10º Daeron
The marriage between Samantha Tarly and Lyonel Hightower shook society.
The entire Court could talk of nothing else for weeks, and House Hightower was not helping to make the scandal go away despite the best efforts of Queen Alicent and the Hand of the King.
Lord Hightower was furious and sent his men to King's Landing to get his son and his fiancée. Rumors also said that he had sent some very offensive ravens to his niece and brother for failing to protect his fiancée.
It was also said that Lord Hightower sent an allowance to his niece and brother, but that this was stopped with immediate effect due to the great anger that the Lord felt. So the Hand and the Queen were left with only their allowances from the Crown treasury, which were already meager because they wanted to set an example of their devotion to the Kingdom by lowering the allowances while receiving money from Old Town.
Everything got worse when they found Lady Samantha and Lord Lyonel in an inn two days' ride from the capital. A lunar cycle had passed since their escape and they found them consummating their union so loudly that no Septon would agree to annul it. And Lord Hightower tried. Lord Hightower showed up at the central Sept and demanded to speak with the High Septon to get the marriage of his son and Lady Samantha annulled.
Of course, the High Septon refused, given that the union had occurred in a Sept, was documented and very consummated. In addition, the Faith of the Seven did not believe in divorce.
This caused great tensions between House Hightower and the Faith of the Seven. Lord Hightower cited their long-standing friendship and all the donations he had given to the Faith over the years. Several Septons close to Lord Hightower researched the matter in the sacred texts. But in the end the church's stance was as expected. Lady Samantha and Lord Lyonel had united their lives following the customs of the faith and their union had been consummated, there was nothing more that could be done.
Lord Hightower in his anger decided to cut off donations to the Faith and the High Septon declared that Lord Hightower could not enter a Sept for seven years so that he would repent of questioning the Faith of the Seven
Then Lord Hightower tried to appeal to the Crown to annul the marriage. But King Viserys Targaryen, in one of his rare moments at Court, had blessed the marriage of the young people while citing his own grandparents and how they ran away to get married. With royal approval there was little Otto Hightower could do, which made his brother even angrier
Lord Hightower then became enraged once again because House Tarly demanded a bride price from the Hightowers. Lord Hightower claimed that he should not pay because Samantha had not married him. But the Tarlys claimed that in the engagement they had only promised to give the Hightowers a bride. At no point was it said that it was Samantha or that she should marry Lord Hightower
The truth is that this document had been so vaguely worded from the beginning because Lord Hightower had feared that Lady Samantha would not survive until the wedding date.
With so much pressure on him, Lord Hightower fainted and although he regained consciousness he could barely move from the bed with spasms and suffered from slurred speech. The Maesters said that they had seen this happen before and that there was no cure. That Lord Hightower would remain bedridden for the rest of his life
Lyonel Hightower and his new wife left for Oldtown where Lord Hightower was declared incapable of continuing his duties and Lyonel became Lord Hightower less than two days after arriving
He immediately resumed donations to the Faith of the Seven. But when his cousin and uncle asked for their allowances back, Lyonel refused
Lady Samantha had told him of the potential for a war on their hands and the fear she had of losing her husband. Also, Lyonel had seen the state of Aegon and knew that between another King who was like a rotting corpse and a Queen, the people would support the Queen.
So Lyonel cut off the allowances to his uncle and cousin, claiming that one already had a job and the other had to depend on the house she had married into. The Queen tried to say that she received some financial incentive for keeping a Prince with his dragon in Old Town to protect the port from pirates
And Lyonel Hightower decided to send Prince Daeron back to the Red Keep
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Haelyx had something to admire about Alicent, it was her ability to deny and pretend that everything was fine. For the first time in a long time, House Hightower was in the center of attention and not House Targaryen.
It was quite obvious that the Queen and the Hand of the King had lost a large part of their power with the breakup of the Hightower house. Lyonel knew perfectly well that his uncle wanted to manipulate him just as he had manipulated the King for years, and since he didn't want that to happen he had decided to get away before Otto had a chance. An extremely wise decision, in Haelyx's opinion
Edmyn had done well putting that thought into Lyonel's head. Edmyn was improving a lot with mental magic
For her part Haelyx had talked about how hard wars were and how many houses were left without their lords or heirs. Lady Samantha had listened attentively and had come to the conclusion that Haelyx wanted. After all, Haelyx had cited some cases of noble women whose husbands died and their husbands' relatives made them their lovers
If there was war, Lord Hightower would send his son to fight. And without Lyonel, who would protect Samantha from her father-in-law's advances? So Samantha would convince Lyonel to stay away from the war in order to keep him alive.
Their plans having gone well, the pair of conspirators toasted in the solitude of their chambers. After that, Haelyx came to the Queen's aid, as a kind help, to prepare for Prince Daeron's return home.
Well, Haelyx didn't think Daeron considered King's Landing his home. The Queen had sent her youngest son to Old Town before he was eight days old. Haelyx's memories of Daeron, who was younger than her, were vague and confused. Covered in the fog and glare typical of early childhood memories.
Of her cousin Daeron, Haelyx could only remember his wavy hair, his tendency to approach people to fart and then walk away because it amused him, and how he smiled when he managed to go to the weirwood tree. They were the memories of a child who still didn't know any better about the world. Of a child whom Haelyx loved like a little brother and whom she considered marrying one day.
Haelyx had a theory that if it weren't for Queen Alicent's ironclad guidance, the youngest of the Princes would have become a follower of the old gods. Perhaps that was why the Queen had sent Prince Daeron to Old Town, with the faith of the seven so close that they would breathe down his neck every day.
Also, if Haelyx's spies were true, and they were, Daeron was bisexual and was currently in a relationship with a young Maester. And according to the portrait they had sent Daeron had good taste. But that love would soon be extinguished, Daeron could not hide it from his mother's eyes and it would be better to end the relationship
-What do you think, Haelyx?
-My Queen, I think Prince Daeron would be thrilled with the new desk in his chamber. Although I don't think it needs much change, the Daeron I remember would like to see his childhood room again. – Haelyx smiled kindly watching as the Queen had about eight servants carry a gigantic desk, with dragon heads in the corners.
The room was immediately smaller because of that desk. Haelyx didn't say anything about the emerald green curtains the Queen had managed to sneak and place in the room so that her little Daeron wouldn't feel homesick for Old Town
Haelyx wondered if the Queen realized she hadn't mentioned Daeron until it was said that he would return. Even the Queen's ladies were uncomfortable with that, with the Queen treating her forgotten son as if he were the most beloved. From what Edmyn had found out Prince Daeron and Queen Alicent only exchanged a letter every two moons, nothing more.
The Queen was too busy with the capital to worry about her son in the care of her maternal family
But the Queen couldn't understand that either, she wasn't part of Old Town. As much as she was of the Hightower blood, Queen Alicent had been born and lived her entire life in King's Landing
It was ironic, the Queen defended the faith of the seven and the Hightower blood so strongly when she had been born and raised in a Targaryen home that prayed to the faith of the fourteen flames
Haelyx slipped through the halls with a quick and elegant step until she reached Aegon's room. The boy had lost his nose and part of his cheek, and was raving something under his breath, a little children's song. Syphilis and leprosy were remarkably similar at this stage, and Otto could only blame himself for what was happening to his King candidate.
The Septa who was looking after Aegon was accompanied by two burly guards.
- What are you doing here, Princess?
- I have come to see the state of my cousin Aegon. I knew he was very ill but I had no idea… – The septa closed the door behind her. – I will go and pray for my cousin, I hope that soon the stranger will free him from his suffering.
-Princess! Saying something like that is….!
-Obviously my cousin's mind is lost and with his body in that state I can only pray that he stops suffering and that his torment does not affect his children and his poor wife anymore. Poor Helaena, going through such a hard time in her life, with such small children….
Haelyx let her voice break and several tears rolled down her face. The Septa's expression went from fierce and indignant to kind and understanding.
The Septa assured Haelyx that the gods would do everything possible for Prince Aegon and sent her off. Haelyx had to put on these shows to be the beautiful, compassionate and kind Princess in everyone's mind. That afternoon Haelyx would go to the Sept to pray
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Tessarion was doing the lap of honor, slowly flying over the city.
-The Blue Queen is truly beautiful. – Edmyn held Iolanthe in his arms, who raised her arms looking at the blue dragon and trying to describe it with childish words mixed between the common tongue and Valyrian. At least Iolanthe was already using the common tongue. The most that was understood was “beautiful” and “big”, but progress was progress, no matter how small it was
Haelyx had Salazar and Helga in the stroller, but the two babies looked at the dragon in amazement as well and waved their small wooden dragons vigorously.
-He is a good rider. Very skilled at handling Tessarion. – “He is the only rider of the younger generation who has truly tested his dragon in battle, not counting us. We must be careful with this one.” Haelyx squeezed Edmyn's arm as she leaned against him
-I heard that he practiced at least four hours a day since he claimed Tessarion to achieve that level of control. – “We can take him on. You are right, though, my wife. Of the older generation, only Daemon and Rhaenys have tested their dragons in battle. But Daeron's appearance will change the balance of power. I did not expect him to be such a good rider." Edmyn took the cart after handing Haelyx to young Iolanthe.
-- So much fun and no games... Do you think he will look for a wife now that he has returned home? –- - - Edmyn looked at his wife. "Which noble family do you think will be most likely to claim him in their ranks, my dear husband?"
-- It is possible. The Queen may look among the noble ladies. There are many very remarkable ladies in the Red Keep who would make wonderful wives for Daeron. –- "The Baratheons, one of the four storms. The Queen desperately wants that fleet, it may be the only one that can face the Velaryons."
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Daeron was short for his age, sixteen days of the name, Aemond had carried all the genes for height on that side of the family, Edmyn commented when they were in private. But, apart from that, he could not be more different from his brothers. He was a good-natured and kind young man, funny and charming. He did not hesitate to throw himself on the ground to listen to the children and could easily hold an intelligent conversation
And, as strange as it was, he was a great connoisseur of art
-I'm serious, I went to Cuy only to observe the sculptures of the Lady of the Lake. It was fascinating how the sculptor could use the stone in such a beautiful way, it was almost like seeing sculpted clay but the material was solid stone. The current masters cannot compare to the skill of those of yesteryear
-I have heard that in Cuy the most beautiful tapestries of the conquest of the Andals are found. Is it true?
-They are only the oldest, not the most beautiful. It is true that the embroidery is excellent, but it has not been properly preserved and that has lowered its value terribly. The most beautiful, in my opinion, are in Highgarden. The colors are well preserved and the tapestries have been properly restored.
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Daeron looked at Haelyx calmly at dinner.
-Every time I see you again you are more beautiful, cousin
-Thank you, Daeron. But I think my daughters are more beautiful than me.
-They are both very beautiful, although I must say that with you as their mother it was to be expected. Without a doubt all the praise of your beauty that I heard was actually slander now that I can see you
-You have a silver tongue, cousin. Have you found any interesting ladies in Old Town to settle down with?
-I have no plans to settle down until Aemond is married. It would be rude to marry before my older brother, but I have a few names to value. Brother, do you not want to have your say on this? Don't you have any ladies in your sights?
Aemond suddenly seemed very interested in his plate.
-We are considering some ladies. Iolanthe, for example. – The Queen smiled and took over the conversation
-Iolanthe? But she is too young, Aemond will have to wait too long to marry. – Daeron complained. – You will not tell me in a serious way that you are planning Iolanthe for Aemond or me.
Daeron laughed until he realized that the table had fallen silent
-Have you really planned to marry either of us to a girl less than three days old, mother? I am thirteen years older than her, Aemond is seventeen years older.
-Haelyx married a man ten years older than her, I did not see her complain
Haelyx decided to keep quiet about the fact that she had not been given the opportunity to complain about her wedding or her fiancé. It was better to ignore that no one had paid attention to the eleven-year-old girl who trembled in terror in the Sept while the wedding ceremony was taking place. That way the Queen could feel better, but Haelyx did not forget, nor forgive
-And where is Aegon? Shouldn't he be here, welcoming me like everyone else?
Haelyx looked at the Queen, she had paled dramatically and was glancing at the nobles present. She had wanted to make the great welcome banquet, she had to deal with the consequences of not wanting it to be known that her eldest son was dying of syphilis. Most of the Court already knew this, but the Queen had never acknowledged it out loud, acknowledging it would be like saying that the candidate for King of the Greens was useless now and the next in line would be a great King, but they could not manipulate him.
-Aegon is in somewhat delicate health and is resting. – Helaena spoke in a soft voice. – That is why he cannot accompany us today. We hope he recovers very soon and can return to us
Haelyx could see that the intelligent Daeron was not fooled by that veiled lie from his older sister's lips
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Haelyx saw Daeron in the Sept the next morning. He was pale and almost trembling. Haelyx approached Daeron
-Cousin, you look exhausted from the trip. You should be resting, not in the Sept. – Haelyx took him by the arm and led him out of the Sept to the carriage. – We are going to have a light snack in my solar. I have managed to get some wine from Essos, it is white and sweet, the wines of the Kingdom are not like that.
-No…. – Daeron blinked and realized where they were. – I saw Aegon last night
-I assumed so. He is very ill, I think he contracted syphilis quite a while ago considering how he has progressed.
-Helaena….
-She is healthy. Either she doesn't have it or it's in a dormant phase, you know how this disease works. It either acts fast or it can take years to show its symptoms
-In Old Town they think Aegon is still as big, strong and drunk as ever. They think he's the candidate for King. – Daeron shuddered. – They're being lied to with false stories about my brother
Haelyx fell silent
-Do you know that the maids of the Red Keep always go in pairs? They're never alone
-No, I didn't know that
-They started doing that because of Aegon. He attacked and raped them so often that without anyone ordering them to do anything they started moving in groups and getting as far away from the drunk as they could. Helaena's and Queen Alicent's ladies-in-waiting have changed so often over the years because of that. They're no longer daughters of the great houses or the lesser houses, as they originally were and as they should be. They are now daughters of a second or third son, noble girls who would not care if they disappeared and joined the Septas or the Silent Sisters.
Daeron looked pale and greenish.
-Why didn't mother do anything to stop him? Mother is a faithful believer in the faith of the seven, why didn't she stop Aegon?
-Because she is a hypocrite. She forces others to follow her faith but she herself skips many of her commands if it benefits her what she gets by skipping them. You will soon learn to see it. You will learn, dear cousin, that the Red Keep is a nest of vipers and all are willing to bite each other.
-And why do you fight, cousin?
-For the survival of my family. Both the one I have created with Edmyn and the maternal one, and that does not include only the Blacks. It also includes you and your brothers, except Aegon. I am one of his victims, or would have been if my husband hadn't saved me from Aegon.