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Almost a year had passed since his beloved Aemma and precious son Baelon had entered Baeleron’s domain and the gulf between himself and his sole living child seemed to be growing every wider, despite his efforts and his naming of her as his heir. He supposed his disregard of Aemma’s mourning period did not help matters as he had taken his young daughter's governess, Lady Alicent Hightower, as his new bride only four months after Aemma was placed upon her pier. He had hoped that wedding a familiar figure in his daughter's life would make Rhaenyra more accepting of his remarriage but it was not seeming to be the case. Nothing he, not Alicent, had done seemed to be able to boost her spirits. Perhaps if Alicent were to birth a living child, giving Rhaenyra her long hoped for sister she could regain her joy but, alas, even that had, to date, failed as Alicent had not yet conceived, despite their fervent efforts.
One night, while he was having a nightcap with his new queen, she proposed something that could possibly solve this issue for him.
“Husband, I worry for our dear Rhaenyra.”
“I do as well, my queen, but I’m lost as to what can be done to help her. We’ve already tried so much but nothing seems to work! The only thing I can think of that may bring her joy is a baby sister to dote upon!”
“Perhaps that is not the only thing. Forgive me if I overstep but my father and I have been discussing this and we feel as though a marriage might be in her best interest.”
“Marriage? My daughter is merely 13 and you think she should already be wed?”
“Yes, and to Lord Cregan Stark, heir to Winterfell. He is a 28 year old widower with two young children nearer in age to Rhaenyra herself. Her marriage will ensure her virtue is not compromised all while giving her family with peers of her own age. Plus the North is a place she will not associate with her poor, late mother and they also follow the Old Gods rather than the Faith. Rhaenyra hates the Faith so this is another advantage for her.”
“You make some good points my dear! I will write to Lord Cregan’s father, Lord Rickon, in the morning informing him of my decision to wed our children. Hopefully he responds soon so that the wedding plans may begin and so I can inform Rhaenyra of her upcoming nuptials. Gods willing, this will bring her great joy and delight!”