It was an embarrassment.
A move orchestrated by Otto Hightower himself, she knew. Every fiber of her being protested at the disrespect being shown to Princess Rhaenyra and her kin. But she had no choice but to play her part in such a charade.
Harlys, and Harlys herself, was sent to receive Princess Rhaenyra and her retinue. And she was late.
"Your highness," Harlys called as she shouldered open the doors to the front of the Red Keep to find Rhaenyra and Daemon currently waiting while Jacaerys and Lucerys exited their carriage behind them. The three youngest of their brood stood nearby with their nursemaids. "My apologies; I had only just received word of your arrival."
Which was the truth. The queen's handmaiden Talya had given her only a moment's notice to prepare for greeting the heir to the Iron Throne.
"Lady Harlys, I presume." Daemon spoke stonily as he examined the colors of the dress she wore. Harlys straightened her spine, knowing that the prince knew well enough the stunt Otto was playing by sending Harlys, rumored aunt to the princess' first three children. The only reaction she gave was the decline of her chin in a confirming nod, her arms folded primly behind her back.
"And where is the rest of the court?" Rhaenyra called as she began ascending the steps to the Keep, her sons close in tow. Harlys refused to look at them; she knew the walls had eyes and all of them were turned to this reception.
"It is my understanding that the queen as well as the Hand are sequestered in a council meeting. Her Grace thought it best that I show you to your chambers and ensure that all is to your liking."
The only sound was the creaking of the Keep's massive doors as Harlys' personal guard, Ser Darvyn, opened them for the princess. Rhaenyra stopped as she reached the step Harlys was standing on, and the world grew silent. How long had it been since Rhaenyra had spoken to a member of House Strong? Harlys knew the latest rumor about the princes' true sire had been spoken just that morning.
"It has been a great many years, Lady Harlys," Rhaenyra placed a hand on Harlys' elbow. "But I offer you my condolences to the passing of your lord father, your brother, and a great deal of those who served your house loyally."
"Thank you, Princess. Your father, the king, has extended unending kindness to me in the time since." Harlys barely breathed her response as Daemon came to stand next to his wife. They made quite the imposing pair, but it wasn't the immense power they shared that intimidated her.
No, it was Prince Daemon's known bloodlust that set her emotions on edge.
"Our chambers, then?" Rhaenyra spoke, downplaying the fact that she knew exactly where to go, most likely better than Harlys herself.
Harlys smiled placatingly and led the way into the Red Keep.
—
After ensuring that everything was to Rhaenyra and Daemon's liking, Harlys slipped from their chambers and into the corridors filled with busting servants intent on completing preparations for Vaemond's petition that was to occur the next day.
There was a great deal to be done still, both in part from the servants and from the Houses making claims. Harlys knew that the Hightower scheming would not end with breakfast, not if they were intent on seating Vaemond on the throne of Driftmark and declaring Lucerys a bastard heir.
And then there was the matter of Princess Rhaenys, who still was undecided in who she would claim for. Her lord husband had left her for a great many years, only to return on his near deathbed. She may wish to honor his set terms and name Lucerys official heir—or she may petition for herself.
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Haven't I Given Enough? (Always The Fool) - Aemond Targaryen
Fanfiction"Careful, Aemond. I might think you care about me." "Be certain that is not the case." His response was quick, and though it was the expected one, she could not help the sting of something unfamiliar that arced through her. "I only caution because I...
