Queen's Headquarters, Queenscrown

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

"It will be made without kneeling," she said, raising her hand. "The Ironborn already swore on their feet, after all. I will do the same." Her face went perfectly neutral.

[Marie]

"A you wish, but I make the concession only because you are of my blood," Rhaenys answered, unwilling to get into a pointless argument; she'd see how things played about before she judged Ariel one way or the other. "You will, of course, have to deal with any difficulties from my lords. I don't envy you that. But that's for later. You can swear to me now."

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel nodded. "That's their problem," she said with a slight smile, then rose to her feet.

"I, Princess Ariel Nymeros Targaryen, heir to Aegon the Conqueror, do solemnly aver that Westeros stands conquered by your hand, and that the right of conquest and the rule of the Seven Kingdoms belongs to you and your line, and no longer to mine. Furthermore, I hereby swear my fealty and my honor to your service, Rhaenys Targaryen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." The oath was made in words; her body stood rigid and unbowed, with her face twisting into a proud smile, that of one swearing to a lord one was honored to follow.

[Marie]

It felt strange to hear a vow of fealty from a woman who had so recently been her sworn foe, and whose failed capture had caused such a great deal of trouble, but Rhaenys managed to keep her thoughts to herself. It was too soon for her to trust Ariel in truth, but she'd give the woman a chance to prove she coudl be loyal. Besides Aegon the Conqueror himself had accepted the oaths of those who'd once fought him and so had many overs down the centuries. She could do the same.

"Good," she said. "You may kiss my ring."

She held out her right hand. On the ring finger was a red-gold ring, a three-headed dragon engraved on the circular medallion mounted atop the band.

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel smiled and took Rhaenys' hand in hers, then brought it up as she leaned down, pressing her lips against ring and fingers. It was a firm kiss, but not lingering as others undoubtedly had done, and Ariel released the hand as she rose back to her standing position.

[Marie]

Satisfied that the proper form had been observed, Rhaenys embraced Ariel and kissed her cheek, as was also proper.

""It is done, then," she said. "My heart feels lighter already. On the morrow we will do the same before my lords. In the meantime, I must insist that you to steer clear of the Ironborn lords. In light of previous events, it is best that we give the naysayers no opportunity to doubt you, or the Ironborn themselves. I do not wish to act harshly but I will, if I have to."

Her voice was firm. She knew the day would come when she would have to do something that she could not quite square with her conscience, but, with luck, she could delay that day some time yet.

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel smiled, embracing Rhaenys strongly and kissing her cheek with unconcealed delight, as if they had never been enemies in the least, merely long-separated sisters.

"Understood. I wasn't planning on running back to the rearguard tonight anyway," she added. "Far too many other acquaintances to catch up with and suitors to beat off with a stick."

[Marie]

"Oh yes?" Rhaenys asked, raising an eyebrow as if she thought Ariel was being serious. "And what suitors would they be?"

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel chuckled. "A handful of wildlings, of course, as well as some young and stupid squires who think my struggle romantic. Oh, and the merchant Shahrizai seems to have taken an attraction to me, though even in these enlightened times I somehow doubt she and I could wed." She smiled at Rhaenys. "Then again, marriage is not very high on my mind right now."

[Marie]

Shahrizai likes Ariel? That's...not right. Rhaenys frowned at the thought that the merchant who'd come over with her mother was now playing games with the woman who had, until now, been a serious rival. She chose, however, to say nothing of the matter, knowing it was a good thing Ariel was not yet looking for a husband. It was safer that way.

"Ah, that's probably just as well," she said. "You hardly need a husband now you have sworn to me, since we have yet to find suitable lands for you, and the current situation is hardly an ideal one for a wedding. I must make an exception for myself, of course, but that's a political matter. You at least shall have more freedom of choice."

But I still won't let you marry anyone important.

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel nodded. "My commisserations," she responded. "Some benefits to not being queen, I suppose. And I'm far too romantic a soul at any rate. Though I must confess, the idea of taking no husband and legitimating my bastards was part of the dream." She winked at Rhaenys, then sighed. "Failing that, choosing my husband is probably a good second choice. Or husbands, as was the way in times of old."

[Marie]

"Well, yes. I thought at first I might take two husbands myself - Selwyn for the realm and another for myself - but there's no man I actually want to marry so I shall have to be satisfied with Selwyn."

Rhaenys shrugged as if it was of no matter.

"I find it hard to believe you are a romantic, though."

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel chuckled at Rhaenys. "Don't let the cold-blooded Master of Whisperers that I have had to seem distract you from who I choose to be, Your Grace. If anything, this campaign has left me even more of a romantic. I could have taken the safe choice when I learned of the attack on Storm's End, found myself pressing business back at the Boneway; I could have taken the safe choice to stay back at Storm's End and let the Army march north without me. But I still believe in love, honor and the Realm, so I cast caution to the wind because it was the right thing to do. It's the same in matters of love; I'd rather have a lover I can cherish for themselves, whether they be a pig-boy or a Queen, than a husband married for what advantage I can wring from him. If I had to choose, of course, which I fortunately don't."

[Marie]

"Would that I could have chosen for myself," Rhaenys said. "Alas, I could not. My mother knew that we had to keep Selwyn on our side, which was why she wished me to marry him. There's a part of me that wants to be a romantic but I do my best to subdue her. I must be practical, for the realm. Love is sweet but it is not for the likes of me. Men call me soft, I know, and weak as well, but I will be harder in future."

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel grinned. "Well, I suppose I have cause to be grateful for some of that softness. My head still being attached to my shoulders is a fine thing. But Rhaenys, love should never weaken the one who loves, any more than it weakens the one who is loved."

The Princess looked directly into her Queen's eyes. "Love the Realm, with all your heart. Come to love Selwyn, if you can. Take a lover or a second husband, should you find one who captures your eyes. Love your sisters and your brother." She smiled. "Then when you make a decision, or lead an army into battle, think of them. Think of why you fight, and think of why you rule. Then rule as best you can, knowing that they trust you, and they count on you to do the right thing. If that means a gentle hand, rule gently; if it means a forceful one, then swing the sword without regret. You are Targaryen, and in your heart lies greatness should it be wielded properly, and madness if used poorly. You cannot cut this away from you and take the safe, mediocre path, any more than you could live with your heart cut from your chest."

Ariel coughed and sat down. "Sorry. I talk too much sometimes."