next Lord Commander. Why would the princess have bitterness in her tone when she spoke of him?
"Thank you, Your Grace. I do not leave my demesne often. One never knows when the Dornish will strike."
"I was impressed by the both of you. Thank you for indulging my sister's desire to see you fight." Elaena said.
"Fret not Ser Medrick, and celebrate not too soon Lord Baldric, my sister has a whole list of attributes she is assessing. But still, a victory is worth celebrating. Baldric, would you care for a boon? A favor? Nothing grand, but something suitable to celebrate your victory.
Baldric wiped the sweat from his brow and paused before answering. Medrick wondered what he would have chosen if he had won. Perhaps a private sparring lesson with the Dark Storm? Perhaps a weapon made here on Dragonstone with the three headed symbol of House Targaryen? He wasn't sure what would go over better, and of course it didn't matter since he had lost, he thought with some bitterness.
"I know little of Old Valyria beyond common stories. I would count it a blessing if there was a scroll or book from when that ancient and grand realm existed."
Medrick nodded; his appraisal of Lord Selmy being raised a notch. Rhaenyra had given a laugh.
"Oh, you are well suited for Elaena!"
Medrick felt his chance slipping through his fingers. He wasn't sure how he could arrest this development. But he would need to do something to impress Elaena's family here before the second half of this… process would continue in King's Landing. Medrick also couldn't help but wonder if he would meet the other suitors at some point. He knew their names, but was blind as to how they stacked up against him.
There is still time, I must stay steady and not appear desperate.
***
Forrest was not fond of King's Landing itself. The day before, he had gone into the city, and beyond the Red Keep the smells of the squalor had grown overpowering. The stench of so many people with inadequate means of removing waste from the city had made him long for the Riverlands. He did enjoy seeing the sights, and the Red Keep used various means of freshening the air to a pleasant level. With perfumes to floral arrangements, it was quite tolerable.
This morning, he was to break his fast with the King and Queen, as well as Princess Rhaenys. It was an opportunity to meet with some of the most powerful individuals in Westeros. He was ushered into the room by the Kingsguard, and he bowed to the King and Queen.
"Your Grace, Your Grace, Princess Rhaenys, thank you for inviting me."
Viserys stood and gestured to one of the chairs opposite his family. "Come, come, no need for formality. This is not court. Be yourself. I would like to know you better."
Forrest nodded and took a seat. A servant promptly delivered a plate of eggs and sausage. The Queen and Rhaenys were studying him like hawks, while Viserys was much more casual and utterly at ease.
"Ser Forrest Frey, your house has risen quite swiftly over the years. What do you attribute its success to?" asked Alicent, the Queen, and the daughter of House Hightower.
Forrest knew the prejudice his house faced for the fact that House Frey had only been ennobled going back a bit more than four centuries. That was paltry compared to nobles who could trace their lineage for thousands of years.
"My forefathers made wise decisions, provided leal service, and made advantageous marriage pacts." Forrest said with a grin. "You see, it is a family tradition to marry our betters, one I hope to continue."
Rhaenys laughed. "A saucy tongue, I think I might like you, ser."
Alicent sniffed. "Elaena is a paragon of decorum. It would be wise for you to avoid being too loose with how you phrase things, lest you offend her."
Forrest could not but be himself.
"I thank you for your wise counsel, Your Grace, but I cannot be, but as I am. Nor would I wish to woo your daughter under false pretenses. I do not seek to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, least of all her."
Viserys clapped his hands. "Well spoken! That's the kind of lad I wish for my daughter."
Forrest allowed himself to smile. Two out of three was a win.
"The Twins are quite near the North." Alicent spoke up again. "How do you deal with those who follow the so-called Old Gods?"
"Pardon, Your Grace, but we don't ask merchants their beliefs when we trade. We also do not get much custom from the North. Some, yes, but since we are not coastal, we are somewhat bypassed by White Harbor. The Neck has the kingsroad flowing through it, but even so, the swamps and bogs do not make for pleasant travel, and it narrows dangerously when it rains."
Viserys was next to ask questions. He asked about Forrest's childhood. How he was knighted. How his family was doing. It was the gentlest of interrogations, save for when Alicent took the reins and sharply asked about one thing or another.
The meal was soon complete, and Forrest turned to Rhaenys. "Lady Rhaenys, I understand you flew Lord Baldric to Dragonstone?"
"Yes."
"Might I beg a favor from you? I do not need to be taken away from King's Landing, but it would be a greater honor to ride with you on the Red Queen. Princess Elaena stated your dragon was even faster than hers, and I would dearly love to experience it!"
Viserys gave another laugh and muttered 'bold' not quite softly enough to not be heard.
Rhaenys looked both annoyed and proud. "Meleys is not a vessel for individuals to book passage… and yet if you have the courage to ask, the next time I take her flying you are welcome to ride with me."
"You have my most profound thanks, my lady!"
"I had best be about my day." Viserys stated, "What are your plans Ser Forrest?"
"Princess Elaena will be returning to King's Landing sometime today, and I will be dining with her, Hamish Arryn, and Ser Alan Beesbury. I am told she is looking forward to discussing matters of state with us, and how we feel about certain topics."
"A marvelous idea, my daughter is keen on the realm's management. Did you know she and my Hand regularly meet together to discuss these sorts of things? My daughter will have a small council seat one day, mark my words!"
Forrest saw a quick frown on the face of Rhaenys, but it disappeared so quickly he wondered if he imagined it. Political matters were filled with snares and hidden dangers. Forrest felt he was somewhat at a disadvantage compared to Ser Alan since the Beesbury's grandfather was on the small council. Forrest rose and bowed to the royals and then went to speak with Larys Strong. The Master of Whisperers was a noble from the Riverlands, and it seemed like it would be wise to become more acquainted with what factions and causes were an issue in the city before the dinner.
***
Hamish glanced at the other two suitors as they arrived for the private dinner with Princess Elaena. Alan Beesbury was slightly taller than he was, and given their age disparity, Hamish would likely overtake him sometime in early adulthood. Alan was compact and wiry, but not by any means weak. His grip was strong, and he moved with confidence, save for his eyes, which often darted about. Hamish knew Alan's grandfather was close with the princess, making him one of the favored candidates in Hamish's estimation.
Forrest was taller and broader of shoulder. He wasn't as muscular as Ser Garland Grafton, but he was without a doubt a strong man. Normally, Hamish would have thought Ser Forrest's chances were behind Beesbury due to both the personal relation of Alan Beesbury, and that the Beesbury's was a more prominent line of nobility. Princess Elaena was not like most princesses. Already, Hamish was understanding that her unusual views, methods, and means, while not fully inscrutable, were opaquer than most.
Mutual greetings were exchanged, and Elaena walked in. As per her usual, not a strand of hair was out of place. Only when she flew her dragon did her hair grow wild and ruffled.
"Please, there is no need for formality here. Once the serving staff bring in the food, they will leave us to our privacy. I am most looking forward to seeing how this conversation progresses. While it is obvious this is part of my tests to see who will be the most advantageous partner, I will view dishonesty as quite the black mark."
Forrest nodded. "Of course! It would be foolish to try to gain advantage through underhanded means, any marriage should be built on a foundation of absolute trust."
Elaena tilted her head. "For the most part, yes, but everyone keeps some secrets. Either those they have been sworn to, or the most private of matters, but falsehood and deceit are verboten."
The serving staff came in and heaped large platters of various meats, breads, cheeses, and fruit.
One of the servants bowed and said, "Princess Elaena, should you need anything more simply ring the bell and we will come running. Your guard will be outside the door."
"Thank you Artos, I am sure the meal will be splendid."
Hamish made a mental note that Elaena knew the servants by name. Hamish did the same back in Gulltown, less for politeness and respect, and more because those sorts of folk were often the eyes and ears for someone. Knowing what was said to whom made it easy to ferret out likely moles. It was something that most nobles did not do, outside of the occasional favored family servant.
Elaena took a bite of the duck and then addressed the three suitors at the table.
"Today, I'd like to discuss not how the realm functions as it is, but what an alternative government would look like. This exercise is about a hypothetical, what if we did not have a royal family. What if we did not have nobility? What would be the ideal way to organize ourselves?"
Forrest Frey and Alan Beesbury looked at each other questioningly as Hamish gave it some thought. Not just the question, but what the purpose was for asking it. As Hamish thought he realized the silence was becoming telling, and he thought it might be best to show some boldness.
"Without nobility or royalty, society would want to create nobles based on achievement. Those who fought well, those who could manage well, though who could navigate well. Those would become the new nobles and create noble families."
"And who decides?" Elaena asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I suppose it would become self-evident, and if there are heated rivalries it would likely come to battle." Hamish responded, but without much confidence.
Alan added his thoughts. "It would have to come to conflict. Why would one would man be content to let another rule without the cause of birth to justify it?"
"You are now arguing about how our current system would come about again if our system disappeared, my question to you was what would be a better means of governance all together?" Elaena gently chided while helping herself to some of the pudding.
Forrest furrowed his brow. "Do you mean instead of a King and nobles; we would be governed just by a King – or Queen? One with absolute authority and the lineage of his followers matters not?"
"That is one possibility." Elaena nodded. "But I would encourage everyone to think even more differently."
Hamish didn't want to fumble about, so he remained quiet as Forrest and Alan continued the conversation.
"The princess is right," Alan began. "What would be a widely different form of rulership? Without lineage, why not age? The oldest rules. Or instead there could be a system or rotational leadership. Perhaps even rule by those chosen by the Gods through some religious test. Trial by Combat before the Seven." Alan's voice grew mirthful, "Or perhaps like those strange folks on Pyke who let themselves be drowned, the longest under the waves who survives gets to rule!"
Forrest laughed heartily, while Hamish gave a polite chuckle.
"Which would you see as beneficial of those you listed, ser?" Elaena asked.
Alan waved. "None seem ideal, but I could see wisdom in respecting age as a determining factor over religious tests."
Forrest and Alan came up with other ideas, such as the ruler should be the one with the largest dragon, or even drawing lots. Hamish thought back to Elaena's original question. 'What would be the ideal way to organize ourselves?' Given her obvious Targaryen heritage, he thought he found what she may be looking for.
Hamish cleared his throat. "Families and groups of families should organize themselves as they see fit, preferably based on those who can rule effectively. Be that due to their martial acumen, administration, war strategies, or religious piety, is ultimately up to them. The gathering of families in a town or city should then speak with one voice. The selected leader then speaks on their behalf. The kingdom can then organize itself by each grouping of individuals having their selected leader give voice. When most of the selected leaders agree on something, that will be the law of the land. Such was it in Old Valyria, and were it not for the Doom, it would be the dominant form of governance. If we did not have our current system, that would be the next best."
Hamish saw Alan immediately look to Elaena for a reaction, but she gave nothing away. Forrest however was frowning, and spoke forcefully.
"I don't think that works. It may have worked with hundreds of dragons, but that sort of system seems quite chaotic. A man must follow ideals and virtues that he agrees with. He can swear oaths and be duty bound to follow another will than his own, but to be beholden to the swaying natures of a political body is more difficult. There would be constant rebellion."
"I don't see the difference. Are you suggesting if the King did something untoward you would not rebel, but if a selected group of leaders backed a cause you found untoward, you would rebel? Why? What distinction do you make?"
"It is different. When you follow a King, or Queen," he quickly added, "you put trust and faith into the person. They will rule and sometimes rule against you, but there is a solemn and honorable task before the knights and lords of the realm to adhere to the King's policies. A body of leaders from different regions will just vote upon their own self-interest. Why should the rest of the realm care about the Wall? Or the starvation of the North during winter? A King would care, because it is all their realm."
Elaena was looking at Forrest with interest now.
"Your thoughts on the matter are forceful, is this something you have considered before?"
Forrest looked a bit chagrined. "Ah, well, not as such, Elaena. I simply do not think such a system could ever appeal to us. Perhaps if we were born under it, it would be tolerable, but a sole ruler is simply better. If we did not have nobles or a royal family, then it will be the right of conquest and the goal to re-establish the rule by one person."
Hamish frowned. "And if the one who is well equipped to conquer is also someone who is a terrible ruler?"
"The realm endures it, for after their reign at least there will be stability." Forrest replied firmly.
"And should the conqueror demand we give up the Faith of the Seven and worship the Drowned God?" Elaena asked.
Forrest flushed a bit. "There are actions that even a King cannot take without full scale rebellion. That would be one." The Frey heir hesitated and then pressed on. "And what if this council of leaders demanded the same?"
"But would they?" Hamish asked. "They are beholden to the people of each of their communities. Whereas a King is not." Hamish froze. Had he just rationalized his way to supporting his idea not just as hypothetical, but as a better system than Targaryen rule?
"A fair point," Elaena complimented. "Alan, what say you? Do you see Hamish's idea as having merit, or do you agree more with Ser Forrest?"
Alan drank from his cup before replying.
"I see both having virtue. It does seem to me that in either sort of system, there should be some safeguards in place. We know from Essos how damaging rebellions and civil wars can be."
"Safeguards? But why would any régime willingly reduce their own power?" Forrest rebutted. "The threat of war is what keeps a King from going too far."
"And it would keep a council or leaders from going too far, as well." Hamish said defending his idea, a bit of heat entering his voice.
Alan raised his hands for calm. "We are all friends, rivals yes, but friends. Let us not turn the discussion to acrimony."
Elaena smiled at them all. "This is precisely the sort of conversation I hoped to have. Mind your passions, but I do wish for you to continue."
Hamish found himself enjoying the point and counter-point. It was in some ways similar to Cyvasse. Forrest was somewhat easily led to rhetorical traps, but winning a point did not sway him. He was firmly opposed to the idea of a council ruling by a vote between them. Alan was cautious and more of a peacekeeper, and though he frequently offered questions that revealed weaknesses in an argument he did not truly push through his own vision. It was an entertaining and enlightening evening. His only regret was that he had no idea how their performance was viewed by Elaena, who gave little away.
***
Kevan had been trounced in the yard by both Baldric and Medrick, as he had expected. Both fellow knights were exceptional fighters, whereas he was decidedly mediocre. It influenced the way Rhaenyra viewed him in comparison but he didn't think Elaena cared as much. Even though the good will of her family was important to the princess, it was ultimately her decision.
Kevan did find it odd how Princess Rhaenyra didn't quite seem to have an accurate reflection of Princess Elaena. Rhaenyra gave the impression that Elaena was a tender flower who needed a steadfast protector and a resilient partner so that she could be allowed to flourish properly. Kevan was curious as to how that particular misunderstanding could have come about but courtesy and decorum prevented him from having a truly blunt conversation with the heir to the Seven Kingdoms about it.
Laenor continued to be a mystery to him. He rarely spoke of Elaena at all, oft changing the subject to something else. It was odd but again he didn't question Laenor, not after the discussion about Dorne. Today, he would be meeting someone new. Lady Laena Velaryon had come from Driftmark to meet the suitors as well.
"Lady Laena, you look lovely, and I have heard you are with child. My congratulations to you and Prince Daemon."
"Thank you, ser. The talk of Elaena's upcoming marriage has Spicetown all abuzz. I just had to see who the likely candidates are. Did you know that some of the smallfolk are making wagers on who will win her hand?"
Kevan wasn't sure he wanted to know what his odds were in comparison! What a strange subject to gamble on. The smallfolk would have even less information than the nobility, and even the nobles would have a hard time deciphering Elaena's intent based on her actions so far.
"How intriguing. Are you participating?" Kevan inquired with a lilt to his voice, wearing a somewhat bemused smile.
"No," a slight but genuine smile tugged at the corner of her lips, "while amusing, I think my niece's marriage should be taken with some seriousness. She has put an awful lot of thought and intention to choosing the right partner." She paused with a somewhat wry shake of her head, "It is the opposite of how I would go about doing things, but it is her choice."
"Speaking of how you would go about doing things, is your husband still in the Stepstones?"
For now, he may try to come visit the suitors before you return to your homes, but there were tasks that needed doing. And since I am with child, his long-held desire for another son would not be impacted by his travels."
Kevan nodded. In a way, that was good. Daemon was no friend to the Westerlands.
"So, what do you wish to know about me?" Kevan asked.
"I want to get the measure of you. The Lannisters gave quite the insult to Elaena, why is it that you still pursue her, when your overlord seems uninterested in a Targaryen match?"
"Our house has sworn fealty to the Lannisters, but also to the King. When it is in conflict, what should a house do? From my view, one sides with the greater power. If I wed Princess Elaena, I need not fear Lannisters becoming a nuisance."
"Ah, then this is a way for Golden Tooth to be independent."
"Not as such, no. I have no wish to quarrel with the rest of the Westerlands. I am merely explaining I do not view Lannister objection to the match to be an impediment."
Laena was nodding. "Well reasoned, ser. Onto a more delicate matter, what do you think of the King's decision to make Rhaenyra his heir over Daemon, and the decision to keep her as heir after Aegon's birth?"
A bold question. Kevan had thought of it, though he did not expect it to be put so directly.
"I mean no disrespect to Prince Daemon, but as I hear it, the King and his brother quarreled. As Daemon was the heir for many a year before being replaced, I can only assume Viserys had strong reason to." When Laena did not voice an objection, he continued. "Once warmed to the idea of a female successor, I imagine the King thought it only right to keep it that way, his eldest inheriting after him, regardless of sex. I do not object to the idea of being led by a Queen instead of a King. It will cause some unease and concern among some of the nobility, but so long as the dragonriders are there to enforce Rhaenyra's will, there can be no rebellion."
"Do as I say or be burned, is that what you think Rhaenyra will have to do?"
"Nothing so crass, an implication delivered with a velvet glove will do the trick. Many lords view counting coppers as beneath them, I am not one of them, mind you – yet all can count dragons. Rhaenyra has your mother's family on her side. Vhagar, Caraxes, Meleys, Syrax, Seasmoke, and what is it now, half a dozen young dragons between your children and Rhaenyra's?"
"And if Aegon wishes to pursue his claim? Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, Vermithor, and Tessarion could be a threat.
Kevan shook his head. "I do not think it would come to that. It would require kinslaying." He laughed. "I do not think the young princes would wish to take up arms against your brother! For that matter, could you imagine Jason Lannister objecting to Rhaenyra becoming Queen. All she would need to do is have Laenor fly over Casterly Rock and all is resolved."
Laena laughed. "A point well taken. I must admit I oft forget the fearsome reputation my brother has earned. It is hard to reconcile the 'Dark Storm' and the boy I used to throw mud at."
"We were all young once."
"Hmm, I wonder on that too. Rhaenyra thinks that her sister was never carefree, always so studious. Tell me good ser, what would you do to make sure Elaena takes time to relax and just live?"
Kevan spoke of the sights they could see in the Westerlands, of how important it was to have a good castellan to run things while the lord and lady of the estate could relax. Of how he enjoyed singers and would make sure the finest would be brought around to regale them.
When Laena left, Kevan felt he had made a good impression. Likely a better one than the two stern competitors he had, at least with Laena.