"How'd you do it?"
Rhaegar asked his Lord Commander of his Kingsguard Ser Barristan Selmy as the two stood over looking the construction of an orphanage in one of the poorer districts of Meereen. Rhaegar wanted to oversee the construction personally. Yet while he was there, as so often happened when Ser Barristan and Rhaegar had a moment to talk, they began swapping old war stories. At the moment Ser Barristan was telling Rhaegar about his first proper engagement, and the first life he took.
"Lance through the heart."
Rhaegar nodded with a knowing smile.
"Ah, quick one."
"What about you Your Grace? Who was your first."
Rhaegars mind flicked back to years ago, when Daenerys was still alive. She'd been learning to walk with his help, he remembered how the sun caught her silver hair and it seemed to shine. Her laugh could fill a room with joy.
"A Braavosi assassin."
Rhaegar said, his voice sombering some. He never liked killing, he accepted it as an eventuality of life but it didn't mean he enjoyed it. It was merely the path to peace in most cases and that was unfortunate but he would not shy away from blood to protect those he loved.
"Our enemies had discovered where we'd been living and sent someone to kill us. I was only ready for him because one of my guards screamed as he died. He broke in with a knife in his hand, no doubt thought he'd just made an easy payday."
"Wasn't expecting Dragon waiting for him, eh?"
Barristan asked. Rhaegar merely chuckled with a shake of his head.
"A tiny dragon, I was only eleven. He came for me first, grabbed me by the hair, never saw the short sword I was hiding behind my back."
Ser Barristan chuckled softly with a knownig nod of the head, they both knew what came next in the story. Just then a courier ran up and Ser Barristan intercepted him, should he be a cut throat. Fortunately he was merely a courier, bringing a letter brought by raven from the Great Pyramid.
"What is it?"
Rhaegar asked. Ser Barristan turned holding the parchment.
"A letter Your Grace, bearing the direwolf of House Stark."
The new Queen of The North had finally responded, Rhaegar spurred his stallion forward and took the letter scanning it quickly.
The North thanks you for your concern, and could use your assistance.
We know not what has happened, and we worry greatly,
If you have any information at all of what possibly has happened to the King, please, let us know and whatever you need from us, you shall have it in return.
-Dae Missan Stark, Wife of Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell, King of the North.
We know not what has happened, and we worry greatly,
If you have any information at all of what possibly has happened to the King, please, let us know and whatever you need from us, you shall have it in return.
-Dae Missan Stark, Wife of Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell, King of the North.
If Rhaegar had any doubts about the guilt or innocence of this new queen he had his answer. No murderer would ask for help in finding their victim and the way she referred to herself as the wife of the king and not the queen spoke volumes.
"Back to the Pyramid, I need quill and parchment."
Ser Barristan and Rhaegar rode hard, pushing their mounts to keep just below a full gallop. They weaved their way through the winding streets of Meereen and were back in Rhaegars chambers in minutes. Rhaegar took a seat at his desk, unrolled a fresh sheet of parchment, dipped his quill in ink and set to replying to Dae's letter.
Queen Stark, I'm glad to hear from you. I understand your concerns regarding the dissapearance of your husband. My Master of Whisperers boasts the largest web of spies in the world, I will put them all to use to track down Jon Stark. You have my word. In the interim I must warn you, I have heard tell of armies marshalling to move against The North. Many nations sense weakness there without a King on the Throne of Winterfell. Arm yourself my friend, there are too few good and honorable regents in the world and I believe you and yours to be among that valiant minority. I will send a raven the moment I hear news of your husband. Should you require more of me, know that The Dragon stands ready to defend The Wolf.
-Rhaegar Targaryen, First of his name, Rightful King of Valyria. Father of Dragons.
-Rhaegar Targaryen, First of his name, Rightful King of Valyria. Father of Dragons.
Rhaegar set his quill down and quickly read over his work. Satisfied he blew the ink dry with soft breaths before rolling up the parchment, pouring hot red wax and sealing it shut with the three headed dragon of House Targaryen. Rhaegar handed the letter to Ser Barristan with purpose and vigor.
"Have this sent to The North at once and send me Varys, I have a task for him."