Chapter 41: Brewing Conflict
[King's Landing, A Few Days Later]
(Rhaegon's POV)
"What..?" I said while completely appalled, "His Grace did what?"
I was in my parents' chambers in the Red Keep, I had just arrived from the North in a hurry after I said my goodbyes to the Starks. The moment I arrived, I had heard my family was in King's Landing as well. I had come here for a quick rest and check in with Uncle to let him know of what I learned.
Apparently, some guy called Myrcella a bastard and ended up getting cut down for it.
Father sat at a table as he drank wine from a cup, "That stupid Rykken boy, demanded a trial by combat and Rhaegar cut him down." He said
Mother, who stood in front of me, nodded, "Indeed." She said, "It was quite something. Rhaegar was beyond angry, but he kept his composure and handled it as cleanly as he could. A simple stroke from Dark Sister was more than enough."
"I'll be damned." I said, "First it was those mercenaries, now some dead Lord's son.....who is telling them to spread these insanities?"
"Whoever they are, they should be fucking killed for it." Father grumbled
"Husband, what did we say?" Shaena said, "No violent talk in front of Monica."
"She's asleep." Father said as he shrugged
I saw that in one of the couches, Monica laid asleep, covered by some blankets. She looked so peaceful, holding a pillow tightly.
I looked at Mother, "I learned some things in the North." I said, "Did you not receive the Raven sent?"
"Aye, I did." Father said, "The Red Cult has spread its shite to Ned's territory, huh? Damn that Stannis, I should do something about him."
I nodded, "I think we should apprehend his red woman, Father." I said, "Something doesn't seem right. Whatever witchcraft they're spreading, it's affecting me as well."
I felt as Mother patted my cheeks, "What?" She said softly, "What do you mean?"
I looked at her, "There was a bonfire in the North..." I said truthfully, "I heard a voice speak from it. It showed me a figure of a man. I don't know what it was, but it didn't charm me. At least I hope it didn't...."
She widened here eyes, "No..." She said softly, "You saw a vision in the flames? R-Robert..."
She let go of me and turned to face Father who was frowning.
"What?" He said
Mother walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, "I told you." She said, "I told you, I warned you about that woman. You didn't listen, I wanted her dead before she spread her clutches on our son."
I raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Father stood up, "How were we supposed to know he was going to be affected by that stupid whore's magic?" He said, "She has her hole clutching my brother's cock already, how do you expect her to do the same with Rhaegon!"
"Those women are from Asshai." Mother said, "Their magic works in many ways. If there are men wielding flaming swords in Westeros, then the War-Priests are here."
"What are you talking about?" I asked as I walked towards them, "There were northerners wielding flaming swords, they attacked me. I killed them there."
"Oh by the gods." Mother whispered as she placed her hands on my shoulders, "What did you see in the flames?"
"A....A man...." I said, "What does this have to do with anything? Mother, you are confusing me..."
It was more than confusing, I didn't understand shit of what was going on. I saw a vision in the flames, I touched a white tree and saw a vision of a dragon's fiery wings.....I was also spoken to by a man in a tree, how was any of this making sense???
"It's happening...." Mother said softly, "Robert, we must tell Rhaegar."
"Rhaegar is currently dealing with this whole Pretender shite." Father said, "We cannot burden him with whatever this is."
"We MUST stop your brother, Robert!" Mother lashed out, "You don't understand what's happening here! The Asshai are spreading their corruption in Westeros, sending their priestesses here before their War-Priests. Once they are here, how many men do you think they'll convert? This is a conflict that cannot be avoided, Robert. Forget the Blackfyre Cunt from across the Sea, this is a serious threat to us!"
"And Stannis..." Father said
For some reason, I understood. The Red Woman was able to charm my uncle and converted 2,000 men in the Stormlands. They have some influence in the North. If they can muster up a zealot army, they will be a threat indeed.
What I didn't understand was why Mother kept that to herself this whole time...
"Bah!" Father said as he walked past us, "I'll go talk to that cunt, Tywin. Rhaegar is too pissed off to be bothered."
I watched as Father walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"Rhaegon, listen. This might be too much for you to bear at the moment, the Three Eyes, the Red Cult, but listen carefully..." Mother said as he grabbed ahold of my hands, "Whatever happens, we must deal with this with composure and together. You understand? Our neglect could cost us many lives, allowing Stannis to convert religions...it is our fault, we will make it right."
Her eyes were filled with worry and concern.
"T-The Three Eyes...." I said with a gulp, "I....I think I saw them."
She widened her eyes, "You did?" She asked softly, "What did you learn?"
"It was a man...." I said as I looked at the floor, "I....he had white hair....it was strange...he told me that the only way to keep the Realm alive is to have Dorne on our side. Which is strange, Mother. The Northern Lords said the same thing.....I.....they said that whatever offer Dorne makes me, I should accept. To secure Dorne is to secure the Realm's safety. But it makes no sense to me..."
"Why?" she asked
"They were talking about supplies shipping from Essos and further East." I said, "They spoke about it as if Dorne was the only way they can obtain supplies. I....They can sail around Dorne and stop on the Reach or Westerlands if they don't want to deal with the Ironborn....they can go through the Stepstones, sail through the Narrow Sea, and go straight North that way. They don't need Dorne for a land trading route....there's plenty of points that supplies can safely get to....so....Why...?"
She frowned, "That.....is strange..." She said
"What if..." I said as I looked at her, "What if the Three Eyes whispered in their ear about Dorne? What if he's the one that's responsible for everyone's enthusiasm about the Sand Snakes offer? But why? Why would he want that? Is there something else at play here? Nothing makes sense, Mother."
"It's okay, my boy." She said with a smile as she patted my hair, "Rest for tonight, okay? On the morrow, we'll speak privately to the King about this."
I nodded, "Okay..." I said, "I....it's just that....it's not that...I...."
"Shhh..." She said soothingly, "Just go to your chambers, my beloved son. Go and rest, you've had a long journey. We must also discuss your Tour, but that can wait until after we speak to Rhaegar."
"Fine..." I said with a sigh,
"Good Night, Mother."