It was early morning as prince Rhaegar made his way amidst the mass of tents with his loyal friend and Kingsguard Ser Arthur. At this day the prince of the Seven Kingdoms woke with the rising sun, intent to have a conversation with the family Black, Peverell, Potter or whatever name they preferred, the events of yesterday fresh in his mind. Most of all the dragons were on the forefront of it.
Rhaegar couldn't believe that something good came out of the tourney he sponsored after all. Originally it was intended to bring all the important lords together and discuss, behind closed doors, how to dispose of his father as peacefully as possible. That idea was squashed the moment his father decided to attend. Rhaegar hadn't thought he would, with his ever increasing paranoia.
'Varys must have a hand in father's attendance.' Rhaegar thought. The enigmatic eunuch's agenda was unknown like so much about the man. Only his father's trust and favour kept him in office. All others distrusted him, because of his status as a foreigner and eunuch. Though, Rhaegar had to concede that the man knew his craft very well.
These thoughts brought him back to yesterday.
The House Black appeared completely out of nowhere. If it was to experience a westerosi tourney, like they claimed, or something completely different wasn't known to Rhaegar. In the end the tourney couldn't be cancelled, but now something good came from it nonetheless.
There was no doubt in the prince's mind that they spoke the truth concerning their heritage. Only Valyrians could control and tame dragons and the explanation seemed logical, not to mention the polygamous relationship and the way the women held themselves.
Of course, the prince heard the report Varys had given them on how people abolished slavery in the east around the region of Slaver's Bay, which was big news. Even if Rhaegar hadn't expected them to be like they were, neither did he expect who exactly they were. Odd by westerosi standards, but interesting and Dragonlords to boot.
The women reminded him of the pictures and stories referring to Rhaenys, Visenya and Queen Alysanne. Proud women that were more than just accessories on their husbands arm. They had been fighters and rulers in their own right. Alysanne had ruled together with Jaehaerys, also known as the Conciliator and the Wise for his skill at diplomacy and for the most prosperous reign of the Targaryen kings. Aegon the Conqueror had left the day to day governance to Rhaenys and Visenya and took only charge when necessary and that reign wasn't far behind Jaehaerys' own. Visenya even established the Kingsguard, choosing the ones to join herself.
These facts only reminded him of his own wife and what she was not. Elia was frail with a weak body and womb, making her unable to bear children without problem. Something that made a noble woman nearly worthless. Deep in the back of his mind Rhaegar knew he was being unfair to Elia, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He had bigger matters to attend to after all.
He was the prince that was promised and needed a stronger wife, alas it was not to be. Just like he couldn't escape his destiny as the saviour of mankind he couldn't put Elia aside just like that, at least not until he found the ice to his fire. It was simply destined to be.
That dragons reappeared in his lifetime and that it happened at this moment in time only reassured him in his belief. He was the prince that was promised, born at Summerhall from salt of the tears cried, the smoke from the magical wildfire and consumed dragon eggs. He was a dragon in human form. Now it was time to get a dragon for himself and the future generations of Targaryens. Even without his father's promptings Rhaegar would've approached the Blacks.
The prince knew Arthur was uncomfortable around the talk of magic and dragons, but he also knew it was necessary. Necessary to make his dream, vision and destiny come true.
Arthur meanwhile was worried for his friend. Thinking on the things Rhaegar completely disregarded. For example, that he hadn't made a single political ally. Sure, there was Lord Connington, but that man was clearly infatuated with Rhaegar and no politician himself. The others were Richard Lonmouth and Myles Mooton, though those two had only been the squires of Rhaegar and should be loyal to him anyway. The last were the dornish. Those only followed him because of Elia and her wit. That woman was much more than she seemed on the outside.
Why such a kind, sweet and exceptionally savvy woman helped a man who didn't even appreciate her was beyond Arthur. That brought up the question why he himself served a madman. The answer he fancied to be true was duty and honour, so he assumed it was the same for Elia. Even if the looks of longing she sent Rhaegar proved otherwise.
Arthur had to take a deep breath to suppress his feelings. He was a Kingsguard and Rhaegar's friend, there to serve and give counsel when asked. Certainly not to dream of something that could never be his. No matter how bitter his view on knighthood got in these times. He had to hold out hope, even if he viewed himself as a knight in name only.
He had been charged to protect the weak and women, yet he was forced to stand guard while the king raped his wife, the queen. His duty was to protect Rhaella as a women and as the queen and he failed at both.
He wasn't brave, otherwise he would've protested against his king's actions long ago.
Neither was he just or court would look much different.
Then there was Elia, who should be an inspiration to all not only to himself. She was kind to the children at court and even did her best to help the people and orphans in Flea bottom by giving them the leftover food from the Red Keep. She was brave by risking the king's wrath, be it by helping Rhaella with her injuries and state of mind or by lying to Aerys' face openly, preventing another one to be burned for nothing and another rape of the queen with it.
On top of it Elia is the only thing that prevented the dornish from leaving court completely, while Rhaegar dreamed of his ideal future, but did nothing to make it a reality. The prince hadn't done anything at court, because he thought it as inconsequential. What did politics or the game of thrones matter if you had to prepare for a mythical and unproven event? Something that wasn't even sure to occur in his lifetime.
Rhaegar simply assumed that it will come to pass, assumed that he was the one spoken of in that prophecy, assumed that his actions are for the good of all and that the people will see it like that as well.
In laymen's terms Rhaegar didn't know it for certain. Didn't know if he was the chosen one, or if the people will unite. He didn't even know from what danger the prophecy spoke of exactly and neither did he prepare for it besides training himself and thinking about it.
Arthur mentally sighed at that. In essence Rhaegar may be able to swing a sword and lance, ride a horse and win a tourney, but he wasn't a warrior or king at heart, but a scholar and a dreamer. An idealist in short. From his behaviour alone Arthur wasn't even sure if Rhaegar would make that much of a better king than Aerys or if the madness of the Targaryen line was absent in Rhaegar, as much as it shamed him to admit that, even if only to himself.
Though, that the prince never spoke out against his father when said man burned someone was telling enough and was also the cause for these first seeds of doubt to take root in Arthur's mind.
When the prince to whom many people looked up to and put their hopes in did nothing against that injustice and atrocities what did that say about the prince? Did it mean he condoned his father's actions, agreed with them? Did it concern him at all?
Despite all these thoughts the Sword of the Morning knew a few things. Namely that he was of the Kingsguard first and foremost, there to protect and serve Rhaegar dutifully like he had sworn to do. However Arthur fancied to think he helped the prince so much because he had a worthy dream and ambition, while his own dream and ambition of knighthood had been transformed into a nightmare with time. To make Rhaegar's dream come true would be worth the sacrifice of his own dream in the end.
Secondly he was Rhaegar's friend, despite the man's faults and eccentrics and would be for as long as he could.
Thirdly he was unsure of Dawn's condition. What not many knew was that the sword sang in combat, even if only to the wielder. It wasn't a sound that could be described properly, but in the beginning Arthur believed that it was a joyful tone, as it was used for what it was made to do by a worthy wielder. Now he imagined it as sorrowful, as if mourning what he had become or who he served and after every swing the weight of it on his back increased little by little. Though, that couldn't be true at all. He helped make the world a better place by helping Rhaegar.
Fourthly he wouldn't be able to look Elia in the eye any longer. Not because he didn't want to or because she looked at him with accusation or hatred. No, that he could handle, but it was nothing so simple and straight forward. Since shortly after her arrival in the capital Elia looked at him as if she didn't know the person who stood before her. As if the boy she had played with in her youth at Starfall or the Water Gardens wasn't right in front of her.
Arthur knew that Elia knew his name and remembered him, but the look in her beautiful brown eyes said anything but. That more than anything caused the heart in his chest to clench painfully.
'Maybe it will change.' Arthur thought as he passed the two mighty sleeping dragons on their way to the tent of the House Black, which stood on a spot Arthur could've sworn wasn't there yesterday. 'Maybe Dawn will change its tune, maybe Elia will look at me with love and recollection in her eyes and maybe, just maybe, the prophecy will come true.' Arthur hoped so for his own peace of mind at least.
Though, his instinct, Dawn and the unease feeling in his gut as Rhaegar walked towards the tent with the coat of arms of House Black on it, told him such was a foolish hope.
Arthur felt as if walking towards the maws of a large predator. A being he had no chance of winning against and no chance to defend himself or Rhaegar from. It was a feeling he was entirely unaccustomed to as the supposed greatest swordsman in the realm.
He couldn't dissuade the prince from seeking them out either and neither could he get out a warning about their new guest's abilities.
First he had to wage a mental war against himself and only won the moment he was reminded of his duty. He didn't even know why he had felt the compulsion not to talk to Rhaegar about it.
Afterwards his tongue simply refused to obey his commands once he wanted to talk with Rhaegar about their magic and then the Dayne of Starfall knew that these foul sorcerers were responsible for it. It was the same with his sworn brother Lewyn. Even Ashara and Elia were affected by it from the looks of things. Maybe even Oberyn and his new paramour.
As he thought of these people harming any of Arthur's charges or brothers in arms came to mind, said man tightened the grip on his sheathed dirk. Partly out of frustration and partly in anger. Frustration came from the knowledge that he was helpless to prevent anything happening to the people under his protection and anger for the same inability.
'How can I be an efficient guard if I am made useless by a mere thought?' Arthur lamented inside his own mind. The encounter before the feast fresh in his mind. These people could've quite easily dispatched the princess right then and there together with his own sister and he would've been powerless to stop it.
'I can only hope that they break guest right and get punished by the gods.' The Dayne thought as Rhaegar and he were greeted by the two fire-haired women, who let them inside the tent.
In the morning of the next day Harry was woken by the alarm, followed up by two kisses, though only one was for his lips the other was for "little" Harry. He was pleasantly surprised and groaned. The last Potter lazily blinked the sleep out of his eyes and saw a mop of silvery-blond hair in his vision. He nonetheless eagerly responded to the kiss.
After more than a bit of time Harry felt his peak drawing near, but couldn't say anything with his mouth occupied. Luckily, the woman bobbing her head up and down on his length knew the signs and acted accordingly. He broke away from the snogging session to look down at the other silvery-blond haired head, whose mouth was currently sucking on his glans.
Fleur who had kissed him a few moments before changed targets and was going to show Harry why the French kiss was called like it was. "Don't hog it all for yourself." The older of the two sisters was at Gabrielle's side quickly enough, trying to get as much of Harry's essence out of her sister's mouth as possible.
Harry's attention was diverted from the wonderful view by the now awake Narcissa. The rest now waking up from the movement. All in all an ordinary morning.
Melisandre woke up quite refreshed, gently pushing her companion for the night, Kinvara, aside to slip out of bed. Just because she and Kinvara weren't allowed into the bed of Azor Ahai, for the time being, didn't mean both would abstain from carnal pleasure. The idea of other men than Azor Ahai touching her was repulsive, causing the red priestesses to sleep with each other.
It was nothing new or out of the ordinary for both and infinitely better than no sex at all. The situation wasn't made better due to the connection she had with Harry. Obviously Melisandre treasured it beyond all else, up there with Meleys, Harry and R'hllor, but she also could catch glimpses of the ecstasy he experienced through it if she concentrated, he being obviously in too much pleasure to notice her sneaking in. It was galling to not be the one to induce it.
She shook her head, sighed and mumbled. "I just hope that they think more than two years is enough time for us to wait." longing clear in her voice. Melisandre may have waited centuries to unite with Azor Ahai, but now that she was just a step away from doing so, together with the knowledge that she already had united with him once, and just couldn't remember it, made it worse rather than better.
Anticipation was building inside her, despite Harry's wives doing their best to keep her from his bed. Not that he would invite her or Kinvara to it without his wives' consent. Which in turn only increased her desire and also was the cause of her claiming to be Harry's wife in front of people. The others couldn't refute without causing a ruckus. She expected the blow-up from that soon. Not a big one, but only because Harry claimed them as his wives in front of the royal family. If for better protection or something else remained to be seen.
Both of the priestesses were caught in a vicious circle. Trapped in a situation that was sweet torture, but knew they didn't want it to stop.
"No use in dwelling on it." Melisandre mused and resolved to achieve her goal at the end of this holiday at the latest. For now she had to wake up and prepare for the day. The moment Kinvara woke up both put on their dresses and left their quarters.
It didn't take long for the moans of rapture and gasps of pleasure to start, coming out of Harry's quarters. Not wanting to hear them and not be part of it Melisandre and Kinvara opted to go outside and catch a bit of fresh air and look after the dragons a bit.
What both clearly not expected was a visit from the crown prince and a Kingsguard member at this time of day. "Go and silence the room. I will greet our guests." No matter how amusing it might be to see their reactions to Harry's bedroom activities, Melisandre wanted to make a good first impression for Kinvara and herself at least. The rest had embarrassed Harry yesterday after all and if she could make a good impression then she had one up over them.
Kinvara nodded and went to work, drawing fiery runes similar to the Flagrate charm into the air. The three runes were finished quick enough, vanished and with it the common room was warded against outside noise and didn't let any sounds out. It would hold for little more than two hours, but that was more than enough.
Melisandre meanwhile waited for the silver-haired prince to arrive at the entrance of their tent. Once he did so she bowed a little to show the minimum of respect and greet him properly. "Greetings and good morrow to you, prince Rhaegar."
The prince of the seven kingdoms inclined his head and returned the gesture. "Good morrow to you as well. Lady Melisandre, correct?" remembering the names from last night and guessing one of the two that hadn't been at the feast after the appearance of the dragons.
"Indeed." Melisandre responded with a small upturn at the corner of her mouth. "If I may be so bold, but why is the crown prince of the seven kingdoms here at our tent?"
Rhaegar calmly answered. "I have a proposal and a few other things I'd like to discuss with Lord Black, if he is available at the moment?"
"That is King Harry for you." the red priestess admonished with a frown, ignoring the Kingsguard tightening his hold on the dirk. Displeased more than a little at the disrespect shown and having no patience for these games. The prince knew that Harry was a king at home and no matter how far away from it, such still held true regardless of distance. True, Harry also may be a lord, but in standing he was clearly above Rhaegar, not just because he was a king and Rhaegar a prince, but also because he was Azor Ahai reborn.
Rhaegar seemed honestly apologetic. "Forgive me, I am not used to people that have equal standing to my own." he really wasn't, that together with the giddiness of dragons causing the faux pas.
"I see." Melisandre said with just enough emotion behind it to sound forgiving. "I am afraid he isn't available at the moment, but if you tell me of your proposal I can tell my husband in turn." Melisandre proposed. Taking silent delight in claiming Harry as her husband. The action sent a warm fuzzy feeling from her core to her heart.
Now it was Rhaegar's turn to frown. "How long will it take for him to be available again? I'd prefer it that I talk to him directly." the prince not really experienced with being told he couldn't have something immediately didn't know how to react, expect being polite.
Serene as ever Melisandre accommodated. "Of course, please follow me inside, but it will take two hours at the minimum." with that she opened the tent and let the prince and his guard inside.
Kinvara was waiting at the table, but stood up to greet their guests properly. "Greetings, prince Rhaegar and welcome to our humble abode."
Said prince was looking around with wide exited eyes, seeing such a marvel for the first time in his life. One look outside showed the tent much smaller than it really was. "Marvellous!" he exclaimed excitedly.
Giddy as ever Kinvara just said. "It is, isn't it?!" much more used to the wonders Azor Ahai could do. "What can we do for you this fine morning?" she finally asked as Rhaegar stopped looking around in wonder.
Once he had curbed his desire to inquire about how that all was possible the prince responded. "I wanted to speak with King Harry, but your sister-wife already told me that he is currently unavailable." there was just a hint of vexation in his voice, obviously he had hoped to get what he wanted immediately.
"Yes, sadly other matters require his attention." Other matters being his horny wives. After a bit of thought she suggested. "Maybe we could pass the time with something interesting while we wait?" seeing she had his attention Kinvara grinned, her fangs showing for all to see. "How about a ride on a dragon?" if he didn't accept that then he wasn't a real Targaryen.
The widening of Rhaegar's eyes told her she hit the nail on the head as far as distractions were concerned. "Is that possible?" he asked hopefully. "I thought a dragon accepts only one rider at a time." he didn't fancy being mauled to death by an irritate dragon.
Melisandre waved off his worries. "That's true, but you wouldn't be alone. Kinvara and I would be there as well. You would only be attacked if you tried to mount one of them alone." in the past she may have been tempted to sick her dragon on a few Valyrians, but she had more than enough time to let go of her hatred by now. Besides it wouldn't do to cause an incident and with it more trouble for Harry.
"My prince, I must object!" Ser Arthur interjected hastily "Such a thing is too dangerous." Not to mention that he didn't trust those witches not to kill Rhaegar and claim it an accident.
Rhaegar turned to his personal guard with a new frown. On one hand Arthur had a point. On the other hand was the fact that if he was to refuse he lowered his chances of them to see him as an equal. "I don't see much danger. After all, guest right goes both ways." effectively shooting down Arthur's protests. Rhaegar was pretty sure they wouldn't have invoked it so openly, if they wanted to violate it a day later.
"Great!" Kinvara cheered and skipped outside. "Let's go then." the other three followed her with Arthur being the most reluctant for obvious reasons.
Soon enough all four stood before the two black-scaled beasts. Seeing their mothers approach got the two overgrown lizards moving. Soon enough both were enjoying being petted by the red priestesses, lying sideways so that they could reach the less armoured belly, causing them to purr in content.
One moment the two dragons lay on the ground and the next they were up and sniffing the air. Their eyes focussing on Rhaegar, as if he was an interesting or new shiny thing. "How old are they?" Rhaegar asked intrigued. The dragons were big and easily able to swallow a man whole, making the prince a bit wary of them.
Patting the head of Meleys, Melisandre answered. "A little away from two years." scratching the she-dragon at the snout caused the tail to swish in happiness. A moment later Melisandre sat in the saddle with Ser Arthur, who wanted to make sure he had his dirk ready at a moment, glued to her back. Rhaegar rode with Kinvara.
Wings were unfurled and flapped a few times, followed by a mighty jump that saw both majestic beasts in the air and rapidly gaining altitude.
Once among the clouds Rhaegar saw the world from his ancestors eyes. The ground and gigantic castle shrinking beneath him, while the wind cut into his face. During the ride the flame-haired woman whooped with joy, cheering her dragon on to do a few more adventurous manoeuvres. A few moments turned to minutes and those turned to nearly two hours. Conversation was non-existent with the wind whipping around them like it did, preventing anything from being heard.
The two dragons flew over the sea, the fields of the Riverlands, above the clouds and near the Mountains of the Moon and finally back to Harrenhal.
They landed too soon for Rhaegar's taste, but he supposed that his talk with Lord Black was more important. With his blood singing in excitement the prince wandered back inside the tent, guided by Melisandre and Kinvara. Arthur looked a bit paler than usual, but Rhaegar chalked it up to being unaccustomed to the sensation of flying.
Inside the group was greeted with the same seven people Aerys and Rhaegar had talked with yesterday evening. All six women were clothed in Harry's old t-shirts, clothing he no longer used. It was just so covering their modesty, leaving their arms and legs free, while also letting them enjoy his scent. Harry himself was wearing nothing more than plain black boxer. The women wore their rings and chokers, while Harry wore his own ring and amulet.
"Oh, good morrow to you, prince Rhaegar." Harry greeted his guest upon seeing him. The rest followed to greet their guests in the same manner. "What can we do for you?" the man wouldn't be here for a simple chat, at least Harry didn't think so.
The Prince of the Seven Kingdoms inclined his head in greeting. Secretly glad that the Blacks apparently weren't big on etiquette and the proper forms of address. It would save him time right now. Besides, he couldn't see or hear anything indicating an insult or slight. "A good day to you as well, King Harry, I apologize for arriving unannounced at such an hour, but I have a rather personal request I'd like to make of you."
It was rather embarrassing to see the women in such a state, but he knew it was a possibility, barging in unannounced into a tent not his own. Nonetheless the prince had been pressed for time. He was sure that if his father would've been the first to broach the subject all chances to get a dragon of their own were dashed. No one would give a dragon to a madman. The Prince of Dragonstone hoped it wasn't too late already.
Harry noticed that Rhaegar addressed him as king and frowned internally not really liking that. Just before he could say that Rhaegar should call him Harry, a look and mental message from Narcissa stopped him.
'Don't give him permission to use your first name!' The scolding clear to hear inside his head. 'When you let him call you by your first name you lose respect. It's the same when you let peasants and people below your station call you that.' a bit gentler she added. 'In private you may do so, but not in public or when you meet with foreign dignitaries. To do so would be like admitting that you see yourself as nothing more than a lowly grunt.'
Conceding that she had a point, no matter how stupid he found that, Harry responded to Rhaegar, a bit intrigued. "What request would that be, prince Rhaegar?" motioning to one of the two free seats Rhaegar sat down opposite of Harry. Arthur stood protectively behind the prince instead of sitting down. Ready to attack at a moments notice.
Melisandre and Kinvara each choose one side beside Harry to sit down, finding it only fair to do so after the rest had been in bed with him.
Controlling himself so that the sigh of relief wasn't noticeable, Rhaegar answered. "I am sure you already know that we, the Targaryen family, have lost our dragons more than a century ago, shortly after the Dance of Dragons." upon seeing their positive replies in form of nods he continued. "Many have tried to revive the dragons since." with less than stellar results. "It is my hope that you can help me in the matter." none of the now living Targaryens, himself included, knew how to do so, sadly.
While outwardly not showing any emotion, inside Harry was baffled. 'Is he for real?' the last Potter thought through the link.
'I don't know, but I do know that giving dragons to the Mad King, even if indirectly, is a bad idea.' demurred Marcella. Just thinking about the terror the man would unleash with a dragon was enough to convince her they shouldn't help the prince. The rest agreed with that notion. Just because the Targaryens had dragons in the past didn't mean they should have them now.
Looking the prince directly into the eye Harry answered. "Let me be frank, prince Rhaegar. I don't know you or your intentions and I doubt they are malicious in intent, but what assurances can you give me that your father won't use a dragon to burn this land to ash or even use them to attack my own?" Not that he particularly cared if Westeros burned or not. The Head of House Black knew he would never rule Westeros like it is today. Only through an extremely bloody conquest would that be possible. Much more bloody than Aegon's Conquest with the Faith in the way. Only that he had no intention to conquer this land, at least not at this point in time.
Feeling a knot in his stomach at that answer, Rhaegar improvised. He knew it had been a foolish hope to think they would ignore his fathers behaviour. The other lords and ladies might do so, if only because he is the king. The Blacks had no such restrictions and it showed. "Well, then let me assure you that my father won't be king for much longer."
Raising and eyebrow Harry said softly. "Oh, why is that?" Harry didn't think the prince would become a king and kinslayer.
"The tourney was sponsored by me in secret to have many of the great lords in one location, not ruse suspicion and discuss how to remove my father from the throne by peaceful measures. Most likely with a Great Council." Rhaegar said as calmly as he could, hoping that it would work. The prince doubted his father would let him out of his sight for long, but now he had at least to try.
Before he could speak Narcissa interrupted him again inside his mind. 'Don't answer immediately. Let him stew a bit. He wants something from you, not the other way around.' while also giving him a few good points to answer with.
Harry did just that and looked at the prince with calm eyes and a relaxed posture as he circled through an Occlumency exercise. "I see." another pause later he went on the moment the prince fidgeted and was about to speak. "And what makes you so sure that they will be willing to remove your father and put you on the throne?" there was after all a spare prince in existence, making Rhaegar replaceable.
A bit perplexed Rhaegar blinked and answered. "I am the logical choice, being the heir and my father grows more unstable by the day. Of course, they will do what is right."
After the prince finished explaining that, Narcissa gave Harry a short lecture. 'You see what he did there, Harry? He only sees things from his point of view. Completely ignoring the fact that he has no political allies to speak of, who could help him bring change.' something she had taken from the prince's mind. 'He also thinks people should do as he says, solely because it is the right thing to do, in his mind.' A short pause later she went on. 'What he should do is take into account what other people want and present his way as the one that gives them exactly that, while also giving him what he wants at the same time.'
A derisive mental snort followed from Fleur. 'He didn't even consider the possibility that some lords could tell the king about it to gain favour and rewards from him. From what I gleaned, the king is wary and mistrustful of his son. The smallest thing indicating what Rhaegar wants to discuss with these lords and the consequences won't be pretty for him or them. Not to mention that he doesn't know us or our motivations at all and still came to us with the matter. I don't care if he thinks of us as distant kin through Daemon Targaryen, we are complete strangers, unknowns and could betray him to his father easy enough.'
At the end of Fleur's rant Marcella concluded for him. 'He most likely hopes that we will give him a dragon to let him seem more impressive in the eyes of his vassals and give him a big advantage over his father. In short he is desperate and has little other options left. Not that he explored that many from the looks of things.' A short Legilimency scan having revealed just what the prince had done to remove his father. Not much was the answer.
Gabrielle gave a bit of advise at the end. 'Remember negotiations boil down to finding out what the other one wants and what you are willing to offer. Right now you have what he wants, but he has nothing of real value to us.' it was much like with the former Great Fathers of the Patrimony. Only that there a proper exchange would've been made, with their group giving them fertile land in exchange for military support, ruined by the Great Fathers having been morons.
Harry's reply was simple. 'Alright.' the mental conversations only took a fractions of a spoken one, making it so that he didn't look like an idiot. "What are you willing to give in exchange, should we decide to help you?"
Once more Rhaegar answered as calmly as he could. "I can give you gold, land, influence or anything else you desire as soon as I am king."
Harry's group frowned at that. With his head cocked to the side Harry countered. "So, you want us to give you an egg of a dragon in exchange for you potentially becoming king?" stressing the word potentially quite a bit. He wouldn't work on promises that would remain empty. Not to mention that Aerys still could make problems as long as he was alive. That all didn't take into account that they already had more in terms of money, land or influence than Rhaegar could give them.
Before Rhaegar could say anymore Harry spoke again, having conferred with his wives on the matter mentally. "How about I give you a dragon egg as a prize for the winner of the joust?" They still had the egg from the Swedish Short-snout after all.
Now it was Rhaegar's turn to frown, but he still didn't get a word in as Harry talked over him. "I am assuming the joust will come last and from what I heard and take up five days in all."
The prince answered, despite not knowing where it would lead. "Yes, the tourney will start today near midday and last eight days. It begins with small competitions, like an axe-throwing and archery contest. As well as a singer's competition and horse race. Then comes the melee on the third and fourth day, followed by the joust, which has five days allotted to it. The tenth and last day will be the leaving feast."
"Good." Harry took a sip from the water handed to him by Melisandre. "Then you have eight days from now on to achieve your objective of putting yourself on the throne as a condition to get the egg from us." deciding when something happens showed Harry's control of the situation clearly.
"And what happens should I fail? I hope you won't go back on your word to give a dragon egg as a prize. It isn't even guaranteed for me to win and who says you won't participate to win it back for yourself?" A win was not guaranteed with so many excellent knights in attendance. His friend and sworn shield Arthur was only one among the many.
Harry nodded with a small grin, pleased that the prince was thinking at least a bit about it. Even if it just was because of the egg. "I am no jouster and won't be participating in the joust. As to the case of you not winning. Well, as far as I know ourselves, you and your father are the only ones capable of hatching a dragon here. What would someone do with a dragon egg they can't hatch. Sell it, of course or in case of the Kingsguard, give it to you. In which cases you can acquire it. And no, we won't go back on our word to procure the egg as long as you are successful in becoming king or at least convince most of your vassals to support you in your endeavour. If not then we simply will switch the real egg with a duplicate out of stone."
This time it was Rhaegar who nodded after a while of thinking. "I see." it seemed it was the best he could hope for. Them not trusting his father with a dragon was a wise decision and one he couldn't begrudge them. "What exactly do you want in return?"
The grins on Harry's wives were barely suppressed as their husband answered. "Firstly I'd like your assurance that me and my wives are permitted to participate in the various events of the tourney, except the joust that is."
For a short time the prince said nothing. "I have nothing against you all participating. However, it is highly unusual for women to take part in a tourney." They weren't forbidden to participate per se, but it was heavily frowned upon. Rhaegar doubted the Blacks cared about that. "But, I will tell the one responsible for the lists to allow you entrance."
Satisfied with that Harry continued. "Secondly I'd like to ask a boon of you."
A bit wary the valyrian inquired. "A boon of what kind?"
Waving the prince's concerns away Harry said. "I don't want gold, lands or titles here in Westeros." it would only chain them down and give the Iron Throne influence over them. Harry doubted Rhaegar's gratitude would go so far as to separate the land from his dominion. "No, I simply want a promise that when the time comes you agree to a request of mine. Be it a trade-agreement, political alliances or something different. As long as it is in your power to give it is fair game." that would be better than anything Rhaegar had proposed. The future king would've much influence and could be a good eventual ally. Should Aerys be dethroned, of course.
"That seems reasonable." Rhaegar conceded, finding it not out of the realm of possibility. A trade or political alliance would benefit his land as well, after all. "Anything else?"
Harry indicated in the positive, saying. "Yes, though it will be more to your benefit than ours." upon seeing the open curiosity in the prince's purple eyes Harry explained. "I want to invite your father and you to dine with us for every evening during the festivities." before the silver prince could say anything Harry continued. "It will allow you to slip out, claiming you want to train for the joust some more so that you can win the dragon egg."
Seeing the logic in that statement the prince couldn't really refuse. His father was suspicious of him, but the distraction of the Blacks together with the dragons would be enough to hold his attention, giving Rhaegar time to discuss things with those who wanted change. "The gesture is much appreciated and I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart." he honestly meant it. With that the disaster he expected the tourney to be was averted and he could concentrate on removing his father.
"It is our pleasure." Harry assured the prince, turning to Bellatrix he asked. "Bella could you be a dear and get the dragon egg?" the message he had given her mentally was a different one. 'Just transfigure an egg out of stone. We switch it with the real one when he completes his part of the bargain.'
He got a nod and a smile as response. "Of course!" immediately following his wishes, as always.
The eldest Black vanished behind a curtain to apparate unseen, quickly appearing back where they stored their valuables. A quick summoning spell saw the egg in her outstretched hand. It was smaller than the Hungarian Horntail egg, but more beautiful. Instead of the dull concrete-like colour it's scaly appearance had a mother of pearl sheen to it. She took her time memorizing the features.
Next she quickly transfigured some rocks nearby into a duplicate and a glass-case, put the egg inside, fused it shut and charmed it to be unbreakable. As soon as she had what she came for Bellatrix apparated again, back to the tent.
Coming out behind the curtain Bellatrix handed the case over to Harry with her usual reverence.
Harry in turn handed it over to Rhaegar, commenting as he put the glass structure onto the desk just outside of the prince's hands. "Here, the case should protect the egg from thieves." to demonstrate his claim he pounded on the case with all his might, which normally would shatter such fragile looking glass easily. He knew it wouldn't break, having analysed it and found the unbreakable-charm on it.
Satisfied the prince took the container and thanked them again. "Thank you again, for your trust."
Harry held up a hand to stop further talking. "Don't thank us just yet." he said sternly, but not without warmth. "The deal will only be valid once you succeed." with that he stood up and shook the prince's hand.
Prince Rhaegar left shortly after with his sworn shield and the egg in hand.
Outside the tent Arthur asked his prince. "My prince, do you think it prudent to trust them with this?" internally more than a bit worried that these sorcerers will poison the king at the meal. He grew even more worried that he briefly had contemplated to let them. He couldn't warn the king in his current condition with his tongue not obeying him when it came to their magic. It would remove the king and let him attack these foul witches and remove their stench from his soul. However, he knew his honour wouldn't let him.
"You worry too much, my friend. I am confident that they intent to keep their word." It went all according to prophecy after all. He would get his dragons and lead the world to a better future. He would just have to convince his vassals to follow him and not his father. How difficult could that be?
Once it was just them Gabrielle congratulated him. "You did wonderfully!" granted it was his first real time negotiating with someone that was something of an equal, instead of making demands of conquered people, but he still did good. It helped that the prince was as much a beginner at the game as Harry.
"Thanks." Harry said just a little bashfully, having gotten a little more comfortable with praise in the last few years. He was promptly kissed by the Veela to make the point clear.
"Do you think he will succeed?" was Andromeda's question to all once the kiss was broken and her lips zoomed in on their target.
Marcella shrugged unconcerned. It didn't matter to her if the prince reached his goal or not. Either way they didn't lose anything. When he failed the egg would be switched and the deal be invalid. Should he succeed then they had a powerful ally in the future. Sure, he would've a dragon, but they themselves had two, who were immune to dragonfire and also bigger. Not to mention that the Targaryens had no method to control or talk with the dragons like they did, with the Goblet of Fire and Parseltongue. "It's possible." the Italian women conceded grudgingly. "I just hope it was the right choice to invite a madman to dine with us."
Narcissa spoke up. "I have no intention to leave it up to fate." with a haughty smirk firmly in place she elaborated. "We have to go home to visit anyway. I can easily bring a Draught of Peace, which Harry can mix in the man's food. It should suffice to keep the more violent madness at bay." Sadly, Harry wouldn't let her brew Unctuous Unction. Though, she had to admit having a madman think you're his best friend due to the potion wasn't the best idea. Even if no one would notice the change, with how abrupt the mood swings of the king were anyway.
Who knew what the man did to his friends?
Her demeanour changed instantly to arctic the moment her gaze fell on Melisandre and Kinvara. "Now," the simple word captured all the attention in the room easily. "I'd like to know why you two presumed you could introduce yourself as two of Harry's wives?"
The encounter with Eddard Stark fresh in her mind together with the knowledge that they told Oberyn and Ellaria the same. She may not know the dornish much, but could spot a gossiper a mile away, who wasn't Ellaria in this case. In Narcissa's mind the two priestesses had forced Harry to acknowledge them as wives in front of the mad king. To either protect them or to simply be done with it.
Melisandre stared right back with her chin held defiantly. She and Kinvara may not be as powerful as the other six, but with the training from Harry she had grown very deadly indeed. "Because we are!" she insisted. "We are as much his wives as you are!"
Before Narcissa could retort Bellatrix spoke up. "Why are you so blatantly against them joining us?" they were loyal and would do anything for Harry. The Unbreakable Vow made them incapable of betraying them, so all bases were covered in the eldest Black's opinion.
Andromeda answered that, with an evil eye trained on the two priestesses. "You have to ask that?" her incredulity there for all to hear. Andy still hadn't forgotten the acts Melisandre committed in the past. Forgiven somewhat grudgingly, but not forgotten. The Veela were a different case because Harry pretty much accepted them as the rest had been unconscious. Besides that Veela would never betray their mate and needed contact with him from then on. To separate them would've been needlessly cruel.
"Apparently." Fleur interjected dryly. Her head tilted to the side. "I admit I am as enthused about it as you are, but in the end they proved themselves and were patient." giving the two priestesses a respectful nod the French Veela proposed to the group. "Let's simply vote. All against them gracing Harry's bed?"
Narcissa, Andromeda and Marcella lifted their hand.
"All in favour?" Fleur asked, and raised her hand together with her sister and Bellatrix.
Eight pairs of eyes instantly looked upon Harry, said man simply asked. "What?"
More than a bit exasperated Andromeda rolled her eyes. "What do you vote for? Yours is the most important after all!" they discussed the right to be his wife after all. If he couldn't see himself with them or shouldn't love them then it was pointless to try and integrate them. However, judging from his feelings he wouldn't reject them.
Harry thought it over a bit. Both would stay at his side and be loyal to him to their dying day, that much the last Potter knew. Even without the vow and to be honest he came to care about them a great deal. Not as much as for Bella, Cissy, Andy, Cella, Fleur or Gabby, of course. Though, he also didn't spent as much time with them. 'I probably could view it the same as with Fleur and Gabrielle. An arranged marriage so to speak. Come to think of it all my relationships were arranged in a way.' One way or the other he was bound to them and the two priestesses surely would've felt the feelings he had for them.
Now everyone simply waited for him to spell it out.
"I have nothing against them joining us in bed or otherwise." it would be more than a little hypocritical of him to deny those two when he already accepted more than one wife. He probably would've done it sooner, but there had been so much to do at home with so little time.
Kinvara was the first to react, coming out of her jittery nerves at his words. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you. I love you so much!" practically jumping into his arms and kissing him for all she was worth. After a few minutes she had to be pried off Harry, her lips swollen from a good snogging session.
Melisandre attacked the unoccupied lips once her fellow priestess was not using them, pouring every bit of her love and gratitude into the osculation.
Harry broke the kiss with a somewhat annoyed sounding sigh. "As much as I want to continue we have a meeting waiting for us back home." Seven hours of sleep, two hours of fun and less than an hour talking with Rhaegar made nearly ten hours. "Who wants to come with me?"
In the end Narcissa, Melisandre, Fleur and Marcella came with him. The rest searched for Davos and Ros, who were still not back, and looked for the Starks, so that Harry could speak to them on Ros' behalf. Instead of clothing themselves in new ones, the quartet of women clothed themselves in yesterday's clothes. Harry himself put on an airy robe made out of green Acromantula silk and silver stitchings on it.
One quick flame-travel later saw all five back in the Palace of Love in Atlantis. The guards stood to attention immediately, despite the late hour. The sun had been replaced by the moon and stars on the sky long ago. Dipti, Divya and Abha greeted them shortly before the Throne room. The room itself was empty of people expect the few guards made out of the warrior-maids.
In the middle of the far end of the room stood the throne on a raised dais. It was made to impress as well as to intimidate.
That was why the throne was fused together out of skulls and bones. Out of the remains from the people they had conquered to be precise. Ghiscari, Qartheen, Lharzeen and Dothraki skulls and bones had been boiled off their flesh and made into the throne together with the gilded skulls from captain-generals of the Golden Company, which were sitting at the top and armrests. In the eyes of each skull gems or pearls were embedded to represent their wealth. The seat and backrest were flat and on it lay a cushion out of velvet, to make it more comfortable.
It may have been inspired by the Iron Throne, but Harry didn't want to sit uncomfortably the whole time.
Besides his throne were six smaller ones, three on each side one step down, but still much higher than the ground. These were taken from the Hall of a Thousand Thrones in Qarth. Each one more fantastic than the last, decorated with all kinds of gems or precious metal and carved with intricate patterns.
All the other thrones had been destroyed to symbolize that the self-governance of Qarth was at an end. The same had happened with all other thrones or throne like seats. All were replaced with a simple wooden bench for the rulers of each great city to sit on.
The rest of the room wasn't held in the same manner, but rather had the typical design associated with the Rhoynar. Graceful buttresses, delicate arches and fluted columns made up most of the architecture. Some entrances led to terraces and bowers or the gardens. The Throne room's pillars were covered in vines peppered with blooming flowers. The ceiling was bewitched with the same spells as the one of the Great Hall of Hogwarts, letting the stars and moon shine into the hall under it.
Once he and his wives had taken place on their thrones, Melisandre was temporarily sitting on Bella's, the guards announced the visitors inside. "Galazza Galare of Meereen, Yezzan zo Qaggaz of Yunkai, Grazdan mo Ullhor of Astapor and Lady Paramount of Ghis, Shirego Kou here for an audience!"
All four people entered after the announcement was made.
Jon Arryn sat in his tent, his mind reeling and still digesting the happenings of yesterday evening. "Dragons." he murmured astonished. As he woke this morning he thought it a nightmare, until he saw the hulking figures of the beasts among the sea of tents. Smoke billowing out of their nostrils as they slept.
These news could change the situation in Westeros significantly. The old man shivered at the thought of a madman acting with the impunity dragons would give him. Dragons could be killed, Jon knew that, but the cost was high, as the Storming of the Dragonpit showed. A whole mob of people was necessary and that was against dragons that were chained down. He didn't fancy the idea of facing a free one in open battle and these people had two! What made it worse was the knowledge that the Eyrie may be impregnable for normal forces, but dragons had no such restrictions.
Then the chances came down to luck, like with the unknown dornishman who had been successful in killing Meraxes and Rhaenys by hitting the dragon in the eye with a iron bolt shot from a scorpion, penetrating the brain. Jon didn't like the chances of that.
In the end he could think about it as much as he wanted and not come to a conclusion, because he didn't have all the facts or any at all. The only thing he knew was that he should be wary in the presence of these new arrivals. The king seemed to have taken a liking to them and from their posture and the way they walked Jon could tell that they were experienced fighters.
He would have to wait and see, all the while hoping that Robert didn't do anything foolish against them, like trying to bed one of the women. A baby girl with blue eyes and black hair in the back of his mind.
Ashara Dayne lay in bed, having clearly overslept. With good reason, though. Said reason was lying beneath her, as his chest rose and fell peacefully. His long, dark hair was a mess, causing her to wipe the strands out of his face and sigh in content as she snuggled against his warmth. She remembered the tenderness and affection he held in his grey and couldn't help but shiver in excitement.
Yesterday was such an eventful day that she simply had to find someone to wind down with. Her beauty granted her many offers, but most were not to her tastes. There were Brandon Stark and Robert Baratheon. Both were handsome, strong and anything a maiden of the songs could want, but men like that weren't to her tastes. Handsome men who knew they were handsome were more trouble than they were worth anyway. She knew both wouldn't know her name come morning and Ashara could do without waking up to an empty and cold bed. That they were clearly ratted didn't make it better.
These two were bold and forward like most of the men present, thinking she was an easy lay, because she was dornish. They didn't even know the difference between the salty, stony and sandy dornish, assuming they were the same, which they weren't. She was a stony dornishwoman and more of an Andal than a Rhoynar. Oh, she had no inhibitions when it came to sex before marriage, with the proof of that lying underneath her, but she also wasn't a gatehouse. Open for everyone to enter as they liked. She could count the lovers she had at one hand.
All before had been dornishmen, bold and hot-blooded. She didn't judge them for it, but it was also nothing she wanted for in a husband.
Then there was Eddard. He was shy, but not painfully so, with an innocence only a virgin could have. The pale skin of his clashing against his crimson blush when she whispered the words of lovers into his ear. It was endearing, really. For Ashara it was a novel experience from the usual cocky knights of the capital or the men of Dorne. She liked it a lot, if she was honest with herself.
He had treated her like the most precious thing last night as he danced with her into the night after the chaos with the dragons, holding her close as they glided across the floor. But he also didn't treat her like a possession or conquest, that either had to be protected or boasted about. His grey eyes were extremely expressive. His face may appear solemn, but those grey pools told her exactly how he felt. They could be as soft as fog or as hard as ice.
Another plus was that Ned learned fast. 'He certainly can lick like a wolf and was wild like one.' she thought with a grin, remembering her teaching him the southern kiss and more last night. 'How went that saying Oberyn told me about? It is always the quiet ones, that was it. Quiet Wolf, indeed!' she giggled at the memories.
She grew thoughtful. 'Hopefully father will see, that tying us to the Starks will bring us many advantages.' Not that she did it because of that, but it was a happy coincidence nonetheless. Her instincts told her he was a good and loyal man, something all too rare and a woman had to snatch those up wherever she saw one. Her instincts were accurate most of the time, they had to be for a handmaiden in the traitorous capital. The only thing she would regret is having to leave Elia behind should she marry Eddard, though she also had to think of her own happiness.
Having decided that she pondered the problem long enough Ashara kissed her bed-warmer, intent to wake him up and have a bit more fun before the tourney starts in earnest.
OMAKE: In his cups.
Harry woke up, but it wasn't in the arms of his wives. No, instead he lay on a muscular bronze-skinned chest with strong arms encircling his narrow waist. To add fuel to the fire of his confusion he clearly felt that he was a woman at the moment. 'What happened and why am I morphed into a woman?' that all didn't even explain why he was sore as heck and leaking suspicious fluids.
Next he registered the soft two mounds pressing in his side. Dreading what would come next, but having no way out of it, Harry opened his eyes and did the only thing his brain could come up with. He screamed his lungs out.
The lecherously grinning face of Oberyn Martell greeted him as the man groped Harry's quite firm feminine arse. Ellaria lying near them. "You don't need to remind me that you are a screamer, dear."
Not hearing the cheeky comment Harry furiously analysed his last night. All he remembered was winning the melee of the Tourney at Harrenhal and lots of booze. It came up that Oberyn was bi-sexual, causing Harry to drunkenly declare that he could be a woman or man, even both at the same time if he really wanted, completely missing the glint in the Dornishman's eyes.
After he had calmed down Harry stuttered an apology and fled the tent, just so remembering to throw on some clothes. Of course, it couldn't have been easy with his luck. Naturally, he couldn't transform back with the reason that he was pregnant with Oberyn's bastard child. Abortion was out of the question for Harry even if he was mentally a man.
His wives were surprisingly supportive, after they laughed their heads off, of course and Bellatrix stopped pouting that she wouldn't mind to transfigure herself a cock and plough him if Harry should desire it. That the women of the Patrimony were ecstatic would be like saying water is wet.
Nine months later Ellisha Sand was born. Besides being happy, despite the weird situation, Harry dreaded the talk with his daughter on who was her mother or father.