Chapter Text
Rhaegar just got out of the shower after returning from his morning run. Despite the lateness of the night, by the time he arrived at his hotel room, he still woke up early as his body clock always would; as his habit, he runs in the morning and showers. But today, his father specifically made it a point that he attend this lunch at noon. He would have made or thought of an excuse until he found out last night that they are going to have lunch with the Stark patriarchy; he only prayed to the gods that Lyanna Stark would be there as well. He doesn’t mind if all her brothers are there; it would be lovely to see her again.
He went to call for a room service for coffee and pulled out his laptop to check on his work. He wasn’t supposed to work, but he had nothing else to do until lunchtime. After a few minutes of checking on his emails, his phone suddenly rang, and without looking at who’s calling, he answered:
“Rhaegar here.”
“Brother! You coming to lunch later?”
“Brandon?”
“Yeah, it’s Brandon, who else are you, idiot!” Brandon answered laughing.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I was preoccupied.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re checking work-related emails right now.”
Rhaegar can feel that Brandon is rolling his eyes at him, and smiled answering:
“Guilty. But I have nothing else to do this morning, it’s still rather early before lunch, you know.”
“I know that’s why I called you. Are you staying at Dragonstone? I mean, I know you own this place, but you might have decided not to stay in it.”
“You’re right, and no, I am not staying in Dragonstone. I am actually staying at Acorn Hall so is my mum and dad, I like how quiet it is here, plus it’s not too far from Harrenhall, so it’s rather convenient. I’m just glad my parents decided to go along with this scheme. I think they know Dragonstone will be crowded and all.”
“You wanna hang out for a bit. We haven’t seen each other in quite some time. Also, I have shit to tell you, I honestly want to gossip like an old hag. Please let me hang out with you.”
Laughing, he replied, “Sure, I am getting bored anyway. Where do you want to meet?”
“I knew it! Anyway, let’s meet at the High Heart Diner. They have good coffee and pancakes. I want to have a bit of breakfast, since you said it’s still early. I will meet you there in like 30?”
“Yeah, okay.”
“See you then. Bye.”
Rhaegar ended the call with a small smile, shaking his head. Same old Brandon, he thought. He truly missed him. The three of them—Brandon, Arthur, and himself—had always balanced each other out: Brandon’s brash and often hot-headed nature, Arthur’s calm rationality and pragmatism, and Rhaegar’s own quiet, steady demeanor. They had been quite the trio back in university, their bond unshaken even after graduation.
Each had gone their separate ways to work within their respective family businesses—except for Arthur, of course. He had chosen to work for the Targaryens instead. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to join his own family’s enterprise; rather, he wanted to gain experience beyond his family’s sphere before eventually taking over or training under his father.
It was already around 8 a.m. when he finally arrived at the High Heart Diner. When he got there, he immediately saw Brandon already sipping a cup of coffee. As he approached, Brandon stood up and gave him a man-hug like they usually do.
“Hey man, it’s really good to see you. I mean calls are great and emails from time to time, but seeing you and hanging out with you makes me nostalgic!” Brandon said as he sat back down.
“Let me just order something,” Rhaegar said, smirking. “I haven’t had breakfast yet, and I didn’t even get to finish my coffee this morning—thanks to you barging in and ruining my workflow.”
Brandon rolled his eyes. “Oh please, you needed the interruption. You were probably staring at your screen, dying of boredom. You should be thanking me for bringing a little excitement into your dull life.”
“You’re not wrong,” Rhaegar replied dryly.
A few minutes later, after placing their orders and trading light banter, Rhaegar leaned back in his chair, giving Brandon a knowing look.
“So,” he said, “you said you wanted to gossip like an old hag. What’s this about?”
Brandon took a deep breath. “You know you and Arthur are the only people I trust outside my family. So, whatever I tell you—it stays here.”
Rhaegar nodded. “You know I don’t talk to people I’m not close with. And I sure as hell don’t spread stories that aren’t mine. I can’t promise I’ll have the solution, but I do know you’ll go insane if you don’t let it out. So, talk.”
Brandon sighed. “I would’ve gone to Arthur first, but he’s still sulking over Elia. I’ll tell him eventually, once he’s done drowning in self-pity.”
“You don’t think his sulking has anything to do with me, right? You know I’d never actually go out with Elia.”
“I know. And so does he. He’s just being a stubborn arse,” Brandon muttered, waving the thought away. “Anyway, something happened this morning. It involves my whole family—specifically my sister… and your delightful cousin.”
“Robert?”
“Yeah.”
Rhaegar frowned. “What happened? Last night was already a circus. Honestly, I didn’t like how he kept forcing his attention on your sister. Dany’s still a baby, but I can already tell I’d kill any man who acted that way toward her.”
Brandon gave a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Yeah, last night was bad—but this morning? It was chaos. After everything that happened, Lya, Benjen, and I went straight to Papa. We told him how Robert was going around announcing to everyone that Lya was his fiancée. The worst part? Papa wasn’t even surprised. That’s when everything blew up. You saw a glimpse of Lya’s temper last night—but this morning, she erupted.”
Rhaegar smirked faintly. “She definitely got your fire. I’d rather face a board of shareholders than be on her bad side.”
“Right?” Brandon chuckled under his breath. “Anyway, Lya completely tore into our father. And of course, I matched her energy.”
“Obviously,” Rhaegar said, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course,” Brandon echoed with a shrug. “You know me. I had to take her side. She just graduated from uni—she has her own dreams, her own plans. And then we find out Papa’s been pushing this engagement because of some merger he’s planning with StagMotors. That crushed Lya. And me, honestly. How could he do that to his only daughter?”
Rhaegar stayed quiet, his expression softening as Brandon’s tone grew heavier.
“So, in the end,” Brandon said finally, “I told him that if he forces this arrangement, he’s not just losing Lya—he’s losing all of us. Me, Benjen, everyone.”
He leaned back in his chair, shoulders slumping as the weight of it all sank in. Rhaegar didn’t speak. He just nodded, the silence between them saying more than words ever could.
“Oh wow.” Rhaegar finally said
Brandon let out a dry laugh. “But that’s not all. Lya was still tearing into our father about the arrangement and the merger when Ned walked in—with Robert.”
Rhaegar’s brows furrowed.
“I know he’s your cousin,” Brandon went on, his tone sharp, “but that arsehole walked in like he owned the place—smug grin and all—and asked my father if he’d ‘broken the news’ yet. Lya didn’t even hesitate. She marched straight up to him and punched him in the fucking face.”
Rhaegar blinked. “She what?”
“Oh, it was a solid punch. I’d have gloated if it weren’t for what came next.” Brandon’s jaw tightened. “Robert slapped her back. Hard.”
Rhaegar’s expression darkened, his voice dropping low. “He hit your sister?” He leaned forward, anger lacing his words. “What the fuck is wrong with that guy?”
Rhaegar rarely cursed—but this time, he couldn’t help it. No man had the right to lay a hand on a woman. Ever.
“Yeah,” Brandon said through gritted teeth. “And of course, I followed up Lya’s punch with mine. I think I might’ve damaged his jaw. I can only hope.”
Rhaegar gave a grim nod. “You know I’m a peaceful man, but gods, I truly hope you did too. I’ve only met your sister once, but even if I hadn’t—no one deserves that.”
“Exactly,” Brandon said. “I would’ve gone further if Lya hadn’t yelled for me to stop. But trust my sister—she turned the whole thing around. She made my father see Robert for what he really is. She told him outright that he was trying to marry her off to a man who beats women. Then she looked Robert in the eye and told him that no matter what our father or Ned said, she’d never be his—and that if he ever tried, she’d make his life a living hell.”
Rhaegar let out a low whistle. “That’s… intense. What did Ned have to say in all this? He and Robert are practically brothers.”
“Oh, Ned didn’t escape unscathed,” Brandon said. “Lya tore into him too. Told him he wasn’t her brother anymore. Then she gave our father an ultimatum—said he could disown her if he wanted. She didn’t need his money, didn’t need anything. She’d go back to Winterfell, pack her things, and leave the Starks behind.”
Rhaegar sat back, stunned. “Wow. I literally don’t know what to say. What happens now?”
“Well,” Brandon said, rubbing his temple, “your cousin threw a tantrum and declared there’d be no merger. My father finally realized how badly he’d messed up. Told Robert he was choosing his daughter over the deal. And in true Robert Baratheon fashion, he stormed out yelling that it ‘wasn’t over.’”
“I can already guess what’s next,” Rhaegar muttered. “He’ll go straight to my father to rant. I’m glad you told me all this, at least I know what’s coming. My father will be up in an hour—I’d better get home and tell him myself before Robert twists the story. Don’t worry, I won’t tell him everything. Just that Robert lost his temper. I’ll make sure my father understands the situation.”
Brandon gave a faint smile. “I don’t mind if you tell him. He’s your dad. And I know you won’t give away the details about Lya. I trust you, brother. And hey—thanks for listening. I can always count on you.”
“Always,” Rhaegar said, standing.
Brandon got up too, exhaling. “Come on, we should both get ready for lunch. See you later, man.”
Rhaegar nodded, slipping his phone into his pocket. “Yeah. See you later.”
As they walked out of the café, Rhaegar’s calm composure began to fade. His thoughts lingered on what Brandon had said—on Robert’s temper, Lyanna’s defiance, and the ugly scene that morning. For the first time, he felt a chill crawl down his spine, a quiet knowing that this was only the beginning of something far larger than a broken merger or a bruised jaw.
He sighed, glancing at his watch. Time to go see his parents and tell them they should be ready to face whatever storm Robert Baratheon was about to bring.
Rhaegar finally returned to his hotel, exhaustion etched on his face. The first thing he did was look for his father. Once he reached the suite, he knocked and was promptly let in. Inside, he found his mother, Rhaella, sipping hot tea, and his father, Aerys, reading the morning paper.
“Good morning, darling,” Rhaella greeted warmly, while Aerys only made a noncommittal sound.
“Hey, Mum, Dad. How are you this morning?” Rhaegar asked, dropping his bag onto the couch.
“We’re good, my love. Come, sit with your mama,” his mother said, patting the seat beside her.
Aerys finally set down the newspaper and took a measured sip of his coffee before speaking. “So, how are things with you and Elia?”
Rhaegar groaned and rolled his eyes. “Dad, you know Elia and I are like brother and sister. You know that. She’s great to hang out with, especially when we’re trying to dodge attention, but there’s nothing romantic there. Our hearts just aren’t… in that space.”
Aerys sighed, setting his cup down with a soft clink. “I know, son. I was just—hoping, I suppose. I can never force you into anything, or your mother would murder me in my sleep…”
“You know it,” Rhaella interjected with a wink.
“It’s just that—it would’ve been nice,” Aerys continued. “You two grew up together. Has Arthur finally grown a pair and pursued her yet?”
Rhaegar blinked, genuinely surprised. “Wait—you know about Arthur’s undying admiration for Elia?”
“Of course I do, boy! I may be as old as Westeros, but I’m not blind. Honestly, Rhaegar, you think so little of me,” Aerys retorted, affronted.
“Of course not, Dad. I just didn’t think you cared about things like this.”
“Fine, I’ll be honest,” Aerys said, leaning back with a smug look. “Although your mother and I were secretly hoping you and Elia might work out, we both know the bond you share isn’t quite like ours—or like any other couple we know. So we thought… why not light a little fire under Arthur’s arse? That’s why we arranged for you to be Elia’s date last night.”
Rhaegar laughed, shaking his head. “Unbelievable! My own parents conspiring like this!”
“What, you think you young ones are the only ones capable of scheming?” Rhaella said, feigning offense. “We were young once, too!”
Aerys smirked. “Now, my boy, you rarely talk to us this early unless something’s on your mind. What is it?”
Rhaegar wasn’t surprised. His father had always been perceptive.
“Well,” he began, sitting straighter, “I met with Brandon Stark this morning. And your nephew did something rather foolish. I wanted to tell you before the story gets twisted.”
“Robert?” Aerys asked sharply.
Rhaegar nodded.
“What did he do this time?”
“As you saw, he brought Lyanna Stark to the charity ball last night. Apparently, she only agreed to go to appease her father, since it was just for one night. Brandon told me she’d been against it from the start. But the worst part—Robert’s been telling people that Lyanna Stark is his fiancée.”
“What?” Aerys exclaimed, nearly spilling his coffee.
“I know,” Rhaegar said with a grim sigh. “Lyanna nearly punched him when she found out. Ned Stark had to pull Robert away before it turned into a scene. Brandon asked me to escort his sister to the Lannister twins afterward, just to avoid another scandal.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Rhaella’s teacup hovered midair, and Aerys pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath.
“That boy is going to be the end of me,” Aerys finally said.
Rhaegar gave a tired chuckle. “You’re not alone in that, Father.”
“Wow,” Rhaella said softly, setting her teacup down. “I knew her. I held Lyanna Stark as a baby. Such a pretty child. She looked like Lyarra—temper like Brandon?”
Rhaegar gave a small chuckle. “Yeah, that sounds about right. At least in this case. Robert must’ve really gotten on her last nerve.”
“Robert gets on everyone’s nerves,” his mother said, shaking her head.
“Anyway,” Rhaegar continued, “Brandon called me earlier and told me what happened this morning. Apparently, Lyanna, Brandon, and Benjen confronted their father. They found out Rickard’s been brokering an arrangement between Lyanna and Robert—a merger between NorthStark and StagMotors. Lyanna lost it when she found out. Brandon said she completely exploded at their father. Then, in the middle of it all, Robert walked in with Ned and smugly asked Rickard if he’d already told Lyanna the news. That’s when she snapped—turned to him and punched him square in the face.”
“Brava!” Aerys exclaimed, clearly impressed.
“But that’s not all,” Rhaegar added grimly. “When she hit him, Robert slapped her back. Hard.”
Rhaella shot to her feet, her face twisting in fury. “What? What is wrong with that boy?!”
“So Brandon stepped in,” Rhaegar said. “Punched Robert right in the jaw for laying a hand on his sister.”
“As he should!” Rhaella said, taking a deep breath before sitting back down again, still visibly fuming.
“Yeah, Mum. I honestly couldn’t believe it either. I know Robert’s got issues—his drinking, his womanizing—but I never thought he’d actually hit a woman.”
“So what happened next, son?” Aerys asked, his tone calm but his eyes sharp.
“Well,” Rhaegar said, “after that, Lyanna and Brandon both gave Rickard an ultimatum. Lyanna said she’d leave the family if he pushed the issue any further. When she stormed out, Brandon stayed behind to talk to Rickard. Eventually, Rickard gave in—he told Robert that his daughter’s happiness mattered more than the merger. Naturally, Robert exploded. Told them to forget the deal and warned the Starks that it ‘isn’t over.’”
Rhaella sighed. “Well. That’s quite a morning for them.”
“I think I know why you came straight here,” Aerys said knowingly. “Robert will probably come barging in soon, twisting the story, painting himself the victim—he’s done it before. I’ve told Steffon to keep that boy on a tighter leash, but Cassana always swoops in to defend him. If Robert finds out you told us first, he’ll probably throw another tantrum. But I’m glad you came here, son. Better to hear the truth before the drama starts.”
“I figured as much,” Rhaegar admitted. “Brandon just needed to vent, but I thought it best to tell you directly. You and Rickard have been friends for years—I don’t want Robert’s behavior to put a strain on that.”
Aerys nodded, thoughtful. “You did the right thing. Rick and I are having lunch later anyway. You’ll be there too, right? You can’t avoid this, Rhae. Besides, Brandon will be there. You’ll want to catch up with him.”
“Of course, Dad,” Rhaegar said. “I already told you—I promised Brandon I’d be there.”
“Oh, it’ll be so nice to see Lyanna again,” Rhaella said dreamily. “I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages, even though she was at the ball last night.” She gave her son a mischievous look. “You know, Rhae… you might want to take advantage of the situation. I think you’d like Lyanna. She’s very, very pretty.”
“Mum,” Rhaegar groaned, running a hand over his face. “She’s Brandon’s little sister.”
“So? Does it matter?” Rhaella teased. “If you married her, you and Brandon would be brothers! Imagine that!”
Aerys burst into laughter, nearly spilling his coffee. “Ha! Now that’s one way to strengthen alliances!”
“Oh, stop,” Rhaegar said, laughing despite himself. “You two are insufferable.”
Rhaella smirked. “Well, I’m just saying, my dear. You’ve had your share of quiet, serious women. Maybe it’s time you met someone who could actually challenge you.”
“Challenge or throttle me?” Rhaegar countered dryly, standing up from his seat.
“Depends on how you behave,” Aerys said with a teasing grin. “But your mother might be onto something. That Stark girl has fire—and if you’re not careful, son, you might find yourself drawn to it.”
Rhaegar chuckled, shaking his head. “I think one fiery woman in this family is enough.” He leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. “I’ll see you both at lunch.”
But before he could reach the door, Rhaella called after him, her voice warm but curious. “Wait, darling—humor your mother a little longer.”
Rhaegar turned, half amused, half exasperated. “Oh, gods, here we go.”
“Okay, Mum,” he said, walking back to sit on the arm of a chair. “You are way over your head here. You are not matchmaking me with Lyanna Stark. She just graduated from university—she’s young, has plans, ambitions… at least that’s what Brandon said.” He shrugged helplessly.
“That’s understandable,” Rhaella said, eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, but imagine your babies! They would be beautiful! And she’d be such a wonderful sister to Dany!”
Aerys burst out laughing while Rhaegar groaned, rolling his eyes heavenward. “Mum, please.”
“But of course,” Rhaella said, laughing softly. “I’m only teasing. You know we would never force you into anything—unless, of course, your father and I are scheming something.” She winked. “But tell me honestly, son… what do you really think of her?”
Rhaegar hesitated, fingers drumming against his knee. He rarely kept secrets from them, and this time would be no different. He sighed and finally confessed, “I find her very beautiful. And yes, I think I might like her. She’s interesting, confident, and I kind of admire her spirit—even if that temper could get me killed.” A faint smile tugged at his lips. “There’s something about her that draws me in. I don’t want to mislead her or confuse my intentions, but… I’d like to get to know her. Maybe even—well, date her, if it comes to that.”
“Ha! I knew it!” Aerys exclaimed, turning to Rhaella. “Pay up, my love!”
Rhaella rolled her eyes at him but smiled proudly at their son. “You never fail to make me happy, Rhaegar.”
Rhaegar just shook his head with a fond grin at their antics.
Then Rhaella softened. “On a serious note, darling, take this lunch as an opportunity. Get to know her properly—even if Brandon and her brothers hover like guards. I’ll try to find a moment for you two to talk. I have a feeling you’d get along splendidly. According to Rickard, she’s very interested in history and architecture—something you already share. And,” she added with a knowing look, “you’re in a far better position than Robert will ever be.”
Rhaegar chuckled, leaning down to kiss her hand. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mum. I’ll take your advice. Wish me luck.”
“Always,” Rhaella said, her voice gentle and full of warmth.
With one last glance at his smiling parents, Rhaegar finally left the suite. As the door closed behind him, Aerys exhaled a laugh. “You know, Rhaella… if anyone could actually keep that boy on his toes, it would be a Stark.”
Rhaella smiled faintly, lifting her teacup once more. “Oh, I know. And something tells me this is only the beginning.”
Aerys smirked. “Gods help us if it is.”
And as their laughter filled the quiet hotel suite, somewhere down the hall, Rhaegar Targaryen felt—for the first time in a long while—that something extraordinary was about to begin.