Description
Ser Criston Cole angrily declines Princess Rhaenyra's offer to remain her lover even after her marriage to Laenor. He takes it as an offense to his honor. He becomes her sworn enemy afterward. But what if he had not declined? What if he had stayed with Rhaenyra instead of Ser Harwin Strong? What if Jace, Luke, and Jofferey had been Criston's sons? Excerpt below: ********************************************* I cannot separate Rhaenyra from the realm. But I must need assurance. "Rhaenyra..." I let her name linger on my tongue. I hardly ever get to call her by her name. I remove the scarf on her head hiding her hair and let it fall on her shoulders. I take her finger in mine. I brush the red scars on her nail beds. I finally speak what is on my mind. "If we marry, the realm will lose a good queen. And I cannot let that happen." She looks at me, still worried. A resolution forms in my head. It is not perfect but will be an acceptable compromise for both of us.
Returning from Driftmark
