The Rise Of A Dragon - Chapter 4: The Princess And The Golden Twins

272 AC, King’s Landing

Aerea fidgeted in her seat as her mother’s ladies in waiting were styling her hair in the Queen’s bedchamber.

She was woken up early this morning to prepare for the anniversary of Aerys’ tenth year on the Iron Throne.

Nobles were coming from all over Westeros and beyond the Narrow Sea for the event, so it was important that Aerea and the rest of the royal family were the picture of perfection.

“You look beautiful, my darling. The loveliest princess in the entire continent.” Rhaella stated once Aerea’s hair had been placed into a half ponytail at the top of her head, her dark silver strands falling back in luscious waves.

“Thank you, mother.” Aerea replied.

“Now, all that is left is to put you in your dress.”

Just as Aerea stood up, the doors of the bedroom had swung open, and her father entered with Ser Barristan following behind him.

“Your Grace.” Rhaella and the other women and the room said as they bowed to the man.

“Good morrow, father.” Aerea said simply, her father was never angry when she greeted him without bowing or curtseying while meeting his eye.

Aerys smiled at his daughter, “Aerea, I have brought your outfit for the celebration.”

“Outfit? Aerea already has a dress that she will be wearing, husband.” Rhaella stated as she looked towards the small dress that one of her ladies was holding.

Aerys snorted, “She will not be wearing that. We need to show the strength of our house, of our heir and spare, our daughter will not be like all the other simple-minded women of the court. This is what she will be wearing.”

As Aerys finished talking of his stewards entered the room, revealing the black tunic, black trousers, new black boots, and a black doublet that had the red three headed dragon of House Targaryen in its center, in his arms.

“I had it made to match what I will be wearing.” Aerys said proudly. “I have also had one made for Rhaegar.”

Rhaella was about to eject, not thinking it proper for her daughter to be wearing men’s clothing to such an event, but was interrupted by said daughter. “Thank you, father. I will wear this proudly by your side.”

“I know you will, Aerea.” And with that, Aerys left the room as quickly as he had arrived, needing to ready himself for the celebrations.

“Sorry, mother. It is a really pretty dress, I can wear it to one of your tea parties, if you’d like?” Aerea said, quickly grabbing one of her mother’s hands.

Aerea had known that Rhaella was excited for the day, wanting to show off her and Rhaegar to the nobility that would be rushing into the city. She was there when Rhaella had commissioned the gown, making the red and black gown to be the inverse of the black and red dress she was currently wearing.

But she was also old enough to know that once her father made his mind up about something, there was nothing short of a miracle that would change it.

“Thank you my darling, but that is not necessary. Hopefully, you will not outgrow the dress by the time the next great party or ball is being held.” Rhaella said, but Aerea could still see the disappointment in her mother’s eyes.

Suddenly Aerea felt less excited about the parties, feast, and tourney that would soon occur in honor of Aerys.

~X~

“Relax, Cersei. Fidgeting in place will not get us to King’s Landing any sooner.” Joanna lightly scolded.

The mother and her children were currently sitting in a carriage that was on its way to the capital, the family was going to celebrate the anniversary of the King’s ascension with the rest of the court.

“But I can see King’s Landing from here, mother! We’re almost there and I’m bored!” Cersei whined, wanting to leave the carriage as soon as possible, the weeks on the road annoyed her to no end.

“Then you can wait just a bit longer.” Joanna responded.

Cersei pouted, ready to argue again only to feel a hand sliding on top of her own, stopping her in her tracks. Looking to the left, Cersei saw her twin brother staring back at her, a smile gracing his face, clearly assumed by his sister’s outburst.

Cersei tried to relax as she looked at the identical green eyes of her Jaime, ignoring the way their mother looked at their connected hands.

It had been a few moons since the twins were caught by a servant ‘experimenting’ with each other who reported this to the Lannister matriarch. Joanna had told them to never do anything like that again before ordering a guard to be placed outside Cersei’s bedchamber and moving Jaime’s bedchamber to the other side of the castle.

Since then, the twins had not been allowed to be alone with each other, and both Cersei and Jaime had kept to their mother’s words, afraid that the woman would tell their father like she had threatened. But now the restrictions were lessened as it would be seen as strange for two siblings to not be around each other, especially when in a foreign place.

Joanna had been right when she said the final stretch of their journey would not take much longer as the Lannister party had soon arrived at the gates of the Red Keep.

“Now remember, my lions; you are representing all of House Lannister during our stay here in the capital. So, your father and I are expecting you to remain on your best behavior.” Joanna said once the carriage had stopped.

“Yes, mother.” The twins said in unison.

“We will also be meeting with the King, the Queen, and their children, so how we present ourselves is of the upmost importance.” Joanna added as she brushed back a few strands of Jaime’s hair with her fingers.

Joanna took in her children’s appearance; both were dressed in the Lannister colors of red and gold, their golden hair had been properly washed and brushed back that morning. Her children were the epitome of Lannister excellence, the culmination of generations of strength, intelligence, and boundless ambition.

They are our family’s pride, and they shall be shown to all of Westeros as being just that. Joanna thought.

Soon the carriage door had opened, and Joanna led her children outside, the woman noticed that Genna, Tygett, and Gerion were standing a few feet away, waiting for them. Behind them were Genna’s husband, Emmon Frey, second son of Lord Walder Frey, and their son, Cleos Frey.

Kevan and his wife Dorna Swyft were the only members of the main family not to go to King’s Landing as Tywin had left his brother in charge of Casterly Rock in his absence.

The Lannisters then made their way into the Keep, their heads stayed straight even as other nobles and servants stopped to look at them. Eventually the group reached the doors to the Great Hall, entering as a herald announced their presence. “Presenting, Lady Joanna Lannister, wife to the Hand of the King and Lord of Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister, their children; their daughter, Lady Cersei Lannister, and their son and heir, Lord Jaime Lannister...”

The Lannisters proudly made their way across the hall and to the base of the Iron Throne, basking in the attention of crowd.

“Your Grace,” Joanna said as she curtseyed to the man atop the throne, “We are honored to be here to celebrate the anniversary of your ascension.”

Aerys sat on the Iron Throne as his family stood on the steps just below the chair, Rhaella and Aerea on his left and Rhaegar on his right as the small council stood on the lower stairs.

Aerys stared at the woman and the rest of the Lannisters below him blankly, the King had gotten bored waiting for and greeting the various nobles that had come to the Red Keep and had started drinking shortly after the celebration had begun.

The King took another swing of cup before responding, “It would seem the years have been hard on you since we last met, Joanna.”

“Pardon me, Your Grace. I do not believe I know what you mean.” Joanna blinked, wondering what the Targaryen was getting at.

Aerys lips soon curled up into a cruel and vindictive smirk, “Has nursing your children ruined your breasts, Joanna? I should hope not, they are, or I mean were, your best quality.”

The Great Hall became deathly silent as everyone took in what the King had just said publicly to his Hand’s wife. Seconds passed and a few sparse chuckles could be heard from the court, most were disgusted by the King’s lack of conduct and others remained quiet, but sent amused looks at Tywin and Joanna.

Tywin’s face became stony and impossible to read as he saw his oldest friend mocking his wife while still looking at her with lustful eyes. His siblings were unable to hide their emotions, openly glaring at Aerys, although the man was far too deep in his cups to notice.

Joanna maintained the smile on her face, but the few who knew her best were able to tell how strained and uncomfortable it was. The woman said nothing, curtseying once more to the King before leading the Lannisters to the other side of the hall.

The rest of the introductions had gone smoothly and quickly, but the embarrassment that the Lannisters had experienced was not soon forgotten, much to the amusement of Tywin’s rivals.

~X~

“Was father allowed to say that?” Aerea quietly asked her brother as they and their mother were making their way to the main garden of the Keep.

“Say what?” Rhaegar asked in return.

“That stuff about Lady Joanna’s... chest. I thought it was rude for a man to talk about the body of a woman that he isn’t married or related to?” Aerea clarified.

Rhaegar looked forward at Rhaella to ensure that she was not listening before replying, “It is, but our father is the King. It is often said that rules do not apply to Kings; they are able to do as they please and everyone else must stiffen their lips and comply.”

Aerea stayed quiet after this, thinking over what Rhaegar had just told her; in her mind it just gave those in charge free range to be needlessly cruel and to not take responsibility for their mistakes and faults. The princess loved her father, but she also could not deny that he often abused his position as King to do as he pleased, not caring for who he hurt in the process.

Before entering the garden, Rhaella turned around to address her children. “Now there will be many noble families out here today, so I want you two on your best behavior.”

Despite saying this to both of them, Rhaella’s eyes her focused on Aerea and not Rhaegar. The princess pouted when she noticed this, “Why are you looking at me? I’m not going to do anything!”

Rhaella raised an eyebrow, “So I will not hear about you stealing any desserts or getting your clothes dirty?”

“Yes, mother.” Aerea murmured, still offended by her mother’s opinion of her. She then glared at Rhaegar when she saw him smiling amusedly at her.

The three entered the garden, ignoring how many of the people there stopped what they were doing to stare at them, Ser Barristan and Ser Gwayne Gaunt walking by the royals’ sides kept the nobles from approaching.

The group made their way to a large table at the center of the garden, and the royals broke away from each other, Rhaella sat at the table, Rhaegar went to the nearby fountain, and Aerea went to the rows of tables that held all the food.

Aerea immediately grabbed a custard, biting into it as she turned around to watch the garden party occurring around her. Just as she finished her dessert and was about to grab another, Aerea noticed that she was no longer the only person standing by the table.

To her right, was a small boy, he was around her age with long curled golden blond hair, cat green eyes, a healthy tan to his skin, and he wore a red tunic with gold accents and maroon trousers.

Aerea could see the desire in his eyes as he looked at the plate of lemon cakes in front of him but making no move to take one for himself.

“You can take one, you know?” Aerea said, amused when the boy jumped at the sound of her voice, finding it even funnier as it was clear that he was so focused on the food that her own presence went unnoticed by him.

The boy turned, and Aerea realized he was Tywin and Joanna’s son, and he in turn realized she was the princess.

“I-uh. Won’t that be rude?” Jaime asked.

Aerea shrugged, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

And so, Jaime quickly grabbed two lemon cakes and shoved it in his mouth. He moaned loudly as the sugary taste hit his taste buds.

The Lannister jumped once more when he heard Aerea giggle, the princess watching him as he ate. “S-sorry, Your Grace.”

Aerea waved him off, “Don’t apologize for enjoying yourself. And do not call me ‘Your Grace.’ You can just call me Aerea.”

“And you can call me Jaime.” The boy replied, his nervousness leaving him when it became clear how nice the princess was.

“So, you have a twin? What’s that like?” Aerea asked, curious to know if the experience was different than having an older brother.

“Like having a best friend that’s always there!” Jaime answered, his smile growing at the thought of said twin.

“Where is she?”

“Over there.” Jaime said as he pointed in the direction of the fountain.

Both children saw that there was a small crowd of young ladies surrounding the fountain. After a few moments of having to strain her neck and jumping up and down, Aerea saw a glimpse of a girl who looked almost identical to Jaime.

Aerea also saw Rhaegar standing at the center, and it made sense why there was a crowd of girls standing there.

“I guess your sister has feelings for my brother?” Aerea asked rhetorically.

“She does, Prince Rhaegar is all she has been talking about for the last moon.” Jaime said sheepishly.

Tywin had told his family that a betrothal between Cersei and Rhaegar was all but assured and that he would ask Aerys in a few years. Cersei had been ecstatic when she was told that she would one day be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She was already imagining how her valiant and chivalrous prince would sweep her off her feet, giving her his heart, and her giving him beautiful silver-haired children.

“I'm sorry, Aerea. But I don’t think I’ll be able to get Cersei to come over here.” Jaime said softly.

“It’s fine.” Aerea replied, “I’m sure that I will be able to meet her later, since you all are staying till the end of the celebrations.”

In truth, Aerea did not care if she met Cersei or not as she was sure that she would not like her. The princess knew all too well the kind of girls and women that hung around her brother and they all looked at her as if her very presence disgusted them. They were all so vapid and obsessed with winning Rhaegar’s favor that she usually went unnoticed by them.

She did understand why, Rhaegar was the Crown Prince, their ticket to becoming the most powerful woman in the realm. Meanwhile she was just a princess, the kingdom's spare in case anything happened to their beloved prince.

But at the same time, Rhaella had told her children to be kind to the Lannister twins should they meet due to the friendship between her and Joanna. Aerea had decided that she would not ignore or be unkind to Cersei, but would not chase after her if it was clear that the girl had no interest in being friendly.

“Have you begun your martial training yet?” Aerea asked, wanting to know if she and the heir to Casterly Rock had anything in common, besides their love of sweets, having a sibling, and being the children of powerful men.

Jaime's eyes lit up at the mention of training, “Yes, I have! I started after my sixth name's day.”

A mischievous smirk crawled onto Aerea’s face, “Want to spar with each other?”

Jaime’s smile dimmed, “Are we allowed to do that? I don’t want to get in trouble with my parents and the King and Queen.”

“My father won't care and if your parents or my mother ask, we’ll just tell them that I forced you to if they get mad.” Aerea said nonchalantly.

“Are you sure?” Jaime asked again.

He had heard about Aerea first learning to use a sword when she was only four and was interested to see if she was as skilled as the rumors said she was, but was afraid of his parents, specifically Tywin’s reaction to not behaving properly.

“Absolutely sure. I want to spar with someone my age for once! Everyone else who is even close to me in age just lets me win because they’re afraid of my father. But you won’t do that, right?” Aerea complained, hating how no one would give her a challenge except for Barristan and even then, the Kingsguard obviously had to hold himself back.

“I'll fight with everything I’ve got!” Jaime exclaimed; fiery determination shined in his bright green eyes.

Aerea grinned, “Good.”

Aerea then grabbed Jaime’s arm and led him over to the fountain. It did not take long for the crowd of ladies to part, creating a path for the two children straight to the Crown Prince.

“Rhaegar, Jaime, and I are going to the front yard to spar. Can you tell mother if she asks?” Aerea said once she and Jaime were standing in front of her brother.

“Y-our G-race.” Jaime quickly said, bowing when Rhaegar’s purple eyes landed on his form, looking him up and down.

Rhaegar did not respond to the greeting, turning back to look at his sister. “I will tell her, but take one of the Kingsguard with you. You know that father does not like when we move around without protection, especially with the castle full like this.”

“Thanks, Rhae!” Aerea exclaimed, quickly running off to find a member of the Kingsguard.

As she moved away from the fountain, Aerea made eye contact with another pair of green eyes.

Despite the similarities she shared with Jaime, Aerea could see the differences between the twins as she stared at Cersei.

Her eyes more of an emerald-green than the dark green eyes of her brother, her hair was slightly curlier, and her body just a bit more slender.

Cersei Lannister also had a perplexed expression on her face, a cross between confusion and anger as she saw Aerea and Jaime together.

Aerea could do nothing but wonder just what she could have done to get Cersei to glare at her with a fire to rival that of a hundred suns as she passed by. But soon, all thought of the Lannister girl left her mind as she and Jaime found Ser Gwayne and the trio left the garden.

~X~

Rhaella smiled as she watched her daughter interacting with Jaime Lannister.

When she asked Rhaegar where his sister was after she noticed that Aerea was no longer in the garden and he told her where she went and who she was with, the Queen panicked and left to go find her daughter.

She knew how much her daughter had loved sparring and feared that Aerea would not be able to hold back against the younger boy and accidentally hurt him as she had only truly fought against knights of the Kingsguard.

When she reached the outer yard, Rhaella saw Aerea knock Jaime into the dirt with her training sword, but instead of crying out like she had expected, Jaime pushed himself to his feet with a laugh.

“Wow! You’re really good, Aerea.” Jaime said as he wiped the dirt off his clothes with his hands.

“I’m not but I'm getting better with Barristan and the others’ training.” Aerea replied.

“To have Barristan the Bold training; amazing.” Jaime said, the wonder in his voice was evident.

For the next few minutes, Rhaella stood in the shadows, watching as the two children continued sparring with each other.

It warmed her heart to see her daughter and the son of her oldest friend spending time with each other, to see a relationship blossoming between them.

“It appears that my son and your daughter have become fond of each other, Ella.” The Queen jumped, turning around, seeing her former lady in waiting standing behind her.

“Joanna, it is good to see you again, old friend.” Rhaella grinned, taking in her best friend for the first time in years.

The Lannister had grown and matured since she had last saw her, truly blossoming into a strikingly beautiful woman and mother.

“Have you greeted the Queen, Cersei?” Joanna asked and Rhaella became aware that the woman had not come by herself as her daughter was standing next to her.

“Greetings, Your Grace.” Cersei said as she curtsied to the Queen.

Rhaella smiled, “Your daughter is quite precious. I am sure she will grow to be just as beautiful as her mother.”

“You are too kind, Your Grace.” Joanna teased, knowing how much her friend hated when she referred to her by title.

Rhaella had to keep herself from actively rolling her eyes, knowing what her friend was doing. “I see you have not changed over the years.”

Joanna simply smiled as she moved to stand next to the Targaryen, Cersei followed and stood on the other side of her mother.

“You, Myria, and I had talked about our children being as close as we once were; It good to see that coming to pass.” Joanna said after a few minutes of silently watching Aerea and Jaime.

Rhaella was reminded of the childhood promise she, Joanna, and the ruling Princess of Dorne, Myria Martell, had made with each other. The trio had said that when all of them had children of their own, they would marry them to each other so that they would truly become a family.

“Is that something you would still want?” Rhaella asked.

Joanna thought about this and was not sure herself, when she was younger sharing grandchildren with Rhaella had warmed her heart, but now that dream would include sharing grandchildren with Aerys as well. But she was aware of Tywin’s desire to see Cersei married to Rhaegar; she saw this same desire in their daughter as the young girl finally met the prince.

Rhaegar, despite his immature age, was almost impossible to read, making it hard for the woman to discern his true personality, and the last thing Joanna would ever want would be marry her daughter off to someone that would not respect her, that would hurt her.

Joanna did not want Cersei to have a marriage like the one Rhaella had with Aerys, no matter if said marriage gave her the title of the most powerful woman in the realm.

Joanna maintained her composure even when she felt Cersei grip the side of her dress, no doubt wanting her to say yes. “Tywin and I have discussed it with each other.”

Rhaella’s smile grew softer, “Rhaegar and Cersei would make a handsome pair. I see no reason why Aerys would disagree if your husband asked him.”

He would disagree if you gave birth to a normal daughter in the next few years. Joanna thought, knowing that Aerys had desired a Valyrian bride for his heir.

It was the reason Tywin had wanted to wait a few years before asking Aerys for a betrothal, he wanted to be sure that if Rhaella did give birth to another daughter and that daughter lived, that Cersei would not suffer the embarrassment of a broken marriage pact.

There were many in the realm, including her husband, who desired that no such girl would ever be born so that their own daughters could one day be Queen of Westeros. But if a second daughter were born, the age difference between them and Rhaegar would have the prince waiting years before being able to try having children.

It was a terrible thing to wish for, but the machinations of men were often callous and fickle.

“Mother?” The trio turned and saw Aerea standing a few feet away.

“Mother! Cersei!” Jaime exclaimed as he happily ran to his mother and sister.

“Aerea, I thought I told you to behave yourself.” Rhaella scolded, but the smile on her lips betrayed her true feelings.

“I did mother, Jaime and I were just getting to know each other. And you never said anything about sparring.” Aerea replied cheekily.

“I will be sure to mention that next time.” Rhaella said dryly.

Aerea then turned to face Joanna, the young girl would have normally curtsied but since she was wearing pants, decided to reach out and hold the woman’s hand, laying a kiss on her knuckles, and giving her a small bow. “It is an honor to meet you, Lady Joanna. You are more beautiful than all the stories about you say.”

Both Rhaella and Joanna were surprised by the action; Joanna was amused, and Rhaella was wondering why her daughter was acting in such a manner.

“I am pleased to meet you as well, Princess Aerea. Your mother has told me many remarkable things about you in our letters.” Joanna said before facing the Queen, “What a charming little princess you have raised, Ella.”

“She is my pride and joy.” Rhaella said but inwardly started questioning if she needed to speak with her daughter’s Septa about adding more to her lessons on womanly etiquette.

“It is pleasing to meet you too, Lady Cersei.” Aerea said to the younger girl, repeating the same thing she did with the girl's mother.

“I-uh-I. It is an honor to meet you as well, Your Grace.” Cersei said as she pulled her hand back and curtsied to the princess, a blush staining her cheeks at Aerea’s actions.

Jaime snickered to himself, ignoring his sister’s heated gaze. It was not often that you would see Cersei Lannister embarrassed or unsure of what to do, so Jaime savored the rare moment.

“Good marrow, Your Grace.” Jaime quickly said to Rhaella when he saw his mother look at him sharply from the corner of her eye.

“It is good to meet you, Jaime. I hope my daughter was not too rough with you earlier, Aerea sometimes does not know her own strength.” Rhaella said gently.

If they were alone, Aerea would have cried out in outrage at her mother’s comment but held her tongue, crossing her arms and turning up her nose.

“No, Your Grace. It was fun, Aerea is really good at fighting.” Jaime reassured, hoping he could spar with Aerea again.

“It seems you enjoyed it a bit too much.” Joanna said as she wiped away a smear of dirt from her son's face with a finger.

Jaime looked down at the ground sheepishly, knowing that he was not supposed to dirty his outfit.

“The hour grows late, and my son will need to clean himself, so we must be going now.” Joanna said as she eyes took on an uncharacteristically shy gleam. “Can we meet some other time to catch up?”

Rhaella smiled brightly, “Of course. Come and find me when you wish.”

Aerea returned the wave that Jaime sent her way as she and her mother watched Joanna and the twins walk back inside the Keep.

“I see you have made a new friend.” Rhaella stated as she and her daughter began making their way into the castle.

“Jaime is fun to be with. Do you think we could write to each other when Jaime and his family return to Casterly Rock?” Aerea asked, hopeful that she could continue her friendship with the blond.

“Of course, I am sure that Jaime would like that as well. But don’t think you can just move past what happened earlier, why did you leave the tea party without telling me?” Rhaella asked, remembering the worry she felt when Rhaegar told her that Aerea had left with Jaime.

Aerea looked away sheepishly, “The party was boring, mother, and I wanted to test my skills with someone my age.”

Rhaella had accepted this answer and moved on to her next question, “And why did you kiss Lady Joanna and Cersei’s hands and bow to them? You know that is not ladylike behavior.”

“I know but I can’t curtsy as I'm not wearing a dress.” Aerea said gesturing to her trousers, “And it felt right.”

Rhaella only pressed a kiss against Aerea’s forehead in response, putting her arm around her shoulders and pulling her close.

“You’ve written to Lady Joanna about me?” Aerea asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

“Yes, Joanna and I have been exchanging letters to each other about our children for the past few years.” Rhaella replied, smiling as she thought about the correspondence between herself, Myria, and Joanna.

“Does this mean I'm your favorite?” Aerea asked impishly.

Rhaella raised an eyebrow, “My favorite? Aerea, I have no favorite, I love you and Rhaegar equally.”

“But you said that you write to Lady Joanna about me, so that would mean you love me more than Rhaegar.” Aerea stated, grinning at her mother.

Rhaella stared at her daughter blankly, “I have written to Joanna about you and Rhaegar.”

Aerea then patted her mother’s hand, “Do not worry mother, I won’t tell Rhaegar I’m your favorite. We do not want to hurt his feelings.”

Rhaella scoffed and pinched her daughter’s cheek, smiling when Aerea yelped. Aerea had pretended to pout, hiding her smile as she heard her mother’s melodic laughter.

Aerea felt warm inside knowing that she was able to make her mother laugh, treasuring the sound each time she heard it.

The princess had never seen her mother as happy as she was when speaking to Joanna, and now the young girl was hoping that the Queen would maintain this state of mind for as long as possible.