Compulsive and Obsessed

"She may be of their blood but she is a bastard none the less. It does not matter how they care to dress her up otherwise."

"Legitimised-"

"By a craven king, along with her bastard of a twin and numerous others." Several heads turned then, brows raised. "That they would have us believe it is a union between the two houses…"

"Were you to have but any sense- where are you going? Joran!" The younger of the two brothers had already risen from his seat, gaze firm, before he stepped away. "Take your seat now-"

Unaware of the turmoil brewing Rhaenys had allowed herself to enjoy the celebrations after the food had been served - with a wave of the kings hand music had filled the air, the floor soon filled with dancing. That it was Maekor who had asked for her hand first had been pleasantly surprising, though she did not miss the way his mothers mouth had curled at the corners as she watched on.

Maekor, despite his best attempts at pretending otherwise, proved to be an acceptable dancer. His hands remained steady though his cheeks flushed the most endearing shade of red.

"If I may, Princess-"

Rhaenys knew a Lannister when she saw one. With his golden hair and a confidence that came only from belonging to one of the wealthiest families in the realm, Joran Lannister was known to be one of the fairest lords in court. It would have been unseemly to refuse to him, though she wished very much to do so when saw the hard set to his gaze. The hand that took hers was firm, his steps sure, as he led her through the next dance.

"Are you enjoying the celebrations, Princess?"

"Very much so, my lord." It was not lost to her, the sharp edge to his words though he masked it well. "It has been quite the evening."

"Indeed." The hand that sat far too low against her spine flexed. "It truly is so generous of our king to honour one such as yourself in such a manner."

Though she had not met the younger of the Golden Lion's son's in person before, Rhaenys had heard much of him. His older brother, Loras, was known to be of a calm nature and a worthy heir to his father. Joran, five years his junior, was in comparison far bolder and seemingly without the ability to hold his tongue. He continued to lead, steering her through the crowd without a care as to who heard him.

"One such as myself, my lord?" Rhaenys knew well enough the implications of his words.

"I know not of another bastard given the honour of marrying into the ruling family."

Rhaenys allowed him to spin her, eyes narrowing when his hand settled even lower as if to bait her. The circumstances of her birth were no secret but despite her public legitimisation there were still some who refused to look past it.

"You are bold, my lord."

"I speak only the truth as I see it, Princess." She felt a gaze settle on her then, the heat of it a familiar one as it cut through the lords and ladies that proceeded to move around them. "You fool no one with this charade though I congratulate you on what has been an ambitious grab at glory."

"I have done rather well, haven't I?" It brought her no small amount of joy to watch as his mouth thinned, his hold on her tightening just a little. "Does it pain you, my lord, that a bastard will be queen one day?"

"You are shameless-"

"You are shameless… Your Grace." Perhaps it would have been wiser to not antagonise him such as she was but it had been some time since any had dared address her so brazenly.

"The king may have given you legitimacy… Your Grace-" There was no attempt at masking the venom beneath his words now, all but spat out. "-but the realm will never forget what you are."

"I would hope they did not." The words came over her shoulder, low in the way that she could only associate with her newly betrothed. "Would you care to speak but a little louder? I would not wish for you to go unheard."

It was quite the sight, the way Joran's eyes widened, cheeks paling, as he took a hurried step back.

"Your Grace- I meant no-" Gone was the bluster and bravado from but a moment before. "I did not think-"

"It is clear-" A hand settled against her spine, heat sinking through the fabric of her gown. "-that you did not. I think it best you return to your lord brothers side, do you not?"

Rhaenys could hear the whispers around them when Joran dropped into a panicked bow but paid them no mind as Baelor stepped into view, back straight - he watched the little lion scurry away, his tail tucked firmly between his legs, hand still sat against her spine.

"What else was said?"

"It matters not."

"If it was of insult to the crown, it matters a great deal."

"He said nothing that others do not." Baelor turned to face her then. "They just take more care to not be heard."

"I would have words with his brother-"