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Rhaenyra reread the letter as if the words written on the parchment were written in another tongue.
A fire has erupted in Harrenhal Castle, Lord Lyonel of House Strong, Hand of the King, and his son Ser Harwin of House Strong, former Commander of the City Watch are among the dead. The source of the fire is being examined but beliefs that the curse of Harrenhal has claimed yet another victim.
Rhaenyra and her family arrived in Dragonstone a mere 3 days before this letter was sent to them, and a mere 4 days when she and her sons had said their farewells to Ser Harwin. She didn’t know what to feel for the real sires of her three children, sadness? Indifference? There was no love in their relationship and both she and Harwin had agreed upon that, yet she had a fondness for the Knight.
How would Jacaerys feel? Knowing he had some idea that Harwin could be his own father, which she didn’t deny. Her thoughts were interrupted when Jace and Luke entered her chambers. She quickly hid the parchment between the pages of some book to not be seen.
“Mother we found the Dragon pit and we saw the meeting room table that’s shaped like Westeros,” said Lucerys excitedly.
“I see you have explored much of the castle,” Rhaenyra said trying to sound interested and not show any sadness from what she just read.
“Yes, we also saw Ser Harwin earlier near the Dragon pit. I think he was near a dragon because he smelled smokey. I thought it was strange since you said he was going home to the Riverlands a few days ago.” Jacaerys said causing Rhaenyra to freeze in horror but her facial features remained the same.
“He said that he was an escort to another ship and he was just leaving today to follow his father to Harrenhal.” Jace continued.
“And what else has he said?” Rhaenyra asked trying to not let her voice shake.
“Nothing else except that he has already said goodbye to you and Father, and that he had hoped to see us before he left. He said the Hand was already waiting for him.” Jace said in reply.
“Well why don't you two go to the kitchens and grab yourselves some snacks before you get back to your exploration of Dragonstone,” she said sweetly but just wanting to be alone right now.
When Jace and Luke finally left, she finally processed what her sons have said, she then remembered Harwin’s last words: ‘I’ll be a Stranger when we meet again’.
“Stranger” she whispered. Then sighed to herself, a few minutes passed before her door opened again and this time her husband Laenor with another letter.
“A letter from Pentos,” he said sounding solemn.
“Please let it be some good news this time,” Rhaenyra sighed loudly but one look from her husband was all the answer she needed.