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𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉
CHAPTER ELEVEN, The Engagements

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𝕿hat week King Viserys summoned her to the throne room to discuss something.

I will talk to my father . . . I will go speak to him then with the King, I am going to ask for my permission to marry you."

As Clarisse entered the Throne room she spotted three men waiting for her. Viserys I in front of the stairs leading to the infamous Iron Throne while conversing with his newly appointed hand Lord Lyonel Strong of Harrenhal, and also Harwin's father.

Rhaenyra stood close to the group of men. She flashed a reassuring look at her lover.

There was Harwin standing close to his father. He shot her a soft smile which made Clarisse return the gesture.

"You sent for me, your grace," she said, stopping a few feet away from them, waiting for someone to speak.

"Yes, yes, I did send it for you. As you know, your father has no say in your marriage anymore, seeing as he was asked to leave by my orders. And to not meddle with your affairs. After what has happened, I believe that you should still have the choice to marry. You have declined the offers given by my Former hand, except Lord Lyonel's eldest son has asked for your hand in marriage.

Clarisse blinked in surprise but looked at Harwin, who looked at her in anticipation and those eyes. Although Lord Lyonel may have had his disputes with Otto Hightower, Clarisse Hightower was close with the Targaryen family, with her sister being the Queen and Clarisse being close with the Heir, he hoped she would say yes.

"I accept," Clarisse said, nodding in response was enough for Viserys to have a smile on his face. He felt like he had finally done something right by Aemma.

"It is set then!" Viserys exclaimed, he and Lyonel congratulated each other. While the two were conversing Harwin went over and grabbed the back of her hand, kissing it tenderly.

Rhaenyra gave her love a nod and gave Harwin a look that he understood.

"My betrothed,"

"My betrothed,"

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The Red Keep was buzzing at the new knowledge of not only was the Princess getting married but the adventurous and kind Clarisse Hightower was recently engaged to King Visery's new Hand Lyonel Strong's eldest son, Harwin Strong.

Many believed it was because of punishment for Otto Hightower for his selfishness. For whatever reason Otto was kicked and expelled from the Red Keep, forcing him to depart from the small council.

Clarisse had a feeling that Viserys would announce his engagement before she had the chance to tell Alicent.

Let's just say that Alicent was angry, their relationship was being severed with each passing day. She called her selfish for not telling her about her engagement and for not defending her father to the King.

Of course, Clarisse fired back, saying how she was the last person to talk about engagements when she was fucking her best friend's father behind her back.

The two sisters haven't spoken since.

The day of Rhaenyra's wedding proposal came quickly, overshadowing her sudden engagement, not that much but still helping Clarisse feel less overwhelmed.

Ser Laenor was quite handsome, and a good friend of hers.

Petra came to her bath and became flustered at Clarisse looking at her with an arched brow while sipping on some wine, "Speak, Petra."

"A letter from your father my Lady."

After a week it seems he probably heard the news. No doubt from Alicent, probably telling father dearest of how she was engaged to the son of the man that replaced him as ser Hand of the King.

She had refused to open the letter.

"Another letter from Prince Daemon, as well, my Lady," Petra added once more.

The last thing she knew was that Daemon was going back to Vale to Lady Rhea Royce, his wife. Had he heard the news of Rhaenyra's engagement to Laenor?

Clarisse set her wine down and gestured for the letter.

my moon and stars, I am writing to you to tell you that my wife Lady Rhea Royce is dead. A tragic accident caused her to fall down her horse and crack her head open.

Now it has come to my attention that you are to be married.

Imagine to my surprise that it isn't me. We'll have to fix that, don't we?

See you soon,
yours, Dameon.

The Hightower gaped at his words and crumbled up the letter. The audacity of this man after the shit he pulled that nearly sullied both Rhaenyra and her names.

She wouldn't lie and say she didn't feel warmed by his words. But Clarisse was going to marry Harwin, he was a promising man.

It could've been worse.

Like Jason Lannister.

Clarisse shivered at the thought.

"Are you cold M'Lady?" Petra asked, still standing there waiting to be dismissed or be ordered.

"I'm fine, Petra. I need to get ready." Clarisse stood up from the bath and grabbed her robe.

In her wardrobe, she picked out a light blue dress. She later went outside to where their tree was in the gardens to find Rhaenyra, the Princess's face lit up at the sight of her lover.

"I wasn't sure you'd be here," Rhaenyra spoke, standing up and walking over to Clarisse. She linked their arms together and walked. Clarisse gave her a hesitant smile.

"Why wouldn't I be? You're getting proposed."

Rhaenyra frowned and looked around before whispering, "Ser Laenor' prefers men"

"I am aware of it," Clarisse stated, having nothing against Ser Laenor or his preferences. Seeing as Clarisse preferred both men and women.

"Come along, we must board the ship." Rhaenyra smiled and pulled Clarisse along with her who happily accepted it.

When Clarisse entered the ship, Ser Criston nodded his head and offered his hand, the Hightower accepted as she boarded the ship.

"Ser Criston, It's good to see you," Clarisse said kindly before she had not to quarrel with him whatsoever.

When Criston smiled and went to go do his own thing, most likely making sure they were ready to sail, Rhaenyra scoffed bitterly at Criston.

"He likes you," Rhaenyra stated rather bitterly making Clarisse laugh.

"Well everyone likes me," Clarisse boasted with a cheeky smirk. This made Rhaenyra glare at her even more.

Clarisse grabbed her hand giving a discreet kiss on the back of her hand, "There is no need to be jealous my love, I only have eyes for you,"

"And Ser Harwin, I can't say I blame you..." Rhaenyra couldn't help but wander back to the man. "What of Daemon?" she asked, his name sounding foreign.

"He wrote a letter to me, The Lady Rhea Royce is dead. He knows of my engagement . . . and yours and he isn't happy." Clarisse revealed earning a gasp from Rhaenyra.

As the ship started to sail, Rhaenyra and Clarisse made their way up to the front of the ship. In the distance, Viserys is throwing up making her cringe. Her future father-in-law was trying to remain positive and stay by his side, offering some assistance.

This only meant that Rhaenyra was closer to the Throne. And it was possible that Alicent would try to take it and give it to her nephew.

She hadn't exactly been seeing her nephews and niece. She'd try to visit them whenever they were with the maids with Alicent not present.

To occupy their time, Rhaenyra excitedly thought of some plans for Clarisse's wedding. She insisted that she'd plan it, much to her amusement. Just like how Clarisse would assist in Rhaenyra's wedding.

This isn't the life they wanted, but they could say that as women in this harsh world, they were lucky to marry such men who were honorable.

Clarisse thought about the letter she hadn't read from her father.

"Something's bothering you, what is it Darling?"

"I also received a letter from my father as well. I didn't open it. But I know he isn't happy about the match. I'm being married to your father's new Hand's eldest son,"

"Who cares what he thinks?" Rhaenyra placed a hand on Clarisse's shoulder.

"I should've at least said goodbye," Clarisse stated in regret. Rhaenyra just hugged her close. Deep down the Princess knew that she'd never stop loving her father. He was her only parent left, but she still held a grudge against the family that made her loving Clary feel like an outsider.

She blamed Alicent and Otto, for people who claim to love her and hold her close to their hearts, they sure in hell have a weird way of showing it.

"It's alright, you'll see him again," Rhaenyra spoke comfortingly.

Some part of Rhaenyra hoped that never happened.

"Lady Clarisse, Princess," Ser Criston greeted the two women before telling them they'd reached.

Clarisse offered her hand to Rhaenyra who accepted it graciously.

"Are you ready?"

"Not even close," Rhaenyra replied, holding confidence and humor.

The carriage ride was probably the most awkward situation Clarisse had ever been in. Worse than three years ago when Alicent was heavily pregnant. Viserys glanced toward his daughter, debating on whether to speak or not.

He chose not to, thank the heavens. They soon reached the home of the Sea Snake, a gorgeous home. Absolutely beautiful and seemed like it came out of a book.

Ser Laenor was fighting with a blond-haired boy. They bowed when Viserys and the rest entered.

"Where is Lord Crolys? He should be here to revive the King." The Hand of King Lyonel Strong demanded, wondering why their guest wasn't here to retrieve them.

"Welcome to High Tide, Your Grace." Laena's voice was silky smooth and graceful.

"What is the meaning of this Lady Laena?" Although she liked Harwin, his father sometimes didn't know when to keep his mouth shut. She rolled her eyes at his behavior.

"Is this how House Velaryon greets its King?"

"How about we calm down and let Lady Laena at least get a chance to speak before throwing a fit," Clarisse uttered quite fed up.

It was loud enough to be heard by Viserys, Rhaenyra, and Criston. Perhaps everyone heard except Strong, seeing as he was too busy talking.

Rhaenyra smirked while Viserys choked out a chuckle.

"My father has but just returned from his King Journey and he's hastened to the Hall of nine to await Your Grace's arrival." Lady Laena informed, stepping forward to show that she wasn't intimidated in the slightest, making Clarisse smile and admire the woman.

They would get along just well.

"Let's just get on with it,"

Clarisse would've laughed at Visery's tone, he sounded dreadful.

The company moved into the castle. Rhaenyra walked close with Clarisse which Lady Laena seemed to notice.

"Lady Clarisse Hightower is it? I've heard things about you." Lady Laena said kindly to the girl and Clarisse returned a kind smile.

"Hopefully good things," Clarisse spoke truthfully, "These past few years haven't been so kind to me."

Her parents had no quarrel with Clarisse Hightower, in fact, she was genuinely surprised that they liked her. Seeing as her father was an absolute cow.

Viserys entered the throne room where Lord Crolys and Princess Rhaenys awaited him. The three girls have been shut out by the guard, who muttered an apology.

"Come, cousin, Clarisse, Let us discover what might be had for breakfast." Laena linked arms with Clary and Rhaenyra

Laena looked between the two and genuinely smiled. She could see how the two women looked at each other. It was the same look her brother gave Joffrey.

Her brother would be in good hands.

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After breakfast, Clarisse was left with Laena seeing that Rhaenyra had to go have a walk.

"I heard you've been engaged as well. To Ser Harwin wasn't it?" Laena began awkwardly. Truth be told, she was quite awed at Clarisse Hightower's beauty. She was certainly the prettier Hightower sister, she had seen Alicent a few times when she was younger. It was her character that ruined her image.

They were walking toward the gardens now. Laena decided to take her there, seeing as Rhaenyra and Clarisse were walking along the beach.

"Yes, he's a kind man. Despite what many say about him," Clarisse said, smiling slightly at the thought of Harwin.

"I'm glad that both you and Rhaenyra have found a good match,"

"I have to admit, I was against the idea. But sadly these are the order of things," Clarisse sighed, there was no such thing as a happy marriage. Some were fortunate to have good ones.

Clarisse stared ahead, "I can see the way your father loves your mother. I've never seen such a healthy and loving relationship before. It's what I someday wanted."

Maybe Harwin and she would have that. Just like Rhaenyra and Laenor will too someday.

Laena smiled at the thought of her parents, "My parents are fond of you." many of the things she learned about Clarisse came from both of them, seeing as they held no dislike toward her.

The two leaned against a tree, talking and laughing with one another. She was genuinely surprised that Laena was okay with Rhaenyra and her secret relationship. Then confessed how her brother and a man named Joffrey were in love.

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Rhaenyra returned to inform us that the ship was setting sail for its return back home. Laena escorted her cousin and her new friend to the ship.

"May we meet once again,"

"You as well, Lady Laena," Clarisse smiled, returning the embrace.

Rhaenya smiled at her cousin and lover getting along. Happy, that her arrangement with Laenor was also going to work out well. They will do their duties and then dine as they see fit.

This was a political marriage after all.

That night Clarisse fell asleep next to Rhaenyra. She was still asleep by sunrise when Rhaenyra went out for some fresh air. Ser Criston confessed his feelings for the Princess and how he proposed that he, Clary, and her would escape far away and abandon their duties.

Rhaenyra's rejection hurt Criston and hadn't said a word since their trip back home.

In a few days, things were about to change.

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⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ clarisse is an engaged woman to SER HARWIN STRONG. As she should because harwin is just ughghghshskahjs

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ Can we talk about episode six for a moment? Like they rlly made me love him and they decide TO DO ME LIKE THAT???? WHYYYY Do you have any idea how hard it's gonna be to write that!?

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ Daemon ain't happy that his girls are getting hitched.

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ laena is our pride queen and that's on periodt💅🏼

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ IMPORTANT: As you know I'm trying to pick out a color dress for Clarisse to wear. And here are a couple of ideas.

The first option would be a dark blue dress that is the House Of Strong colors (I think) with a beautiful headband or red hairclip. Maybe Rhaenyra would give her a necklace and she won't wear Daemon's ring on her neck anymore but Rhaenyra's gift. Basically, she'll signify her loyalty to her future husband and baby daddy and Rhaenyra/Team Black

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ I'm gonna try fully committing to doing dedications so COMMENT HERE IF YOU WANT ONE.