The way Aerion interjected himself into the conversation of the council just when Otto Hightower was about to dismiss her said it all. Men will never willingly bow to the weaker sex. If they could, Princess Rhaena, the late King Jaehaerys' elder sister would have been Queen or mayhaps her daughter, Princess Aerea, and then Princess Rhaella.
Princess Rhaenys wouldn't have been supplanted as Prince Aemon's only child. If the right of succession were to be the ruling monarch's first-born child, Laena would have been heir at present moment not her.
One wrong mishap and she would have been supplanted much like her Uncle Daemon was.
If she is to succeed as Queen one day, she needs a strong and respectable ally. And who better be her consort than her Targaryen cousin, Aerion?
Despite only being in the Red Keep for a good few years, he has adapted faster than one would expect. Being the king's squire had its advantages and now her sworn shield, the match should be finalized – Aerion was a prized bird amongst a flock nobles. Although he's more bronze king than dragon, he was a dragon nevertheless.
Rhaenyra was grateful that Aerion remained by her side despite his mother's plea to return to Runestone with her.
But the princess was not blind.
She saw the way he looked at Alicent whenever she walked in the room – it was like his violet eyes gleamed the way he viewed the stars at night. Priceless. Beautiful.
He fancies her.
Rhaenyra could not fault her cousin for developing a fascination for Alicent's innocence and sometimes clumsiness. For a moment, the princess had imagined that this would have been a good match for Alicent. After all, Aerion came from a prominent background from both of his parents. One a Targaryen Prince for a father, and his Royce heritage that would eventually have him inherit Runestone as her Lord.
But Otto Hightower's ambition is much higher than to be the father-in-law of the future Lord Royce.
The Hightowers had always been supplanted one way or another. As Aegon the Conqueror had chosen the Tyrells to rule Highgarden over them. King Maegor's first wife, Cerys Hightower, was unable to produce a child and was eventually named one of the six Black Brides.
Green is the color of ambition, but it is also the color of envy.
"You don't have to follow me around, I'm simply having tea with my ladies, cousin." Rhaenyra teased with her usual giggle as she turned her head to find Aerion behind her. Hands folded behind him and a frown that had always been present since the day he was knighted.
Rhaenyra had a few ladies-in-waiting in her service. Alicent Hightower, Elinda Massey, Barbara Strong, Jayne Strong and Alora Fell – each lady was chosen through powerful family connections, reputation and suitability.
It was common practice for ladies in these certain selections would often been seen as strategic moves for families to gain influence close proximity to the crown. Access to royal favors and arrange advantageous marriages. Ser Aerion had often been seen accompanying the princess to her tea parties with her ladies, despite the presence of the kingsguard, her younger cousin wouldn't leave her side unless she asked.
"You might sneak off a ride with Syrax, I do not want my girls to soar to the skies without me." There it was. The hint of warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at her. Only at her.
Rhaenyra had always felt a twinge of happiness that there was at least one person in the seven kingdoms that would be by her side, no matter what.
"But if you really must be alone with your ladies, then I will be in my solar if you need me to accompany you to the skies." The young knight kissed her knuckles before excusing herself. Ever since Daemon was sent off to the Stepstones, Aerion had been quieter than usual.
Her cousin had spoken about something that the king had requested him to oversee the newly addition to the kingsguard with Ser Harrold, preferably someone who could keep up with the princess as he said.
Surely one would think if this new addition were to be protecting the princess, the princess herself would choose but instead – the task landed to her newly knighted cousin whom she trusted with her life.
"First option was Ser Desmond Caron, a fine knight as Ser Harrold assured to me. He is the son of Royce Caron," Aerion didn't seemed so thrilled with the experience as the two of them were having supper, as the king had more important matters to attend to that evening. "and he has proved to be strong and steady in both the tourney lists and without. While traveling through the Kingswood on his way to King's Landing, Ser Desmond recently brought a would-be poacher to justice."
"And your judgement?" Rhaenyra asked, looking up at Aerion who was merely poking the pork on his plate.
"I have thanked him for his loyal service to The Crown. But he didn't seem to be befitting to standby you in my absence." Aerion answered as he finally looked up but not without taking a sip of wine from his goblet, "that's when Ser Otto Hightower decided to join in on the selection. Although I must admit, it was already an unsettling experience that Princess Rhaenys had been observing me from afar."
"And the other knights?" She continued further. Knowing that Aerion did not do well whenever he felt uncomfortable. Most especially when older nobles would watch him with hawks' eyes for whatever reason. He often disliked observations of him that ultimately did not concern others.
"Ser Rymun Mallister. Son of Lord Lymond Mallister of Seagard, winner of the melee at Cider Hall. He was the last mounted of three-and-twenty knights. Knighted at eight-and-ten."
"And combat experience?"
"None. Which is why I proceeded with the next one, Ser Christon Cole. Son of the steward of the Lord Blackhaven." Aeron answered that frown still on his face. The princess could tell that he was still bothered by Ser Otto's meddling, and asking of it now would irritate him more.
"He saw combat in the Stormlands during the Dornish marches for a year as a foot soldier against the Dornish incursions. Ser Arlan Dondarrion knighted him himself after they razed two of the watchtowers along the Boneway." Aerion wasn't a man who shows his irritation like his father. He is the blood of the dragon, but Rhaenyra saw him more as a valeman than a dragon.
"And?"
"I chose Ser Christon Cole. I understand houses such as Crakehall and Mallister are important allies of The Crown. Most especially when Seagard is the realm's primary defense against the reavers of the Iron Islands, not to discredit them, but I do not believe you should be defended by tourney knights."
"But aren't you a tourney knight?" Rhaenya couldn't help but tease. Hoping that it would lighten his mood even a bit for the evening.
"Yes, but I have a dragon. One of the four largest, if I may add." He smiled with that softness in his eyes that was only for her.
He always had her best interests at heart. Despite his few years at the Red Keep, his heart did not feel so corrupted with greed as any other lords and ladies at court.
So long as she had Aerion by her side, she wouldn't be struggling in this battle alone.