Lady Rhea Royce, also known as the Bronze Bitch, was the head of House Royce of Runestone and the Lady of Runestone under the rule of King Viserys I Targaryen. She was the first wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen.
History[]
In 97 AC, Queen Alysanne Targaryen wed her grandson, Daemon Targaryen, to Rhea, the heir to Runestone, Although it was considered a fine match, the marriage proved to be a failure. Daemon found the Vale boring, and soon developed a dislike for his wife, referring to her as his Bronze Bitch, as a mocking tribute to the bronze armour of House Royce. Rhea, likewise had no love for her husband.
Shortly after 101 AC, Rhea succeeded Yorbert Royce as the Lady of Runestone. Upon the ascension of his brother, Viserys I. Daemon petitioned him to set the marriage aside, but his request was rejected. However, he did allow for Daemon to return to court, serving in several positions upon the small council. While at court, Daemon took Mysaria as his mistress, fathering a bastard child upon her. When he attempted to give her a dragon egg, Viserys commande him to return it, and then return to Rhea in the Vale, or else be attained. Daemon reluctantly agreed, and returned to Rhea's unwelcome company.
By 106 AC, Daemon had once again departed Runestone, to wage a war over control of the Stepstones with Lord Corlys Velaryon. Daemon later requested that his marriage be set aside, so that he could marry his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen. This was once again rejected, and the king exiled him from the Seven Kingdoms.
In 115 AC, while she was hawking in the Vale, Lady Rhea fell from her horse and cracked her skull on a stone. She remained bedridden for nine days, before feeling well enough to rise. She promptly collapsed and died, an hour after rising.
Upon learning of her death, Prince Daemon flew to the Eyrie, supposedly to put his wife to rest. However, he instead arrived at the Eyrie to petition for the lands, titles, castles, and incomes of House Royce. His claim was dismissed by Lady Jeyne Arryn, who claimed that he was unwelcome in the Vale. Instead, Rhea was succeeded by one of her nephews.