The Pearl of Driftmark

I Rhaenyra's P.O.V

Riverlands, Riverrun – 122 AC

The Royal Progress started off with a buzz of excitement bubbling in the air. We departed towards Rosby, and I could feel the anticipation dancing in my heart. As much as it hurt to leave Harwin behind, Leanor made me understand that this was for the betterment of our children's future. This will be my first challenge as the future queen regent of Westeros, and I will prove to everyone that I am the better choice compared to my half-brother Aegon. When we reached Rosby, House Rosby was honored to host us. It felt good to be received with such warmth and hospitality.

As we continued on our journey, our next stop was Duskendale, the seat of House Rykker. But something felt off during this visit. My daughter Lucerys seemed unusually tense, and her nerves were palpable. I couldn't help but worry, watching her closely as we mingled with the people of Duskendale. Yet, as time passed, I noticed a shift in her demeanor. She began to relax, her tension melting away like snow under the sun. It was a relief to see her smile and enjoy the company around her. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease entirely, but I brushed it aside, chalking it up to the overwhelming nature of the Royal Progress for a young princess of merely seven namedays.

Our journey continued, taking us to Antlers, the seat of House Buckwell. The scenery changed around us as we rode on, each new destination bringing its own unique flavor and atmosphere. The people greeted us with enthusiasm, their cheers echoing in the air as we passed through their lands. It was heartwarming to see the joy our presence brought to their faces.

Finally, we reached the last leg of the first part of the Royal Progress at Sow's Horn, the seat of House Hogg. I knew that cutting our tour through the Crownlands in two parts would pay off in the end. The idea was to come full circle, completing our journey by sailing back from the Vale and docking in Claw Isle, the seat of House Celtigar. From there, we would continue on to Rook's Rest, the seat of House Staunton, before finally visiting my good-family's seat, Driftmark, home of House Velaryon. It would be a journey rich in meaning and significance, weaving together the threads of our alliances and familial ties.

However, before we could even set our sights on the Vale and the remaining Crownlands, we had the Riverlands beckoning us. It was crucial for us to solidify our hold over this region, to ensure that it remained firmly in the grasp of the Blacks faction and did not fall into the hands of our adversaries, the Greens.

As we deliberated on our route through the Riverlands, I made a swift decision to skip Maidenpool, the seat of House Mooton. The decision was not taken lightly, but the memories of past conflicts and the religious fervor that permeated the air in Maidenpool gave me pause. There had been incidents involving my family in the past, and I was not willing to risk a repeat of those events. The safety and well-being of my entourage were of paramount importance, and I could not in good conscience subject them to potential danger.

As we rode on, leaving Maidenpool behind us, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret mingled with relief. Though some may have questioned my decision, I knew in my heart that it was the right choice. Our journey through the Riverlands brought us to our first stop: Harrenhal, the seat of House Strong. Our arrival at Harrenhal marked my first visit to the legendary castle, a place steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. As we approached its towering walls and imposing towers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Harrenhal was unlike any other castle I had seen before, its sheer size and scale leaving me breathless.

I knew little of the inner workings of Harrenhal, save for the fact that the heir of House Strong, my secret lover, was raised within its walls. So, as we rode through the gates of the castle, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement coursing through me. The halls were vast and cavernous, echoing with the sounds of our footsteps as we made our way through its labyrinthine corridors. Every corner seemed to hold a new secret, a new mystery waiting to be uncovered.