#in the sense that he would have other/better opportunities in dorne and wouldn't have to deal directly with her baggage

[hetagrammy]

In the asoiaf au, who is Herakles's father?

I was originally going to leave it ambiguous and have we all know that his dad was Dornish, but your own hcs about Mama Greece and Persia inspired me :)

It remains to be seen if Persia is still alive though, as it stands to reason Romulus wouldn't want the guy who messed around with his wife (granted before he married her) still present. A big part of his marriage to Helene was that she had to give up her attachments to Herakles, and that was probably the biggest rift in their marriage. The adultery is one thing, but the fact that he campaigned that hard to marry her and then went on to have affairs on her is a whole other. That's it's own issue though. And let's be clear, Helene did love him at the time they got married, they had two children together for a reason, she's not a helpless victim in this scenario (granted she did not have much choice what with Patriarchy™ being a thing).

The caveat here is that Romulus doesn't like to do things subtly, you could call it honor, but really it's more him wanting to take the credit for beating his rivals. He doesn't want a slip down the stairs to take someone out, he wants it to be him. If Persia died in a slightly suspicious way and people sideye him though... that could also be a potential thread.

[goldaegontargaryen]

“I’ve always thought Starfall was a beautiful name.  It’s much better than the Red Keep.  Dragonstone has a nice sound to it as well.  I suppose you shouldn’t rule a place just because it has a nice name, but I think it certainly helps.”  Aegon smiled at Ashara, surprised that he felt quite comfortable with her.  Perhaps it was her simple honesty and lack of hostility that put him at ease.  Some of the Dornish delegation had been on edge when speaking with him, not that Aegon could blame them.  His namesake had once sent dragons to burn their people.  It was a relief to sense no such hostility from Ashara, though perhaps she simply hid it well.  “I would like that very much, though I’m afraid it might not ever be possible.  My dragon would have to travel with me and I think a sight such as that would be unwelcome by the Dornish people.” Aegon refused to travel anywhere without Sunfyre.  The very thought made him anxious. He had no idea how other people moved throughout life without the sense of security and opportunity of escape a dragon provided. Aegon had such a close bond with Sunfyre that often where one went, the other was soon to follow. Sunfyre had a habit of sometimes following him when he'd sailed to King's Landing for short visits. Even if Aegon attempted to leave him on Dragonstone, it wouldn't be long before Sunfyre turned up in Dorne outside some Dornish lords castle. That was a political disaster in the making.

His eyes dropped to the sword at Ashara’s hip.  Despite the Valyrian swords in their family, Aegon didn’t get ample opportunity to see many others.  Most of the houses who had them guarded them fiercely in their homes, which was a sentiment Aegon could understand.  Still, he loved his own Valyrian sword and the few occasions he’d had to view the swords of others.  “I hope I’m not overstepping by asking, but would it be alright if I viewed your sword?  I would be willing to let you examine Blackfyre as well if you wish.  It would be an equal exchange.”  Aegon had no doubt that Ashara was better at swordplay than him, so he hoped his offer to examine Blackfyre would be tempting.  

He briefly considered if Ashara would be willing to teach him some Dornish style moves, but that was a request better saved for a closer relationship.  He would probably embarrass himself in front of her, but he was interested to see what she knew.  Then again, he wouldn’t be a great teacher either.  Perhaps he could recruit Aemond to be trained and watch from the sidelines instead.

The Prince and the Sword of the Morning: with @asharadayne-asoiaf-rp

The air inside the small dining room was stifling.  The torches along the wall were blazing brightly and candles had been set onto almost every available surface.  The flames allowed for the room to be well lit and clearly revealed the faces of its occupants, but they also exuded a strong heat that had Aegon continuously pulling at his collar.  The meeting he’d been invited to was a small gathering of some of the more politically important players in Westeros, though Aegon had a feeling he’d been invited out of politeness only.  Besides some initial stilted conversations when he'd arrived, none of the lords or ladies had chosen to seek out his company.  

As he was contemplating whether he would be able to slip away unobserved, his eyes were drawn towards the door that led out to the balcony.  Without thought, Aegon instantly made his way towards it.  Perhaps a breath of fresh air and a few moments alone would allow him to continue showing his face at this gathering for as long as was socially appropriate.  At the very least, he knew the air outside would be cooler than the inside of the dining room.  

He grabbed the door handle and quickly stepped outside, shutting the door behind him.  It was only as he turned that he realized there was someone else on the balcony.  At first, Aegon internally groaned at the idea that the place he’d sought solitude was already occupied, but he quickly recognized the figure as Lady Ashara Dayne which instantly sparked his curiosity.  Aegon had met the Dornish delegation when they’d first arrived, but all he’d done was formally introduce himself and shake hands with the Princess and a few of the other leading members.  Aegon remembered Ashara from the distinctive sword hanging at her hip and her unique title.  She was The Sword of the Morning, supposedly making her the most prestigious swordsman in Dorne.  

Aegon approached her, standing at her side and overlooking the scattered lights of the city below and the shining stars above.  “It’s much nicer out here,” he commented, not turning to face her.  “You’re Lady Ashara Dayne, correct?  We met briefly.  I’m Aegon Targaryen.”  He was sure she already knew, but then again, he supposed between him and all his brothers it might be easy for people to get confused.  “I imagine King’s Landing is quite different from Dorne.”