no proper lady

“I hope you are right then. I guess I just have to wait and see.”

“We will.  I just hope that whatever happens is the right thing for you.”

“But I thought in most cases that is not taken into consideration? Especially if the lady is of very high birth. Is it not true? I know my mother and my father were lucky, they fell in love and there was no issue with a marriage between a Stark and a Targaryen. It was in fact beneficial. I know of ladies who are plainly forced into their marriages, and they do not turn out to be good ones.”

“It isn’t common for it to be taken into consideration,” Dacey agreed.  “But your mother loves you, Rhaella.  If I know her as well as I think I do, she will at least try to consider your opinions.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize. But that must make him so much more fond of your sisters. It would make your family so much more closely bound. That sounds sweet.”

“He is quite fond of my sisters,” she agreed.  “It does make our family quite close.”

“I sometimes wonder if a son would have been easier. My daughter is quite headstrong already.”

“So far my son is easier than my daughter, but he is only a few days old.”

Oh, how sweet! I’m sure she will grow to be as beautiful as her mother. Has she shown any interest in riding?

She has.  Alysane has been teaching her to ride.

“I suppose they might. Babies likely don’t know what’s night and what’s day. What about your ladies though? Alys’ ladies and the nurse take care of Minisa usually.”

“I don’t have ladies to look after my children.  My sisters assist me, and we have a nurse on the island but Jeor has not taken to her quite yet.”

“What makes me happy? How would my mother know what could make me happy? I fear even I can’t answer to that. I’d just say for her to focus on the good match part.”

“She may not know exactly, but it is not difficult to tell who a woman could have a good life with.  They must be compatible in more than just birthright.  Take my marriage to your uncle.  True, it was not a true match the way you will have, but when my mother found out of my interest in Benjen, she wasn’t surprised.  We are compatible enough for a marriage to work.”

“They’re too different, Aunt Dacey. The Ironborn. At least in my eyes. My ladies have told me so.”

“My mother? What makes you say so?”

“They are quite different.  But...I know your mother.  She wants to do what is best for you.  Her concern will be what makes you happy as well as what would be a good match.  You said so yourself, your brother is too busy to find you a match. It seems reasonable that task would fall to your mother, with the king’s input, of course.”

“Oh, an Ironborn? Never! With or without their rebellion. I’ve heard some not very flattering things about them. And yes, I think the young lord Lannister is way too young for me.”

“My family’s history with the Ironborn has me quite biased on the matter.  I had assumed the rest of Westeros was less so, at least before the rebellion.  But, in that case the Baratheon boy will probably be your only option.  Unless Aegon decides to marry you to a lesser house.  Though I feel while your brother may have the final approval of the match, it will be your mother making the decision, Rhaella.”

“Of course. You have another child? This is my first time as a mother. I’m afraid it’ll take some adjusting.”

“I do.  A daughter, Lynara.  She’s four.  It does take some time to adjust to motherhood.  That is certain.  I struggled at first when Lyn was born.”

“And he is my only option? Is he not? I can’t recall any of the other Great Houses having a son that could suit me. When I think about it, that is quite sad.”

“The Greyjoy boy would have been possible had the Iron Islands not rebelled.  I doubt your brother would allow that match now.  And there is the Lannister boy, but he’s a good deal younger than you, I believe.”

“I can understand that. I mostly leave my daughter with my ladies. I think they are far more tired than I am.”

“Ah, well, on Bear Island we have fewer ladies to look after our children for us.  My sisters assist, but he is my responsibility.”

“Are they very exhausting? Newborns don’t do much, do they?”

“You’d be surprised, Rosamund.  They sleep a lot, but they always seem to be awake when I want to sleep.”

I honestly don’t know how she does it. How is little Lynara?

She’s as adventurous as ever.  She’s four now and reminds me so much of myself when I was a child.  Ben says she’s like your mother.

“Perhaps. But I don’t dare to remind him. Though who do you think could make a possible suitor for me?”

“Well, you are a Targaryen princess.  The best possible match would be with one of the great houses.  Maybe the Baratheon boy?  Of course, I am not as well versed in southern politics.”

“They might be seeking my hand, but it’s no guarantee. After all, Aegon has the final say, he has to bless the union. And then approach me with the news. But he doesn’t seem interested in that. That’s the impression I’m left with, at least.”

“Perhaps he needs reminding.  After all, there is a lot to ruling and Aegon needs to split his focus wisely.”

“I first have to get a husband though. And I’ve heard no talks of anything of that kind.”

“Sweetling, you are a princess.  I have no doubt that many men throughout the kingdom would love to seek your hand.”