inbox for saltburnt;

[perzo]

WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK

USERNAME:
RHAENYRA

text ❖ audio ❖ video

Comments

— text | un: jacaerys

[vermax]

( this is not intended for his mother, far from it, but he doesn’t notice that he’s sent it to an unintended recipient when he tosses his phone aside on the bed. )

[perzo]

[ would it be better to say nothing, pretend she hasn't seen it? or would he prefer she bring it to his attention so that he might send it to its intended recipient?

in the end, rhaenyra chooses the latter. ]

This was meant for another, I assume?

[vermax]

( the phone buzzes quickly and when he looks at it, his heart sinks into the pit of his stomach as a flush rises on his cheeks. the pillows he’d thrown the phone against look tempting but he doubts he could smother himself quick enough.

had he chosen another photo perhaps he could rely on skill to talk his way out of it but not this.

it takes a while to answer. he groans as he does. ) Yes. I’m sorry, mother, I did not intend to disturb you.

( and though she will likely see through him and have no qualms with the truth: ) I was asked to model.

( wait. that sounds worse… )

[perzo]

[ despite his apology, rhaenyra feels compelled to make one thing very clear: ] You could never be a disturbance.

[ she'd been surprised, rather pleasantly, to receive a message from him, even if it hadn't been meant for her. that said, there are some details that could likely be explained more sufficiently. ]

And modeling entails being in a state of undress?

[vermax]

Then I apologize for the indecency. ( surely, that deserves apology. she was surely not expecting this and could have lived without the sight. )

Portraits have been painted of many less clothed.

[perzo]

It is not so indecent when there are much more blatant displays at Otherworld every week.

So you mean to have someone paint your portrait?

[vermax]

That is so. Are you attending it each week then, mother? ( teasing. maybe? )

No. There are more appropriate subjects here than I.

In truth, that is not what this was for.

[perzo]

Of course not. I simply hear quite a bit of talk over the breakfast table.

[ she sees what you did there, jace. ]

Dare I ask, since it was clearly not mine to view?

[vermax]

There is quite a bit of gossip, tis true. Though things have grown quiet since the party where costumes came to life. Enough occurred then.

This was meant for Baela's eyes only.

[perzo]

That's precisely what concerns me. It's in those moments of quiet where something is most likely to occur.

A gift of sorts, before the upcoming ceremony?

[vermax]

Beyond the same scandals that would be the gossip of the Red Keep? What worries you?

Yes. A clumsy attempt.

Daemon thinks a ceremony soon would gain us some favor now that our numbers match the Greens. Now that Aegon is here. ( but he's also giving Daemon the cold shoulder right now so they really haven't discussed it. )

[perzo]

That their interpretation of games culminates in murder and deception. What else would they have in store for us when we are at our most unsuspecting?

Aegon seems more content to remain in his cups than issue any real challenge at the moment. Though I would readily arrange a ceremony if you and Baela are ready for it.

[vermax]

Indulgence? They wish to tempt us and force us into depravity whether it lingers underneath the surface or not. It tempts us all.

Let us hope that remains so. He’s asked me of the truce between us.

The benefit to our house aside, I would be happy to call Baela my wife at any moment. You were right, mother, what reason is there to wait?

[perzo]

All the more reason not to succumb, if we can help it.

I do not believe he has an appetite for war. Whatever enmity he possesses has been stoked by lies and manipulations.

If you would rather delay until the weather is kinder, I believe the seasons are more changeable here.

[vermax]

And if I have succumbed? The night of the party when the werewolf game concluded?

I believe so.

A wedding without snow would be more agreeable, tis true. Neither Baela nor I are children of winter. And I have seen only summer snow.

[perzo]

None of us are immune to its manipulations. I would have been more surprised if you had avoided it somehow.

We can wait until the season is more forgiving. Your betrothed knows your intentions remain true.

[vermax]

I did not feel myself that night.

I will remain so. Above all else, I would not dishonor Baela. But I do worry we must act in some way to garner favor as the Green’s influence continues to grow.

[perzo]

Alicent had something of the advantage of arriving here sooner in forging allies, but she agreed to peace, and her sons have shown no hint of crossing her in that regard.

As you say, though, a wedding may very well curry more favor for our side.

[vermax]

Not yet, at least. I hope that their ties with their mother hold strong enough to not tempt fate. But if they act while Baela is asleep, that will show their hand.