(Rhaegon's POV)
"Quite exhausting, isn't it?" Lady Olenna said as we sat in table next to a window in one of Highgarden's towers, "To fly around your dragon and having to sit through boring proposals by many lords and ladies who offer their daughters to you."
I leaned back on the seat, "Hm." I said simply
It was a few days after Summerhall, I had flown to Highgarden where House Tyrell expected me. After a whole afternoon of many maidens being presented before me, the Lady Olenna had decided to visit me in my chambers and have a little word.
From the tower, I had a direct view of where Morghul lay, off into the distance away from the castle. He was sleeping peacefully, the massive figure of my black dragon was more than visible from here.
"Margeary would be a splendid wife to you, no doubt." Lady Olenna said, "But I must admit all the other girls are sure beautiful so I won't put you at fault if you choose any of the others."
"If your grandaughter is anything like you, My Lady, I expect her to be firm and fierce when it comes to her potential new power." I looked at her and gestured to window, "Him."
She chuckled, "Not everyone wants you for your dragon." She said
"Everyone wants me for my dragon." I told her
She leaned back and smiled, "I heard you ventured to Essos." She said, "To the Dothraki Sea. How was it?"
"A bit hot." I said
"Did you meet any beauties? Lay with some women?" She asked, "Was it your Dragon that seduced them? Or was it you?"
I crossed my arms, "Believe it or not, there were some Yitish women that got my attention." I said
"Ah." She said, "There you go."
I looked at her, "But we're not in Essos, are we?" I said, "Everyone here will do everything in their power to gain my favor."
"Not us." She said, "We have a Dragon's favor after all."
"My Uncle." I said, "Prince Viserys."
"He fell for Lord Redwyne's daughter, but alas, we got his favor." She said
"It wouldn't hurt to get more than one." I said
"Like it wouldn't hurt to gave more than one woman." She told me, "Prince Oberyn offered you three of his daughters, quite the daring proposal."
"Everyone seems to want me to take that deal," I told her
"Allying yourself with Dorne through taking some Paramours is a godsend. Only a fool will refuse that offer. Are you a fool, Ser Rhaegon?" She said as she drank from her cup of wine, "If you accept them as your little mistresses, my House will allow you to have Margeary as a wife. Think about it, you'll have the Reach behind you. Your Male Heirs will inherit both Storm's End and Highgarden. My Grandson Loras is eyeing a place in the Kingsguard and well.....I know he doesn't fancy women."
I looked at her, "And my Uncle?"
"Viserys would not mind." She told me, "This is a good way to bring you two together. He loves his wife, she would convince him that your influence here is not a threat. Besides, he is Heir to the Iron Throne, he will have power over the Realm anyways."
"The Reach, The Stormlands, and Dorne." She said, "The South at your disposal in the matter of a simple decision. My Margeary is a beautiful woman who will produce beautiful children. And when you don't feel like bedding her, you can have your little Dornish girls and spend the night with them. Not only that, they're quite good at fighting. What more do you want?"
I've heard from my Mother that Lady Olenna was the only woman in the 7 Kingdoms to speak to Tywin Lannister like he owes her money. She even speaks to my Uncle, the King, with a tone many would deem disrespectful.
But she only speaks her mind, that is all. An honest mouth among a crowd of lickspittles. This is why I don't mind hearing her out.
Mother's eyes have been blinded by her dreams. Father cares not for what I want and only wants his succession to be cemented. I need the input of others.
If I can have Uncle Rhaegar tell me what he thinks of this.
"In exchange for what?" I asked
"Your seed." She said with a smile and chuckle, "I am no idiot. Everyone looks at that beast, wanting it instead of the most valuable asset, You. Your blood is Targaryen, if Margeary's children have it, they can claim dragons of their own, can they not? Or is that not how it works?"
I nodded, "It is."
"That is all we ask." She said, "But of course, if you don't accept, it is fine. Margeary will be allowed to choose her own husband. There are other ways to acquire power. I have offered her to Renly but he refused."
"You should know why." I said as I sighed, "It is a tempting offer, my Lady.....I don't know how to answer."
"Oh please." She said, "You're young, the burden of the Realm rests on your shoulders. Everyone knows you're Rhaegar's favorite. If something were to happen to both him and Viserys, you'll be in charge."
I raised an eyebrow, "Again, everyone mentions that." I said, "Is there something you are not telling me?"
"No." She said, "I am merely telling the truth. Rhaegar has no sons and neither does Viserys. I have heard unsettling rumors about his lady-wife. I rather not say, the poor girl. And you are the only one that can cement that line. But alas, King Rhaegar has good health and so does Viserys, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Hm." I said
"So tell me." She said with a clap of her hands, "These Yitish women in Essos. Did you bed them?"
I looked away, "Uhm..." I said, "I rather not say."
"Oh come on." She said, "Everyone knows the kind of man your father was. I would not be surprised if you are the same."
"I'm not." I said, "Not in that manner. But I do go and enjoy myself. Not too much. Putting myself vulnerable as-"
"A Dragonrider, blah blah blah." She said with a chuckle, "Don't let that paranoia get in between your joys, Rhaegon. You're young! Enjoy yourself at your leisure."
"Everyone has a right to do so."