Chapter 45: A Party Of Lords And Ladies
~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 16 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Manse, Yunkai, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
The large doors leading to the room where the party is being held are slowly opened by our Unsullied guards. Dany stands next to me, her arm locked in mine. We're showing a united front against potential allies and enemies.
While the Lords and Ladies that have arrived today aren't here to cause any problems, that doesn't mean they'll be on our side by the time we invade the lands of Westeros.
My eyes land on the large number of people that are actually at this party. Everyone's attention turns our way as we descend the steps. Women stare at me with wonder in their eyes, and men gaze at Dany with hungry looks.
We're considered some of the most beautiful people in the world. The whispers and rumors we've heard over our time together isn't lost on us. Our beauty can be attributed to our High Valyrian features. We are of The Old Blood Of Valyria.
"It is my honor and privilege to introduce his Grace, King Raenon I Targaryen. The First of His Name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, the rightful Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and the Protector of the Realm. The Dragon Of Blood!"
There is applause as Oberyn introduces me to the people of the party. He holds up a hand to silence them, and everyone calms down.
"The beautiful and elegant Queen Daenerys I Targaryen. The First of Her Name. The Breaker of Chains. The Mother of Dragons. The Beloved Queen of White-Gold Purity. The sister-wife to King Raenon Targaryen."
I prefer the way Dany was introduced compared to mine. Her titles seem much more benevolent than mine. If only they knew the things we did together in our beds to make our children, she wouldn't be referred to as The Beloved Queen of White-Gold Purity.
We make our way to the head table, where our closest allies and confidants are waiting for us. Oberyn holds up a cup of wine at our approach.
Everyone sits down other than me. It's customary for someone in my position to make a speech for the party to begin. I can feel the anticipation of what I'll say... If I'll fumble this. I've always been okay at making a speech.
It's different since these are Lords and Ladies of Westeros. They're not soldiers. Most of them have never seen a real battle.
I take a single breath and prepare to speak.
"I'm grateful many from The Seven Kingdoms have decided to come here on this day. It's taken a lot of courage and trust to show up here after everything that's been said about me. Let this be a day that all of you see I'm not a madman. Like my father before me."
I raise my glass, and everyone does the same. Taking a drink as I finish my speech. Oberyn stands up as I sit down, and he gets the real party started. I slump down in my seat next to Dany, and she smiles. Her hand running up and down my shoulder.
"That was a good speech. Not as good as the ones you make to your soldiers when in battle. But it's okay not to be perfect."
The slight mocking tone in her voice causes me to smile. She leans over and places a kiss on my forehead. Distracting me as best she can from the party. I feel her fingernails gently run across my scalp while her hands flow through my white-gold hair.
My hand lands on her waist, and I bring us both up. She follows me to the dance floor as the soft and calm music plays. Couples from all over the party start to step forward.
All are enjoying the slow song with the ones they love. Dany and I know how to dance together. We did it in our spare time back in Astapor. It was an excellent way to spend 20 minutes of free time.
My hands are on her swaying hips as we move to the sound of the music. Her hands are around my neck. She can barely reach my head anymore from the difference in our height. However, she's got slight heels on tonight.
Allowing her to make up for the height difference enough to comfortably dance with me. Our eyes slowly close, and she brings her head into my chest. I lightly rest my chin on the top of her head.
"It feels different to dance in front of others like this... I don't know why..."
She's not wrong. Being parents and rulers at our age has caused us to skip over many things we wanted to enjoy during our youth. One of those things is a dance with the person you love while you're surrounded by others that might wish for that person.
"I feel the same way too..."
Life is only as great as you make it...
~~~(POV: Margaery Tyrell)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 17 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Targaryen Manse, Yunkai, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 300 AC)~~~
"Raenon has become even more beautiful since we last saw him a year ago. He's grown to be the desire of all young and old Ladies across Essos and The Seven Kingdoms."
Loras doesn't know how true his words are. While I do find Raenon extremely attractive, I'm not in love with him. But I know that I can grow to that if given the time with him. Grandmother wants me to try to win over Daenerys at this party.
It's as grandmother said a year ago. If we want me to be wed to Raenon, we first need to win over Daenerys. She's the one that will prevent our family from having a strong alliance with the next ruler of The Seven Kingdoms.
"Listen to me. When they finish their dance. I want you to ask Daenerys if she'd speak with you. The best cover to do so is to ask her to dance."
My brother is an average fighter, but he's got a sharp mind when he uses it. If I asked Raenon for a dance at this party. It'd be seen as an insult to Daenerys. But asking the Queen herself to dance with me. That wouldn't be seen as an insult.
At least, I'm hoping it won't be. Targaryens are known for their madness and irritability. I still remember when they visited Highgarden. Daenerys didn't appreciate my flirting with Raenon.
Everyone watches as Raenon and Daenerys finish their dance with a kiss. Making their way back to the large table. I look at my father across the room, and he gives a single nod. I stand up and make my way toward the large table.
The first to notice me is Daenerys. Even now, I can see the contempt behind the calm exterior. She wears an excellent mask when needed.
"Greetings, King and Queen."
I give a small courtesy and look back at the two Targaryens. They're waiting for me to continue.
"I was hoping Daenerys would share a dance with me?"
People at the table get the message. I watch with a held breath as Raenon turns his head to look at his sister. Her eyes are still locked on me. I can tell she's thinking. But she suddenly stands up and makes her way around the table.
We make our way to the dance floor, and this time it's a more fast-paced song with movement involved. We synch up our dancing, and Daenerys is no longer hiding her displeasure with me.
"Out with it, Tyrell."
I must be careful not to provoke or poke the dragon more than I already have today. I take a calming breath and look her in her eyes.
"I know that you hate my guts... And I know you're aware that my family is trying to convince you to let Raenon marry me... To take me as his second wife..."
There is a visible frown on her face now. But I waste no time continuing.
"But you must see the benefit to having Raenon marry me. He'll be shown off as Aegon The Conqueror come again. You'll have the Tyrell's support in winning The Smallfolk over and having a peaceful transition once Raenon takes the throne."
I'm giving all the benefits of what a marriage between Raenon and I will bring. While Raenon and Daenerys haven't been officially married in any tradition, everyone sees them that way. And no one disputes it in fear of Dragon Fire.
There is hope for me and my family's endeavors. Daenerys is giving it thought even at this moment. She stares into my eyes, and I can see she's about to say something.
"You're right about me not liking you. But I can't let that get in the way of Raenon and my plans to retake Westeros. The decision isn't final. However, if there are no better options to tame The Smallfolk and have peace, Raenon will marry you."
A weight in the center of my chest lifts with her words. But she pulls me close so that she can speak in a whisper.
"But let it be known that if you try to manipulate the way this all plays out so you can marry my brother. I'll burn you and your entire family with Raevor. I'm Raenon's true love, and never forget that."
She steps away from me and makes her way back to the table. I can't help but smile. There is no way we're letting this chance slip through our fingers.
Grandmother is going to love this news.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone