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Chapter Text

Truth be told, Aegon didn’t know why he changed his usual routine: dinner had been tiresome.

Usually, he’d go and kiss his children goodnight, adjusting their sheets, telling them he loved them (oh, how he loved them!), before setting off to the Street of Silk, either to drink or to support the local pleasure houses, sometimes both.
 
But tonight was different for a reason he could not fathom.
 
He passed near his father’s bedchambers where he heard him in agony. The prince wasn’t naive : with how he walked to the throne room, how he appeared for the rest of the evening, Viserys I had had his last meal and would die in the night.
 
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
 
The sick man’s voice was weak and so filled with pain his son could almost share it with him. He knew he could not eavesdrop. Yet, here he was, unable to detach himself from the conversation. Hidden in the shadows, he listened quietly.
 
“Shh.” His mother tried to soothe him
 
Aegon always believed his father was lucky to have such a wife. Devoted, caring, respectful even, despite him not respecting her, not valuing her, not valuing the children he gave her : Aemond lost an eye due to his bastard grandson’s actions and nothing was done. An eye for an eye seemed extreme. But something could and should have been done. Instead, Aemond received nothing : no Justice, his handicap brushed aside, and certainly not an ounce of fatherly affection or care.
 
“But you wanted to know if I believe it to be true.”
“Believe what to be true, my king?”
“Don’t you remember? Aegon …”
 
He froze.
 
“Our son? Aegon?”
“His dream. The Song of Ice and Fi— It is true. What he saw in the North. The Prince That Was Promised.”
 
Not him. Definitely not him. His dreams were either lustful, filled with images of women satisfying his manly needs or they were depressing. He often dreamt of his own death, usually by his hand, drinking a poisoned chalice. The irony. Sometimes, he dreamt of his children, Jaehaerys asking him for a pony ride and Jaehaera watching them, smiling at him as he brought her pine cones to play with. Playing pretend was her favourite thing, especially pretending to make pine cone soup. He would tell her it was the best soup in the world and that it tasted heavenly. He never dreamt of ice. Sometimes, fire, yes, because Sunfyre was there.
 
“I don’t understand, Viserys.”
“The Prince.”
“Prince Aegon?”
 
His poor mother… There were definitely too many Aegons in this wretched family.
 
“To unite the realm against the cold and the dark. It is you. You are the one. You must do this. You must do this.”
“I understand, my king.”
 
No. No, no no, no… Fear started to devour him whole as he realized what was happening : his father was dying and his mother misunderstood his last words. Maybe they weren’t even intended for her… In the morrow, he’d be dead, free at last to join Queen Aemma and the only son he ever recognized : Baelon. But he, he’d be forced to take a crown he didn’t want, a throne that didn’t belong to him. Alicent left the room. The young man felt compelled to enter. He didn’t take Viserys’ hand. He didn’t speak. What was there to say, between a father and a son, a man who had forsaken his child when he turned two? Because, unlike Helaena and Aemond, his tragedy was that he remembered a time where their sire cared. He was so young, the memories a blur. But he remembered being carried by his father. He remembered his laugh, the cup brought to his lips, and the fact that he tried to steal his nose. So he sat there, in utter silence, witnessing as the king’s arm rose as if to reach someone.
 
“My love…”
 
A smile lit up his exhausted traits before his last breath escaped his parched lips. Aegon looked and realized his sovereign was gone. He got up, quickly kissed his brow, the last gesture he could grant him so he’d go in peace. That was a kindness he could grant him, at least.
 
“Farewell, Father. May you finally have the son you wanted but that my brothers and I could never be.”
 
He arranged the corpse. Whoever would find him would find him in a dignified state. Dread filled the prince. Rhaenyra was queen now. But his mother would want him to be king. The Seven knew how his grandsire wanted it. And now, the dowager queen believed a lie, genuinely believed it. The young man frantically looked around and found paper, ink and a feather.
 
“I could escape…” He thought. “I could escape, find a place in the Free Cities… Why not join Saera Targaryen? If she agrees, I could come and fetch Helaena, the kids… maybe even Aemond…”
 
He suddenly despised himself. How could he even think of abandoning his children behind him?! If he left, Otto could pretend he was slain, crown Jaehaerys as king, name himself as Regent. Helaena would never do it. By saving himself, he’d condemn his baby boy to the fate he so wished to avoid… He had to be his son’s shield. He thanked the Gods that Jaehaera was a girl : poor little lass, at least she was at peace until she flowered… His letter done, he exited the room and made his way to Rhaenys’ chambers. With a bit of luck, she’d be there after taking care of Vaemond’s last rites. She’d help. She had to…

“My prince.”
 
The Queen who never was was rather surprised to find him in her bedchambers, at night, alone. That was odd, to say the least.
 
“Princess Rhaenys.” Aegon greeted. “My apologies for such an intrusion.”
“It must be important.”
 
He nodded.
 
“Is it… is it the king?” She worried
“The king breathed his last about an hour ago. My sincere condolences. I know you loved him.”
 
He could see in her eyes the pain of loss, how she mourned the boy she knew, the man she pitied sometimes, the good man. Aegon wondered if someone would mourn him for him or if he’d just be mourned as a prince when his time would come.
 
“I was there as he passed away. His last thought was for Queen Aemma.”
“They are finally reunited. No offence to your mother. She has been a wonderful wife to him.”
 
He agreed.
 
“Princess Rhaenys. As my father spoke to my mother, he mentioned something. Aegon’s dream. The Song of Ice and Fire.”
“I never heard of it.”
“The issue is that when he told my mother of it, he said my name.”
“Go on.”
“I know he didn’t mean me. But my mother heard him say that Aegon would unite the realm. I’m afraid she might have mistaken his intentions.”
“And thus she’d try to crown you instead of Rhaenyra.”
 
The woman came closer.
 
“Why would you warn me? Have you never imagined yourself on the Iron Throne? Your son?”
“As if I wanted to burden my baby boy with that! Tell me, Princess. What kind of brother steals his sister’s birthright? The king doesn’t want me on the throne. He had twenty years to name me heir. He never did, instead he continued to support my sister. However, I fear I might be powerless to stop my mother and grandsire.”
“Who will believe to act according to the king’s wishes.”
 
Aegon gulped. Rhaenys realized just how young he still was.
 
“They will find me and crown me. That is certain. And I cannot run away, or else they’ll use my son. I refuse that. My little son won’t be a pawn in their games. I know how it feels, I refuse that to happen to Jaehaerys.”
 
He gave her the letter he wrote.
 
“Please. Take this to Rhaenyra. That song of ice and fire, I am certain she knows of it.”
“Can I read it?”
“Of course.”
 
The Targaryen quickly looked at it and paled.
 
Aegon would let them catch him.
 
He would let them have their coronation… but as soon as he’d be crowned, he’d announce, in front of the whole crowd, so there would be too many witnesses to kill off, that the true ruler was his sister Rhaenyra, according to their father’s wishes and until her arrival, to ensure her realm and her people would be taken care of, he’d act as regent and step down as soon as her feet would touch the ground of King’s Landing.
 
Otto would never forgive him for this. He would be ostracized within his own family. She saw how Alicent slapped him once and while she believed she wouldn’t hurt her son otherwise, her father, on the other hand, was more ruthless. She had yet to remember any kindness he might have shown to the eldest of his grandchildren, while he was so sweet and tender with Helaena.
 
“This is a dangerous bet…” She whispered
“And you have no reason to believe me. My mother will certainly come to you soon, ask you for your support… You can lie, tell her you will support me and see for yourself if I keep my word.”
 
Rhaenys carefully folded the paper.
 
“I believe you, Prince Aegon.”
 
It felt weird. Trust wasn’t a word usually associated with him.
 
“I’ll leave right now. If anyone asks, I returned home for Vaemond’s affairs.”
“Please deliver it to…”
“Rhaenyra. Directly to her. Into her hands. I understand.”
“Thank you, Princess. It is a huge favour you grant me. I won’t forget it.”
 
She smiled at him.
 
“We are family. And a Targaryen alone in the middle of towers is a dangerous thing.”
 
She patted his shoulder.
 
“Be careful, Aegon.”
 
They parted their ways and Aegon’s feet led him to the twins’ bedroom. His wife was there, embroidering.
 
“Black replaces Green…”
 
She looked at him.
 
“A crown of blood on silver threads.”
 
He forced himself to smile.
 
“As long as it’s not Jaehaerys’”
“They don’t want the boy. They want the man.”

FIN

Chapter Text

"Where is Aegon ?"
 
Helaena looked up from her embroidery.
 
“In the library, with the twins.” She replied, surprised
“The library?” Alicent wondered
 
Aegon had never been much of a reader and part of her wondered if it was her fault. When he was younger, he loved to read adventures, tales of knights and fair maidens. But she, along with her father, always told him those were trivial, a waste of time and redirected him to philosophy, history, economics, anything they deemed useful. Aemond had loved it. Aegon, instead, chose to close the book and never touch it again. He was six years old. But Viserys was decaying and they needed him to be ready.
 
“What is he doing there?”
 
Truth be told, she was relieved he hadn’t left the Keep. Finding him in Flee Bottom would have been stressful and a waste of time, and time was of the essence.
 
“Reading a book to the children.” The young woman replied. “He had promised Jaehaera to read her the tale of Lann the Clever. Jaehaerys wanted to hear.”
 
The queen sat by her daughter.
 
“Helaena, my dearest love… your father is…”
“There’s a beast beneath the tower.”
“Oh, my sweet…”
 
She tried to hug her but the teenager withdrew.
 
“There’s a beast beneath the tower.” She insisted. “It has a crown. A crown of blood on silver threads.”
“Mother…”
 
Alicent looked at the door. Aemond stood there, his eye widened. He knew, she thought. Of course he did. Yesterday, her lord husband was alive, the realm was at peace. Today, she was unsure if they were on the brink of war.

He had stopped reading aloud, allowing his children to look at the drawings inside. His eyes were fixed on the sky outside and his mind far away. Surely Rhaenys was in Dragonstone right now, or close. She had to be. What if she had been captured? What if she had decided he wasn’t trustworthy after all and destroyed his letter, only to tell Rhaenyra he’d usurp her? He wouldn’t really blame her : his reputation wasn’t the one you bet on. He suddenly got startled as he felt two wet lips kissing his cheek. Jaehaerys had found a way to stand on his tight.
 
“You seemed sad. Mommy always kisses me when I am sad.”
 
Aegon smiled at his son.
 
“And now, I’m feeling all better thanks to you, my sweet boy.”
 
He kissed his forehead. His hand quickly tapped his daughter’s shoulder : like her mother, the girl didn’t like to be touched. But he wanted her to feel he loved her all the same. This was something he found, something she was comfortable with. He regretted how he had treated Helaena as children now that he had his daughter. Also, the fact that she was actually sitting on his lap meant the world to him. She trusted him.
 
“Good morrow, Aegon. My little ones!”
 
The children smiled at their grandmother. Their father had to admit it : she was a better grandmother than mother. He wouldn’t call her a bad parent : she was so young when she had him, then Helaena, Aemond and Daeron. She tried her best. She definitely loved his siblings. He just wondered if she loved him. He was the first, the one that perhaps hit the nail on the coffin of any friendship that might have existed between his half-sister and her. Was he, perhaps, to difficult to love?
 
“I have to talk to your father alone. Lysa will take you to your uncle Aemond : he says he is bored and wants someone to play with him.”
 
A cute white lie, though Aemond would definitely keep them occupied. Once alone, the prince resumed looking through the window.
 
“Aegon… your father is gone.”
 
He simply nodded.
 
“Aren’t you going to say something?”
“Why? The man was decaying in front of me yesterday. His death is hardly a shock.”
“He was your father.”
“No. He was my sire, Mother. My sire and my king. He stopped loving me after I turned two.”
 
Alicent paled, realizing what he meant. For a moment, he pitied him until reason took over once more.
 
“Your father spoke to me before he passed… He said he believed you to be the one to unite the realm.”
 
A dry laugh escaped his throat.
 
“The man who never spoke to me unless to scold me, who had twenty years to name me heir but never did, suddenly had a change of heart? Who else heard it?”
“I was alone.”
“How convenient.”
 
He felt her nails digging through his skin as she took his wrist.
 
“Aegon. You are to be crowned king. You must…”
“Protect my family.” He cut her. “Yes, Mother. I know.”
 
She gasped. He finally held her gaze.
 
“But I am not doing this for you, for Grandsire, for Father or for the Seven.”
“It doesn’t matter why you do it as long as you do it.”
 
He left his seat.
 
“Aegon… Your sister, Rhaenyra… show mercy to her. Your grandfather will tell you to put her to the sword but…”
“I have no intention of killing Rhaenyra, Mother.”
 
In fact, he’d be delighted to crown her himself. As he exited the library, a shiver ran down his spine, leaving him feeling ice cold. For a moment, the world spun around him.
 
“My prince…” Criston immediately worried
“I am fine, Ser Criston.”
 
He simply knew now that there was no turning back. He either succeeded or he was betrayed but either way, he understood one thing : he was, as of right now, a dead man walking.

“Princess Rhaenys! What a surprise!” Rhaenyra exclaimed as she greeted her former mother-in-law
 
Rhaenys seemed exhausted and stank of dragon.
 
“Did something happen in King’s Landing?” The princess worried, her hand resting upon her belly
“Rhaenyra, you need to sit down.”
 
Dread filled her as Daemon helped her.
 
“Your father is dead, Rhaenyra.”
 
Her eyes widened as she gulped, tears rolling freely on her cheeks.
 
“How? Why?!” Her husband barked. “He was fine yesterday!”
“Daemon, Viserys was rotting away.”
“His wife, that Hightower bitch, did this!”
“Alicent would never…” His wife soothed him
“Then her cunt of a father!”
“I have a letter for you, Rhaenyra. From Aegon.”
 
The young woman took it, puzzled.
 
“He was there when your father left this world. And he came to see me right away. The Song of Ice and Fire, he said. His father said that to Alicent but he has no idea what it means. He told me you would.”
 
Her hands shaking, she opened the letter, her heart pounding in her chest. She and Aegon didn’t have a relationship, that was on her and her only. He was an innocent child whom she rejected because of who his parents were. What could he want from her?

 
“Rhaenyra,
 
Our father has died tonight, his last thought and words were dedicated to your lady mother. May you find peace in the idea that he finally is reunited with her.
 
My mother attended the king in his last moments. I wasn’t supposed to be here. She doesn’t know I was here or that I watched as her husband departed.  In his final words, he told her of Aegon’s dream, the prince to unite the realm, the one that was promised and that what we saw in the Nord was true. I know for a fact he didn’t mean me. But my mother believes otherwise. She will try and get me crowned, convinced that she is acting according to her late husband’s wishes.
 
I have no wish to rule. No taste for duty. I am not suited.
 
The king had twenty years to change his mind, instead he supported you fully.
 
They will crown me and I have to let them do it : if I run away, they will use my son. I refuse that. I hope Princess Rhaenys finds you before you hear of the coronation.
 
I do not want to usurp you.
 
I won’t.
 
But I have to let them take me : as soon as the crown hits my head, I’ll be considered king. They won’t be able to stop me. I’ll declare before the people, the lords, anyone who wishes to hear it, that I am a regent. You are the rightful queen, I am simply keeping the throne warm for you until you arrive. As soon as your feet touch King’s Landing soil, I step down. In the eyes of the people and of the lords, it will be a measure to ensure the realms’ stability.
 
My only wish is for you to spare my siblings and my children : Helaena, Aemond and Daeron have no idea of this. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are still babes, barely older than your own Aegon and Viserys.
 
Make haste.
 
I know for a fact that I won’t be able to maintain this long.
 
Aegon.”

 
“Why… Those are the words of a dying man…” She whispered
“He could die, Rhaenyra. I would not put it past Otto to kill him.” Rhaenys replied. “The boy seems to be a disappointment to him and having a babe as a king means there can be a regent.”
“Most likely Aemond…”
“With Otto as his hand, ruling through his grandson, if the boy is foolish enough to be a puppet.” Daemon finished
 
The child inside her belly kicked her. She felt her spouse’s hand on hers.
 
“You can’t travel, Rhaenyra.” He worried
“I have to. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to get the throne.”
“What if Aegon lies? What if it’s a trap?”
“This wasn’t my brother writing to me, Daemon. It was a father begging a mother to help him protect his boy. He has nothing to gain from this.”
 
She got on her feet, supported by the man she loved.
 
“Take some rest, at least.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have time to rest, my love.”

The ride in the carriage had been long, gloomy and silent. Aegon had kept watching outside, praying for the first time in years. Praying for Rhaenys to arrive safely. He thought of Jaehaerys.
 
“I’m doing this for him.” He kept thinking. “I’m doing this for him. I am doing this so he won’t be used. I am my son’s shield…”
 
The crowd had looked at him, silent, as he walked to his mother, to the septon, a single tear rolling down his cheek. For the smallfolk who noticed, he was just a son crying for his father. Aegon was crying for himself. For the effective loss of his peaceful life, for the fear that consumed him whole, for the fact that he was even alive.
 
The Conqueror’s Crown was placed on his head. Aemond gave him a slight nod, Helaena, on the other hand, was smiling. Genuinely smiling. Did she know, he wondered. She always seemed to know things. Either way, he took comfort where he could have it.
 
“Long live the king!” Otto shouted
 
The people shouted it back. That was it. No turning back. Fate had called him and he couldn’t back down. He raised his hand. That only made them roar louder. The young man turned his head to Criston.
 
“I want to speak to them.” He mouthed
 
The knight nodded.
 
“Silence!” He shouted. “The king would like to speak to you!”
 
His heart beat so fast he wondered why it hadn’t stopped out of sheer exhaustion.
 
“My Lords. My Ladies. People of King’s Landing. Anyone who can hear me.”
 
For Jaehaerys, he thought.
 
For Jaehaerys.
 
“My lord father, King Viserys, departed this world last night. In his last moments, he shared his wisdom with my lady mother, the queen.”
 
Some people shouted “Good Queen Alicent!”.
 
“His council believed it was his wish for me to rule over you.”
 
For Jaehaerys…
 
“In their love for him, acting on what they believe to be his last wishes, they are making a mistake.”
 
Everyone started to whisper. Alicent came closer to him, as if to scold him.
 
“I was there as the king died.” He revealed. “I welcomed his last breath and stayed until his soul joined Queen Aemma’s.”
 
The dowager queen froze.
 
“It is my father’s wish that his daughter, Rhaenyra, rule over you.”
“What are you…” Otto tried to intervene, only to be stopped by Criston
“He’s the king. You cannot grab him.” He whispered
“My dear sister is on Dragonstone, expecting her sixth child. It isn’t her wish for her beloved people to remain unguided, unprotected, uncared for!”
 
The commoners spoke between themselves.
 
“I declare before you all that I am no king. Until my sister arrives to take her rightful place, I am her regent. I am here to ensure your safety and well-being until the rightful queen lands in King’s Landing. When she does it, I will gladly step back and let her have her inheritance. Because what kind of brother steals his sister’s birthright?”
“Long live Prince Aegon!” A woman cried out
“Long live the prince! Long live the Regent!”
“Long live Queen Rhaenyra!”
 
Startling Aemond, Helaena walked to her husband and kneeled before him, kneeling so low her knees touched the floor. He extended his hand, and helped her on her feet.
 
“There’s a beast beneath the tower.” She quietly said. “It has a crown. A crown of blood on silver threads.”
“Jaehaerys…”
“They don’t want the boy. They want the man.” She repeated

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Viserys?!” Lucerys exclaimed
 
Jacaerys lowered his head. His grandsire was a good man. While he felt sadness about his demise, a part of him was relieved : at least, he didn’t suffer anymore. The face he showed them, the whole that used to be an eye, haunted him.
 
“We are to depart for King’s Landing at once.” Their mother told them
“Why?” Her second son wondered
 
The queen gave them Aegon’s letter to read. Her heir admitted it, he had never expected such bravery from him, especially with how he had acted at dinner. Quite crude, to be honest, especially with Baela. Even as children, he hadn’t struck him as someone capable of such an act.
 
“Moth… Your Grace.” He said
 
Rhaenyra smiled at him.
 
“In private, you may always call me Mother, my son.”
“Mother. Once we are in King’s Landing, once you are on the throne, what is to be done with our grandsire second family?”
 
The woman froze, realizing he was right : getting the throne was the goal. But then what? She could hardly punish Alicent : her former friend genuinely believed she was fulfilling her husband’s dying wish. In some regards, Otto as well. She refused to even think of punishing her siblings : Aegon had asked her not to harm them. He had put himself on the front lines for them, for her, for the realms, to avoid a fate he didn’t want and to protect his young child. He certainly was Regent by now. If he hadn’t lied of course but she refused to even consider it. While her half-brother was smart, smarter than anyone gave him credit for, she doubted he’d craft so quickly a plan to lure her into the city, only to capture her. No, she wanted to believe in him, in their common blood, in the one thing they could agree on:
 
Their offspring.
 
He was a father trying to protect his son’s future and well-being.
 
She was a mother trying to secure her sons’ inheritances. 
 
If he indeed was Regent, she couldn’t attack him or his family. The people would never forgive her for it and it’d stain the start of her rule with something that could never be washed away. Poor Aegon, they’d say. The man who tried to respect his father’s desires, even if it meant he was the first firstborn son to not inherit after his father, betrayed by his sister. Such honor and kindness rewarded with death and agony…

“My father didn’t have a second family, Jacaerys. We are all the one and the same family. Our branches may differ but we came from the same roots. I shall treat them with the kindness and respect they all deserve.”
 
She meant it. She also knew that it would take time and work to mend what was apparently broken. Her father, in his last dinner, wanted peace among the ones he loved. She intended to honor his wish.
 
“I am leaving with you, Mother.” Jacaerys said. “I am heir to the Iron Throne, I cannot leave you to fend for yourself, especially in your condition.”
 
Rhaenyra smiled as she caressed his cheek.
 
“I thank you, sweet boy, but I shan’t be alone. Daemon comes with me.”
 
As if he’d abandon his pregnant wife.
 
“I shall come too.” Rhaenys announced. “I am worried about Aegon.”
 
It was weird. She had never really thought much of him in the last few years and yet, his desperation stuck. A man, who left childhood not so long ago, who didn’t feel safe in his own home…
 
“I shall come as well.” Lucerys offered. “I am the future Lord of the Tides. I hope I become it when I am old and grey, as I want my grandsire to live long and happy for many many years. But it is my duty.”
“Lucerys, are you sure? I thought you could stay in Dragonstone to watch over the youngest hatchlings.” His mother replied
 
Baela advanced towards her stepmother.
 
“I shall keep them safe, Stepmother. Moondancer and I will keep everyone safe. I swear it on my mother’s memory.”
 
Rhaenyra hugged her stepdaughter.
 
“You don’t need to swear on Laena, sweet girl. I thank you. I’ll call for you all as soon as the situation is stable in King’s Landing.”
 
Outside, Syrax was roaring, ready for the departure.
 
She wondered if, back in the capital, Sunfyre sang the same song.

 
“What have you done, you bloody fool?!”
 
Otto grabbed Aegon by the shoulders and violently shook him before being brutally yanked away from the young man. Criston stood between grandfather and grandson.
 
“My Lord Hand. Prince Aegon is the Regent. No one is allowed to harm him. Please, show restraint.”
 
The man laughed
“Restrain? The so-called Regent is my grandson and my grandson is a fool who just condemned his entire family!”
“Queen Rhaenyra is a brazen woman, a vixen, a spider who lures her victims into her web.” The knight admitted. “But if it indeed was King Viserys’ wish, we have to respect it. To doubt Prince Aegon’s words is treason.”
 
Aegon knew just how much those words cost the White Cloak. For a reason he didn’t know, he hated his half-sister. But the respect he had for him, perhaps even the love he had for him, was stronger. Criston had always been good to him and to his siblings, knew them better than their own parents, and genuinely cared. When Aemond was still a babe, growing into a little boy, for months he had called the dornish man “Papa”. It was funny and sad how Viserys got the sons he begged for but not the one he wanted and them, they had by their side a man who was their father in everything but name.
 
“We might still fix your mess, boy.” The Hightower growled. “If Rhaenyra doesn’t know…”
“She knows.” He cut. “My envoy certainly reached her by now.”
 
Otto’s face went grey.
 
“You sent en envoy?! When?!”
“About two hours after the king was dead. Before Mother even knew he was gone.”
“Who did you send?”
 
He refused to answer. But the lord’s mind quickly found the answer : Princess Rhaenys’ sudden absence was now clearer.
 
“You really are a whore.” He spat. “You sold us all to selfishly avoid your destiny.”
“The destiny you wanted to force upon me. It was never mine to begin with.”
“Do not tell me you acted out of honor, you are devoid of it.”
 
Aegon’s thoughts drifted to Jaehaerys, who was certainly playing in his room with his wooden horses and ponies.
 
“And I don’t think you realize that I might have spared you all.”
 
He realized he had spoken when his grandfather’s face turned red with anger.
 
“In the eyes of the people, I am a good man : the first to renounce what could have easily and legally been his to honor his late father’s wishes. Should Rhaenyra do anything to me or to you all, they will turn on her. They will cry for me, the poor prince who tried to do the right and honorable thing, betrayed by his sister, his kindness rewarded in blood. She’d be a kinslayer and an oathbreaker. Her reign would start with riots. It will be fragile enough as it is : she is the first female monarch. She has to prove herself, she has to prove that a woman can indeed sit on the Iron Throne without causing the realms’ to fall into chaos. And her eldest son clearly is a bastard. For all the qualities he has, he is one, it is written all over him. Let her walk through the fire. You will see if she burns. And if she does, the people and lords will turn back to Viserys’ sons.”
 
He wanted her to succeed though.
 
He definitely wanted her to.
 
Otto appeared dumbfounded. He couldn’t blame him : he too astounded himself with his words.
 
“And you are setting the realms ablaze to test that theory of yours. You are a plague, Aegon. I wish your mother had lost you when she was expecting you.”
 
Criston instantly put his hand on his sword, ready to defy him.
 
“Mind your words, My Lord Hand!”
 
The prince stopped him. It stung. It really did. Especially when his mind was often plagued with this question : would everyone be better if he died? What difference would it make? But then he always thought of his children, of their pain and realized that his life’s purpose was to be a better father to them than Viserys had been to him.
 
“I am sorry I am not Aemond, Grandsire.”
 
He turned to the knight.
 
“You can go, Ser. I will be fine.”
 
He offered him a small smile. He knew the man cared for his mother. And his mother loved her father. He wanted to spare them both the pain of a fight. If he didn’t believe him, Criston still left.
 
“You shall remain locked up in your appartements.” Otto decided
“And the lords will find it extraordinarily weird that the Regent won’t attend council.”
“I will pretend you are mourning your father.”
 
Aegon laughed.
 
“The lords saw how my father treated us. Please. You always repeated that I cannot be weak. Locking myself up to cry for my poor departed father when the queen isn’t here yet and the realms need guidance? That would not be weak, that would be madness.”
 
The elder man came closer and suddenly grabbed his grandson by the throat. His fingers squeezed his neck.
 
“You think yourself so fierce, boy. Drunk on that fake power you gave yourself. Your father was a good man but a weak king.”
 
His grip grew stronger, hurting the prince.
 
“I am the one who ruled the Seven Kingdoms for decades! You will not undermine my work!”

When he noticed his grandson was gasping for air, he let him go. Aegon fell on his knees, coughing as his lungs could finally breathe again. It didn’t prevent Otto from kicking him in the ribs.
 
“I will tame you, boy. You will obey. And soon, you will remember your place.”
 
He left, leaving the door open, barely noticing Aemond coming the opposite way. When the teenager saw his older brother on the floor, his hand on his throat, still struggling, he rushed inside. Kneeling, he helped his sibling to his feet before letting him sit on a chair.
 
“I’ll talk to him.” He offered
“Don’t…” Aegon managed to speak. “He’s just pissed he cannot have a puppet king to rule through.”
“I cannot blame his anger. You sold us out. Father chose you.”
“He didn’t.”
“You are the eldest son.”
“But not the son he wanted.”
“Rhaenyra won’t show mercy. She will dispose of you. Of us. I doubt she’ll let her precious Lucerys live under the same roof as me. You are a challenge, Aegon.”
“Then, I’ll renounce my rights to the throne as well as my children’s.’
 
The prince scoffed.
 
“You are an idiot.”
 
Why was it so hard for everyone around to understand he was trying his genuine best?
 
“Mother is heartbroken.”
“Mother always is.”
“Why do you have so much faith in Rhaenyra?”
 
He couldn’t blame him : after all, she did ask for him to be sharply questioned, at age ten, after losing an eye. Lucerys had never been punished for it. Aegon didn’t know if it was an accident or not, what he saw was that his brother was left crippled, angry and with the expectation of accepting that, of playing happy families.
 
“If you wanted to avoid conflict, calling for a new council, like The Old King, could have been an option.”
“She wouldn’t have accepted it.”
“And you don’t want to be king, so you placed your desire above everyone else’s.”

He could hear their mother : it doesn't matter what you want. What matters is the good of your house.

He mattered.

And more importantly, Jaehaerys mattered.

“Is it so hard to believe that I am trying to protect you all?!”
 
Mainly Jaehaerys.
 
He wouldn’t lie and say his son wasn’t his main motivation.
 
But protecting him meant protecting everyone.
 
Weirdly enough, Aemond seemed to soften.
 
“Why are you so scared?”
 
The prince found himself unable to answer. But he was not scared : he was terrified. His brother sighed.
 
“I guess we have no other choice than to trust your intelligence.”
“Which you believe to be poor.”
“Your words, not mine.”
 
Outside, Sunfyre was roaring alongside Dreamfyre.

 
“What could Aegon think when he betrayed us this way?” Alicent rambled
 
Helaena didn’t listen, too focused on her embroidery.
 
“How could you kneel in front of him like this?!”
“He is my husband, Mother.” The princess replied. “A good wife obeys and serves her husband. It is what you taught me.”
“He’s endangering you and the children.”
 
She stropped her stitching for a moment, her eyes on Jaehaerys’ wooden pony.
 
“He scared the rats away.”
 
The queen sighed.
 
“Helaena, this isn’t what I am talking about.”
“He scared the rats away. They don’t want the boy anymore. They’ll never want him.”
 
Suddenly, her hand shook.
 
“There’s a beast beneath the tower.” She repeated. “It has a crown. A crown of blood on silver threads.”
 
Her mother sat by her side, worried, taking her into her arms. Helaena didn’t reject her.
 
“There’s a beast beneath the tower. It has a crown.”
 
She looked through the window.
 
“A crown of blood on silver threads...”

 
To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Syrax seemed restless, as did Meleys. Rhaenyra wondered if her dragon felt her anxiety and if her former mother-in-law’s friend shared her fears. She hoped her letter would reach Aegon in time. It had been decided for them to stop at Duskendale during the journey. Daemon had insisted : ever since they had learnt of Viserys’ death and of Aegon’s surprising plot to keep the throne safe for her, the child she carried was restless. The prince worried that making the trip in one go would prove fatal for the babe and the mother.

“If needed, we could go on and you’d catch us later, Mother.” Jacaerys offered
“I will consider it, my child. But I truly want to arrive as fast as possible.”

She turned to Baela and Rhaena, hugged them both.

“Are you certain you are going to be okay?” She asked

Part of her felt guilty, leaving her two young stepdaughters in charge of three young children. Dragonstone was safely guarded and they did have a dragon by their side. It didn’t really ease her.

“We will be fine, Stepmother.” Rhaena smiled. “We are the blood of the dragon and we are surrounded by friends. Go and claim your throne.”
“I love you both.”

Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, Daemon, Lucerys and Jacaerys got saddled and soon, their companions spread their wings.

It was time to go to the capital.

A dry laugh escaped Aegon’s throat as he realized the door wouldn’t budge. No matter how many times he tried, how he turned the handle, how careful or how hard he tried to push, it wouldn’t move an inch.

It was closed.

And of course, he didn’t have the key.

If that was an attempt to keep him out of business, it was a poor one. He banged on the wood.

“Can anyone hear me?!”
“Your Grace…”

It was a woman’s voice.

“It appears I am locked inside my own apartments. Find the key.”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, I cannot…”
“Why?”
“I can’t…”

He felt his patience growing thin.

“I am the Regent. I order you to unlock my door or find a way to do so.”
“I want to, Your Grace, I swear… but the Lord Hand, he said that if your staff disobeyed him, he’d fire us, he’d made sure our families would starve…”

Her voice had unshed tears in it. Aegon sighed. Of course they’d follow Otto more than him and he was partly to blame. He knew he was seen as someone spoilt, weak and the female servants were afraid of him. It came back to bite him and it felt deserved. Looking back on it, he was ashamed of how he treated them : unlike Baela, at dinner, who could defy him because she had the means to, those girls needed their jobs, they needed the money and they certainly wondered the consequences of saying no to royalty.

“What’s your name?” He asked
“My name is Marigold, Your Grace.”
“I forgive you, Marigold. I’m sorry my grandsire put you all into this situation.”
“I’m so sorry, Your Grace.”
“Don’t be. Keep obeying the Lord Hand. I certainly do not want your families to suffer.”

He didn’t like it but his only option would be to go through the secret passageway his chambers had. But that would mean he’d hold council dirty, full of spider webs. Better that than not attending.

“Aegon.”

Aegon’s mind went blank as he realized that not only Helaena knew of the passageways, but she was seeing him in such a state. She certainly also knew how he went to the Street of Silk unnoticed or how he smuggled women into his bed without anyone seeing them. Knowing she was cuckolded was one thing but to know how must have stung.

“Come.” She said

She took his hand, which surprised him : she disliked being touched. The only people who could hug her without restraint were their children. Yet, just like during the coronation, she didn’t seem to mind his skin. She led him to her bedchambers where he saw his reflection in the mirror : he was dusty, disheveled.

“There is water in a basin.”
“Thanks.”

He washed his face, arranged his outfit, his hair.

“I have something for you.”

He turned his head as she handed him a letter.

“It was addressed to you but… considering how Mother and Grandsire distrust you, I asked the servants to bring me your mail for the time being.”

He took it, saw it bore Rhaenyra’s seal. A smile lit up his face.

“Helaena, you’re brilliant.”
“Mother taught me a wife serves her husband.’ She joked

He didn’t deserve a wife such as her : she was lovely, kind, anything a sane man would want. The tragedy was that he wasn’t one of them, he loved her like a brother but felt he could never love her as a spouse loved his other half. The prince broke off the wax.

“To my dear brother Aegon,

My condolences to you as well for the loss of our father. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your concern about my rights and my inheritance.

Princess Rhaenys told me everything. You are right, the Aegon Father mentioned isn’t you. I do not blame your mother for believing otherwise, it is a secret Father shared with no one else, maybe, in his last moments, he believed he was talking to me.

When you read this, I will have departed from Dragonstone. We believe that we can arrive in three days, should the weather and my condition allow it.

I shall repeat these words in person but words float in the winds while written ones stay : I swear on the lives of my own children that no harm shall come to yours, to your siblings, to your mother.

I implore you to remain careful : your grandsire will stop at nothing to turn the tables to his advantage. Do not jeopardize your safety for as of right now, you are the only wall of defense I have in the city.

Your sister, Rhaenyra”

The young man folded it, entrusted it to his sister.

“Keep it safe.” He said

She nodded. Her door opened, startling the Regent. Aemond entered, rather surprised to find his older brother here.

“There you are. Council is about to start. Unless you plan to skip it.” He declared
“It appears someone played a prank on me and had my bedroom door locked.” Aegon replied
If the prince didn’t say a word, his mind seemed to connect the dots rather quickly.
“You’re almost late.”

They departed together but not before Aegon nodded at Helaena, making her smile. And above all, he would not face council before kissing his children. Or rather kissing Jaehaerys and giving Jaehaera that tiny finger bump on her shoulder which she seemed to love so much.

Otto slightly paled as he saw Aegon entering the room alongside Aemond. The One-Eyed Prince noticed it.

“Aemond, you do not have a seat at this council.” Alicent stated
“He’s my brother, one of our greatest swords and his advice is precious to me. I welcome him.” Aegon declared as he sat in what used to be his father’s chair.

It felt weird.

He didn’t belong there.

“My prince. May I offer you, on behalf of the council, my deepest and more sincere condolences for King Viserys’ passing.” Lord Beesbury said
“I thank you, My Lord, dear lords of the council, for your kind words.” The Regent replied. “We mourn the death of my sire but the realms need us, even when we are grieving. I know I can count on you all for your guidance during my regency.”
“Speaking of regency, your announcement during the coronation was a surprise, My Prince.” Tyland intervened
“I only spoke the truth, Lord Lannister. I was there as my father left this earth.”
“Aeg… Your Grace.” His mother cut him off. “When your lord father last spoke to me, he mentioned your name, believing you would unite the realm.”
“Isn’t it exactly what I am doing, Mother?”

She froze. How could he use a dying man’s words, his own father, against her?!

“I am maintaining the realms’ unity by caring for these lands until the rightful queen arrives. Speaking of which, I am delighted to inform you my sister wrote to me.”

Otto’s hand clenched his tight.

“Insolent pup…” He thought. “How could he escape his room? How did he even have the letter?”

Had anyone actually disobeyed him? And who was on Aegon’s side? Someone had outwitted him in that regard. He didn’t even have the time to take care of that aspect.

“The queen thanks me for my services and informs me that she should arrive in three days' time, should the weather and her condition allow it. Needless to say I expect her to receive a welcoming committee fit for a queen. If some maesters and midwives could be present as well.”

A new talk started, regarding the states of the coffers after the king’s passing. After two hours, the council was finally adjourned. Aegon turned to Criston.

“Ser Criston.”
“My prince.”
“Send an escort to ensure the roads’ safety for my sister’s arrival.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“Also, it appears I am locked out of my own apartments.”
“My prince?!”
“I found myself locked inside. I have no idea if the key is missing or not.”

His eyes locked into Otto’s.

“Until the matter is solved, I shall share Princess Helaena’s apartments.”
“Aegon, surely you don’t want to bother your sister.” His mother stated
“I am sure she won’t mind, especially considering the children miss me. I shall leave the bed to her and sleep on her sofa.”

“My Prince.”

Aegon turned as he was walking towards Helaena’s rooms. He faced a young woman, barely older than fifteen, with red hair, green eyes, freckles on her face, a pug nose. She handed him a box.

“The key to your door, My Prince…”

He smiled but returned it to her.

“Thank you, Marigold. But keep it. My grandsire will certainly come back to scold you all, do not add insult to injury by having the key returned.”
“We are all so sorry…”
“Don’t be. You are protecting your families.”

Just as he was doing, on another level entirely.

“If he ends up firing any of you, come back to the keep once Queen Rhaenyra takes the throne. I will hire you all again.”

Tears filled the teenager’s eyes.

“My Prince… Just so you know… The Lord Hand also asked us to stop bringing you food, water or wine. He said it was because you were sick with grief…”
“And then, he asked to lock my door on the pretext to leave me alone with my sadness with no one to bother me.”
“Yes, My Prince…”

Basically a prisoner, in a much comfier cell than most, but with fewer rights. Even the people in the Black Cells had a bowl of porridge or brown and some water. His grandsire wanted to break his spirits, hoping thirst, hunger and alcohol withdrawal would make him bend to his will and go back on his words to safeguard the throne for Rhaenyra. He had unwillingly secured his safety by announcing where he’d sleep. Otto would never dare to try anything against his favourite grandchild and no one believed her to be sneaky or involved in any matter other than her bugs.

“Thank you for your informations, Marigold.”

She bowed, took her leave. His feet led him to Helaena’s chambers.

“Daddy!” Jaehaerys screamed in delight as he ran

Smiling, the young man knelt and immediately hugged him.

“My sweet boy!”

Helaena looked at him.

“I told the maids this morning about the key incident and that you’d stay with us.”
“Thank you. I’ll sleep on your sofa.”
“My bed is big enough for us both.”

Jaehaerys took his father’s hand.

“Can we play before dinner?”

His parents exchanged a look, Helaena nodded.

“We can. Let’s ask Jaehaera if she wants to join. What about you, Hel? A family game before dinner?”
“Why not? I’m tired of embroidering.”

He did this for them.

He did all of this for them.

Whatever danger he faced, whatever fire would burn him, it would be worth it.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

The babe was growing restless, kicking relentlessly their mother’s wombs and ribs. A hand upon her belly, Rhaenyra implored them to calm down. She could already feel Daemon’s worried gaze upon her as they flew across the sea. Syrax seemed to feel her discomfort as she spread her wings farther, trying to be larger so her rider could relax her muscles slightly. The queen caressed her scales, their warmth making her smile. Her mind turned to Aegon. It was funny how she barely thought of it for almost his entire existence and now, he had invaded her brain completely. The possibility of his betrayal lingered. However, she refused to believe it. If she started to doubt people of her own blood, she was going to become mad, then surround herself with sycophants and flatterers who would speak sweet nothings into her ears. Then, she’d become an effective tyrant : only tyrants turned a deaf ear to those who dared to speak anything else than what they wanted to hear.
 
Taking the throne was one thing.
 
Then what?
 
As Jacaerys had asked her, what was to be done about her siblings, her father’s widow, her nephew and her niece?
 
Peace could be secured for the people but what of the one of their own house?
 
She didn’t see herself asking them to go and live in Oldtown. They were Targaryens, they belonged in the Red Keep, in Dragonstone at most, until Jace would take it as her heir. But living all together would prove challenging.
 
Lucerys and Aemond, for example.
 
Aemond lost his eye because of Luke.
 
The dragon rider believed her son : it was an accident, he was trying to protect Jace, he didn’t mean to hurt his uncle. However, she made a mistake that night : by trying to protect her children, their rights, from what was fundamentally the truth, she created a further wedge between her and her siblings. Her three eldest were bastards. She didn’t care : she and Laenor had tried, she needed heirs to secure her position and after a while, she had felt the longing to become a mother, to be able to love and nurture a new soul. Laenor had claimed the boys as his, they had rights from her blood. Still, she did them a disservice : by the Seven Gods, she had asked a ten-year-old boy to be “sharply questioned”! A boy who had just been maimed, his eye taken out… He was a child, she was an adult and she got the protection she needed.
 
And nothing had been done for him since.
 
He had been left on his own, to lick his wounds, to basically learn everything again from scratch and he didn’t even have an apology to try and soothe his soul.
Should he have waited to claim Vhagar?
 
Perhaps.
 
It would have been a courtesy for Baela and Rhaena.
 
However, what wasn’t moral wasn’t necessarily illegal. She’d have to see what could be done for her brother. Of course, taking Lucerys’ eye was out of the question. But she wanted to show him that not only did she regret her actions, but she also wanted to try and make things right.
 
She sighed.
 
Getting the crown would be the easiest part.
 
She just hoped that Aegon would be able to save it until she arrived.
 

 
Two little sparrows sang their tune on Helaena’s balcony as Aegon slowly woke from his slumber. Jaehaerys was playing quietly on the rug while his mother was braiding his twin’s hair. He could get used to this, he thought. He could do better, be better for them. So often, he wanted to, tried to but fell back into his old habits out of comfort whenever pressure became too unbearable.
 
Jaehaerys and Jaehaera deserved better than a drunken father who only showed up at night for a play session, to tuck them in and kiss them goodnight.
 
He stretched and got up, leaving with regrets the soft satin sheets.
 
“Good morrow.” He said
 
His son beamed as he got on his feet to kiss him good morning. Surprising everyone, Jaehaera took her father’s hand and squeezed it gently.
 
“Good morrow, Daddy.”
“Good morrow, my sweet princess.”
“Breakfast will be here soon.” Helaena informed him. “I don’t know what you usually eat…”
“I’ll eat what you eat. I’m not a complicated man.”
“Do you want wine?”
 
He smirked.
 
“That’s a little bit early, even for me. But thanks.”
 
Besides, he wanted to avoid being drunk during his regency. His credibility was already weak enough, he had to put every chance on his side. The children got lost in the reading of a book their uncle had offered them, filled with pictures of knights and dragons.
“Mother is asking for a new grandchild.” The young woman whispered
“Is she being a loving and overbearing grandmother or…”
“She wants a spare. For Jaehaerys…”
 
Aegon grunted.
 
“Do you want a new child, Hel?”
 
She had been only four and ten when she had their babes, the birth had been long, difficult, she had torn, needing to be stitched and her brother was convinced that he would have been asked, at some point, which one he wanted to save. Thankfully, everyone made it safe. Jaehaera had been born tinier than her brother but healthy. Helaena, however, had remained abed for three moons and the mere thought of even sharing a bed with him again made her scared, sick to her stomach. He didn’t want to put her through that again.
 
“It’s my duty…”
“Hel. I don’t care about duty. What do you want?”
 
She looked at their kids and smiled softly.
 
“I love our babes. I love being their mother. They are bigger now. I wouldn’t mind having a new boy or a new girl. I am just…”
“Scared of creating them.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll tell Mother two is enough for us. If she wants a grandchild so badly, she can start pestering Aemond about it.”
“Poor Aemond.”
 
They giggled.
 
Yes, he could get used to mornings like these.
 

 
“May I have a word, Your Grace?” Criston asked him as the council session ended
 
They had been informed of Rhaenyra’s progress. At Cole’s initiative, some knights had been deployed among cities and villages to ensure her safety but also to prevent any accident with the dragons. It also allowed them to have an estimation of her arrival.
 
“Sit with me.” Aegon ordered
 
They were, by now, all alone.
 
“Forgive me for being intrusive, My Prince.”
“Go on.”
“Who hurt you?”
 
The prince looked at him, puzzled, until he noticed his eyes fixed on his neck. He saw in his goblets’ reflections marks around his throats. Fingerprints. And if the White Cloak saw it, the lords did too.
 
“Fuck…” He thought
 
At least, they could believe it was during intercourse with a woman considering his reputation.
 
“My Prince… If it was with someone during a fit of passion…”
“Gods, Ser, please! Helaena would never! And I spent the night with her.”
“Then, who dared raise his hand on you?”
 
The young man’s gaze got lost in thoughts. Sadly for him, the knight was neither stupid nor a fool. It clicked. He understood as anger rose in him.
 
“I’ll kill him!”
 
The sudden outburst surprised the Regent. He knew his mother’s sworn shield cared greatly for him, for his siblings. But such an outburst, that was the kind of one he’d have should anyone hurt one of his own children.
 
“Don’t.” He replied
“Why? He raised his hand on you! He’s below you! My Prince… Aegon.”
 
He gently put his hand on his shoulder.
 
“I may be wrong. But I am under the impression that you are scared of your own power.”
“I have no power but the one I took to prevent war.”
“You have power. Until your sister arrives, you are the most important person in the Seven Realms. And when she arrives, you are the oldest of her younger siblings. To raise a hand on a member of the royal family is reason enough to lose the said hand. No one is allowed to hurt you. Blood or not.”
 
A sad chuckle escaped his lips.
 
“And who would believe me, Cole?”
“Everyone!”
“No one. I may be a prince but in everyone’s eye, I am a fool, a drunk, an idiot. A spoilt brat. The man served the realms for decades.”
“Your mother would believe you.”
“My mother would let the world burn rather than save me from burning. Between her father and me, she’ll always choose him. I am unloved by my parents, I made my peace with it.”
 
That was a lie. It hurt everyday, a wound that refused to heal, making him wonder why he couldn’t even have a pebble from the mountain of their love. What was his fault? His sin? What did he have to confess, what did he have to show remorse for? What kind of redemption was expected of him?
 
“Use your power against him.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
 
He looked at him.
 
“Because I’m afraid that once I taste power, I’ll crave more and end up ruining everything I tried to protect.”
 
He wasn’t known for being moderate. Everything he liked, he liked to excess : alcohol, women…
 
“People who think this way usually don’t become what you fear.” Criston told him. “You are our Regent. You are currently protecting the realms to the best of your abilities to prevent war. You are the queen’s brother. You are the late king’s son. Your power is legitimate. If you need to use it, use it. Do not be afraid of it. It is your right. What else did he do to you?”
“He’s the one responsible for my door being locked. And a servant informed me he ordered them to withdraw food, water and wine from me, under the pretext that I was sick with grief, under threat of being sacked and their families starved to death.”
“Why don’t you dismiss him?”
“Cole, he’s the Hand. My place on this seat is temporary. He’s not an ordinary lord. That man has been here for a long time, he’s the queen’s father, and truth be told, he basically ruled when my father was dying for years. I cannot fire him for something like this. It has to be something bigger, something serious…”
“And trying to strangle you is not a serious reason to sack the man?”
“Again, it’s my word against his.”
“And your words are law. You are the Regent. You are above him.”
 
He was right. Aegon knew he was. Yet, somehow, it felt terribly wrong.
 
“You shouldn’t remain alone. Until the queen arrives, you should have a knight with you at all times.” Criston offered
“That would make people believe something is wrong within the keep. Panic is not something I want during this troubled time.
 
The man had to admit the young prince was right about it.
 
“Fine. But please, My Prince. Remember this : you are the blood of the dragon. The power you have is real. Use it. To protect you, to protect those you love.”
“Do you have my back?”
“Always.”
 
They finally got up, left the room. In the corridor, Otto was waiting for him.
 
“My Prince, if I could have a word…”
“I know for the servants, Grandsire.” He cut
 
The old man held his gaze.
 
“While I do admire your willingness to better the Keep, my staff obeys me and me alone. Only I can decide whether they go or not.  Please, remember that.”
“Ye… Yes, My Prince.” He stuttered
 
How could this petulant man-child know about the servants?
 
“I shall remain with my wife for the time being.”
 
When he joined Helaena, she had smuggled yet another letter. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were napping. Criston was right, Aegon thought. Whatever power he had was real. And he was entitled to use it. He was a Targaryen.
 
And he was as fearsome as any of them.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Duskendale, at last ! Rhaenyra sighed in relief as Syrax landed. Almost immediately, Daemon got off Caraxes and ran to her, helping her on her feet.
 
“How are you feeling?” He worried, his hand on her belly
“I am a bit tired but nothing that a good bath, a good night of sleep and your loving arms cannot fix.” She smiled
 
The prince kissed her forehead.
 
“Your Grace!”
 
She turned around. Ser Erryk was there, alongside some knights.
 
“Ser Erryk.” She acknowledged him
 
They all bowed. This was when she fully realized what was happening.
 
Her father was dead…
 
He was dead, certainly already cremated…
 
And now, she was queen.
 
The first ruling queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
 
She felt tears burning her eyes. Her father was gone and with him, the last piece of her childhood.
 
“We welcome you to Duskendale, Your Grace.” Erryk said. “His Grace, Prince Aegon, has asked us to ensure your safety along the road to King’s Landing. There are small garrisons of knights in the neighbouring cities and villages, all ready to welcome you and to shield you from harm.”
“I thank you, all of you.” She replied. “I do pray, however, that it shall not come to that.”
 
They made their way to the castle where Rhaenyra ordered ink and paper. The least she could do was to thank her half-brother for thinking of the possibility she could be ambushed or killed while trying to claim what was hers.
 

 
“My Lords, I have received words from the queen. She has safely arrived at Duskendale and shall depart soon.” Aegon announced
 
He could feel Criston’s eyes behind him and for the first time in forever, he felt safe.
 
“I can do this.” He kept thinking. “I can and I will do this. I am a prince, I am legitimate, I am not the fool everyone thinks I am.”
 
He turned his attention to his lords.
 
“Something has come to my attention.” He said “Soon after Queen Aemma’s death, my father named my sister his heir and made the lords pledge their allegiance to her. However, this was twenty years ago. Many of those men are dead now and their sons might not be inclined to honor their sires’ promise, as they didn’t make them, either being children at the time or not born yet.”
 
Aemond looked at his brother, rather surprised. This was a good point, something they had forgotten.
 
“Do we have a list or some kind of registry where the names of those lords have been written?” He asked.  “So I can write to them and ask them to renew their father’s allegiance to my sister’s crown?”
“I do not believe such a document exists, My Prince.” Lord Beesbury answered him. “However, my memory is intact and I can have it drafted for you.”
“What about you, My Prince?” Otto intervened. “Will you too swear such an oath to your sister?”
 
The young man stared at him and for a moment, the Hand realized he wasn’t looking at a frightened child anymore. For a moment, Aegon didn’t look like Alicent, he didn’t look like Viserys, he simply looked regal. Fit for his station. Power was getting him drunk, making him forget who he was, and how he got there. If it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t even have been born.
 
“Of course, I will, My Lord Hand.” His grandson stated. “And if she desires so, it’d be my pleasure and my honor to crown my sister myself before bending the knee. The crown belongs to her. And I do not doubt that House Hightower will be among the first to pledge their love to the queen. After all, you were the one to suggest Rhaenyra being named heir after the passing of Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon.”
 
Both he and his daughter paled at his words, feeling them as daggers stabbing them in the back.
 
“It was just the necessary measure, at the time, to keep the realms’ peace.” The Lord said
“And the realms thank you for it.”
“My Prince.” Tyland intervened. “Once Her Grace is on the throne and your regency over, we cannot help wondering what shall become of you and your family.”
 
That was a good question indeed and Aegon admitted he hadn’t thought that far. The fear that had devoured him whole when he heard his father say the Conqueror’s name, realizing his mother believed it to be him, had made him act rather than try to focus on the future. He wanted to avoid a conflict, he didn’t want to be king and he didn’t want his son to be used as a pawn. Only after, bit by bit, it came to him. If they were to remain in King’s Landing, unless Lucerys was to live at Driftmark to learn how to rule the lands that would be his one day, he’d had to live with Aemond… and it would clash. It did at dinner when they were together for a few hours, so weeks, months, even years? He didn’t have much to ask for himself : he simply wanted to be allowed to live with his children, to raise them, to see them grow, to see them have families of their own, forging the paths they wanted for themselves. It didn’t matter where, as long as they were together, out of harm’s way, and, he had to admit it, without having to worry too much about money. He didn’t fear working if it was needed, he just didn’t want his boy, his girl, to know what misery felt like. Rhaenyra could ask him to go to Oldtown to join Daeron, to move to the Free Cities, he didn’t care, as long as he knew his family was safe.
 
“My family and I shall remain loyal to the queen.” He replied. “She will decide whatever is best for us under her reign. I have no doubt her judgment will be most wise and fit for us.”
 
The Lannister nodded.
 
Council was finally adjourned. When Aegon’s eyes met Criston’s, he could feel how proud he was. They were screaming “well done”.
 
“Aegon, if I could have a moment.” His mother said
 
Aemond also seemed to want to chat with him.
 
“Of course, Mother. Aemond, why don’t you join Helaena and me for dinner tonight? She’d be delighted.”
 
His brother nodded. Mother and son walked to her apartments.
 
“Sit.” She ordered
 
She sat, facing him and all kindness on her traits vanished.
 
“What do you think you are doing, Aegon?” She barked at him
“I am saving you all from war.” He immediately answered
“What war? Your father was clear, he mentioned your name.”
“Maybe he meant my sister’s son. There are too many Aegons in this family.” He joked
 
Biting her lips, her cheeks red, Alicent got up and slapped him across the face. His hand touched his burning skin as he tried to recover from the shock.
 
“You have no decency!” Alicent screamed. “You are using your father’s last words and wishes to serve your own interests and not the ones of the realms! You are disgracing his legacy, his memory, you don’t even respect the dead!”
“I didn’t lie! I was there when Father died! I heard what he told you! I was the one to receive his final breath! If he was found in a decent position, it’s because I made sure he was! So do not talk to me about decency or respect! The man stopped caring about me after I turned two! The man didn’t care for any child you gave him afterwards! The man didn’t do a single thing for his son’s lost eye and still, I made sure he was kingly when found by his maid, I am making sure his wish comes true, I even fucking told him goodbye when he didn’t deserve an ounce of the care I showed him!”
 
He had not meant to shout. The anger he felt, he couldn’t help wondering where it came from. Years of abuse, of resentment, bubbled up to this day. He saw his mother paling, realizing his words but also their meaning.
 
“You have no idea of the sacrifices that were made to put you on the throne…” She whispered
“And I’m supposed to be grateful? I didn’t ask for this! For any of this! What do you think would have happened if I had done as you asked?! Do you think Rhaenyra would have accepted without batting an eye? That she would have accepted any peace treaty? The realms would have been stuck in an administrative limbo and in the end, people would have rioted to know who the fuck ruled over them. If not, war would have broken out as soon as one of hers or one of us made a mistake. Father wanted Rhaenyra. Her rule will be fragile : she’s the first of her sex to rule. She’ll have to deal with the illegitimacy of her heir. War might break out when he takes the throne and she’s no idiot, she will need to address this one day. Let her rule. We’ll see if she manages. If not, people will turn back to your sons. But let me be clear : I want her to succeed. I want her reign to be good, to mark the start of a new era, heck I even want her to be remembered as the best Targaryen monarch when we reach the year 2024!”
“You are gambling the realms’ safety to try that theory of yours.”
 
He scoffed.
 
“Your lips are moving but Grandsire’s voice comes out of them.”
“The way you treat him is despicable. He knows ruling more than you do. You are getting drunk on the power you seized. Maybe you were right in not becoming king: you would have been horrible at the job.”
 
It stung more than the slap he received.
 
“You don’t want a king. You want a puppet to rule through. Tell me, Mother. Frankly. After everything you did for this family, have you never imagined yourself on the Iron Throne? You who ruled over these lands while Father was slowly rotting away? I, for once, am not the one getting drunk on something addicting.”
 
She violently grabbed his chin.
 
“You have no idea…”
“But I do, Mother. Because you put me through the exact same thing.”
 
He stared at her.
 
“You made me marry too young to a woman I didn’t want to marry. You forced us to become parents way too soon. Helaena was younger than you were when she gave birth and the birth could have killed her. You denied us the joys of a happy marriage just like your father did to you.”
“Don’t you love Helaena? Your children?”
“I love Helaena like I always have : as a sister. Nothing more. And don’t you dare doubt for one moment of my love for my children. Unlike me, they don’t wonder if their parent loves them.”
 
Alicent took a step back, stung.
 
“I will get Rhaenyra crowned, if it is the last thing I do in this lifetime.” He swore
“You are no son of mine…” She whispered
“That is my tragedy, Mother.” He said. “I may be someone’s offspring but I am no one’s son.”
 

 
His hand hurt and he wondered how scriveners did their jobs without too much pain. Lord Beesbury had provided him with a list two hours after council and Aegon had then spent the rest of the day writing to the lords, asking them to renew their allegiance to Rhaenyra as their fathers did before them.
 
“Daddy, play with me!” Jaehaerys tugged at his breeches
“Jaehaerys, Sweetheart, your father is working.” Helaena gently scolded
“But…” The boy whined “But Daddy has been working all the afternoon…”
 
He felt his heart ache. His son made a good point. He caressed his cheek.
 
“You’re right, I worked all afternoon. It is important work. But you are more important. Let me finish this one letter and I shall come and play. Does that sound good?”
 
The child nodded. The prince smiled at his son, wondering where all the love he had for him, for his sister, came from. He loved them so much it hurt sometimes. And that made him wonder about his own upbringing. How could his father turn his back on him? On them? He knew Viserys felt the way he did : the way he loved Rhaenyra was proof. So how could he just abandon his other children? He put the final dot on the paper, sealed the letter and turned his wrist, trying to ease it. He then left his chair and joined his little boy.
 
“What do we play, then?”
“Can we play with my wooden knights?”
“Sure!”
 
Helaena smiled as Jaehaera shyly joined, her brother giving her one of the figurines.
 
“Marigold came to me.” She told her husband
“What about?”
“Grandsire fired her. Someone told him she confessed to you about the key and the food.”
 
Poor girl…
 
“I hired her back into my household until this is over.”
“You’re a gem, Hel. You know that?”
“I know.”
“You’ll tell me how much her service cost. I’ll pay you back.”
“Nonsense. You’re already paying me back. You scared the rats away.”
 
He looked around.
 
“What rats?”
 
She simply smiled. The door opened, Aemond entered the room.
 
“Brother. Sister.” He greeted them
“Hi, Uncle!” Jaehaerys beamed
 
Jaehaera waved at him. His stance softened. Aegon knew many things about his brother and one of them was that when the time would come, he’d be a good father. Perhaps a strict one. But a loving and just one. Patient. Kind. The qualities of their mother but with the love their father had for their half-sister. The prince noticed the piles of letters on the desk.
 
“You look surprised.” The oldest said
“I did not think you’d take this seriously.”
“I’m taking things seriously when it truly matters. Saves me from having premature grey hairs.”
“Not that it would be noticeable with your silver curls.”
“Is that a joke? Praised be the Seven!”
 
Aemond sat next to their sister.
 
“Daeron wrote.” She revealed. “He says our Hightower relatives aren’t happy with what’s happening. Grandsire’s nephew keeps repeating that it was a shame : Mother birthed a Hightower prince that will never rule.”
“Except that we are not Hightowers.”
“He’s happy and proud of you.”
 
Jaehaerys and Jaehaera seemed oblivious to the adults’ talk.
 
“What happens next?” Aemond asked
 
Aegon locked eyes with him.
 
“Don’t tell me you don’t know. You can’t throw us in the fire without water to save us from burning.”
“Rhaenyra will decide. But I have insurance. I have her written words that no harm shall come to you all. That was the only thing I asked of her, for you all to be spared.”
“Those are rather weak terms.”
“Well, I didn’t have much time to act and to think. You know it doesn’t come to me as easily as it comes to you.”
“She won’t send us away.” Helaena spoke up
 
Her younger sibling seemed intrigued.
 
“She has no reason to. Aegon is popular among the smallfolk right now and you don’t want to underestimate their opinion. They see him as a good man trying to honor his father’s wish, despite the throne being his legal right. To send us away, it’d mean showing herself in a bad light. Besides, we have done nothing warranting us being exiled.”
“I doubt she wants me to live under Lucerys’ roof.” He replied
“I’ll speak to her.” Aegon promised. “I thought of this too. She knows it’s going to clash if nothing is done. I don’t want you sent away. And unless Corlys Velaryon wants his grandson by his side to teach him about the lands he’s going to rule over, I doubt she’d want to be separated from her son. I wouldn’t want that.”
“You want me to bow to that… to that boy.”
 
He refused to curse in front of the twins.
 
“Aemond. He did you wrong. I’m as upset as you are that you did not get Justice. But as of right now, yes, we need to bow.”
“Taking the crown wouldn’t have made us bend.”
“Taking the crown would have meant war. I’m not asking you to be his friend. I’m asking you to keep a low profile and not insult him. Yes, I know, it’s not an insult when it’s the truth. I suspect he might not know of it.”
 
The teenager sighed.
 
“I’ll find a way.” His brother assured him. “I will.”
“And the worst part of this is that I am losing my mind : I do want to trust you.”
 
Helaena’s gaze got lost as she looked at the fireplace.
 
“A crown of blood on silver threads…” She whispered
 
No one heard.
 
But for once, her vision got clearer.
 
She could almost see whose crown it was.
 
Her trance broke when the servants brought them dinner.

Chapter Text

“The queen has been seen about a day of travel from here.” One member of the council announced
 
Aegon nodded, feeling some relief spreading in him. He couldn’t completely relax yet but to know his regency would be over soon gave him joy. The experience brought some things to light for him. It cemented his idea that he wasn’t meant to rule. He did it because he had to, he tried to do his best, but the stress wasn’t worth it. However, he enjoyed being busy with something other than his cups and whores. He enjoyed the idea of being useful. He enjoyed having a goal, a purpose.
 
“My children should be my purpose. My only purpose.” He thought
 
After all, he had started this whole ordeal to protect Jaehaerys from plots. He loved his children so deeply that he wondered where all the love he had for them was stored in his wretched being. The small routine he had developed with Helaena was nice. Yes, being in her apartments granted him safety : Otto would never dare to try anything there out of fear of hurting his precious granddaughter, this was almost a sacred place for the Lord Hand, holier than the Sept his daughter loved so much. However, the prince liked breaking his fast with his babies. He liked hearing them babbling away at the table. He liked talking to them, listening as they told him of the dreams they had during the night or what they wanted to do after their lessons. His sister’s company was also soothing. She didn’t speak much but her figure was there, steady, a rock he found himself leaning on. He could never love her the way she deserved to be loved. But he cared. And he regretted the way he had acted towards her. He wondered what Rhaenyra would want from him. But if she simply asked him to stay in the shadows and raise his children in silence, he realized that that would be the best of lives. He tried to stop himself from smirking.
 
The prince who did not want to be king.
 
The prince who gave up on being king to just be a father.
 
That could be a tale for centuries to come.
 
“Any news on my sister’s health?” He asked
“It appears Her Grace is well and that no hiccups occurred in her pregnancy.”
“The Mother be blessed.”
 
He felt his mother’s eyes on him, certainly cursing him for using the deity’s name when he barely prayed himself.
 
“Ser Harrold.” Aegon addressed the White Cloak
“My Prince.” The knight replied
“You will go and meet the Queen to personally escort her to the capital.” He ordered
“It is an honor, My Prince.”
“Have the ravens been sent for the renewal of the lords’ vows?”
“They have been sent this morning, Brother.” Aemond replied “I sent them myself.”
 
Otto felt a breath of air stuck in his throat. Not Aemond… The most leveled-headed of his grandchildren, the smartest… He simply couldn’t have allowed Aegon to brainwash him!
 
“You seem worried, Lady Mother.” Aegon called out
“It is simply because of the troubled time.” Alicent explained
“We all know your dedication to the realms, Mother, even when Father was lying sick. Worry not. Your anxiety will soon cease. Rhaenyra will take the throne and thus take this worry away from you. You did say she would make a good queen during Father’s last dinner.”
 
If her smile didn’t fade, he could feel just how she loathed him.
 
He didn’t care.
 
He didn’t want to care anymore.
 
Yes, she believed Viserys meant him as he last spoke to her. Even if it seemed ridiculous. He could understand her disbelief, even her anger. But he could not understand her disdain. Wasn’t he her child too? He imagined himself rejecting Jaehaerys or Jaehaera like she did, speaking to them with the same voice. It had killed him. He would not be like her.
 
“May Queen Alicent be blessed.” Tyland Lannister said
“Hear, hear!” The members of the council replied
 
The session ended. As Harrold Westerling was departing, Criston approached him.
 
“Lord Commander, a word.” He asked
“What can I do for you, Cole?”
 
The man’s eyes drifted away for a moment upon Aegon’s form, the man chatting with his sibling.
 
“If possible, tell Queen Rhaenyra to make haste.”
“You sound worried.”
“I am, Lord Commander. I have good reasons to believe Prince Aegon to be in danger.”
“In danger?” Harrold paled
“I have reasons to believe someone raised his hand on him as retribution for not taking the Crown. I hope I am wrong but…”
“I’ll share your worries with Her Grace. I depart at once.”
 
Aegon would hate him for it. He could. That would mean he would be alive and safe to do so.
 

“Mother, you should let us go ahead, you are tiring yourself out!” Jacaerys worried
“Jace’s right.” Daemon agreed
 
Rhaenyra tried to smile but the child in her belly kept kicking and kicking. She was starting to feel the toll of dragon-riding for so long. But she couldn’t stay back or take her time. She just could not.
 
“I am well enough to travel.”
“Mother, you are clearly in pain. Surely Aegon wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself or the babe.” Her son tried to argue
“I haven’t been entirely honest with you.” She sighed
 
She got up from her chair, her husband immediately offering his arm so she could be steady on her feet. She walked towards a satchel and took out some letters.
 
“Helaena has written to me.”

 The queen handed them to them.

 
“Dearest Sister,
 
I write to you as a concerned sister for her brother’s safety, and as a worried wife for her husband’s life. Aegon doesn’t know I am writing to you : I doubt he’d stop me from doing so but he’d try and discourage me from it, trying to ease my fears to the best of his abilities.
 
I know you are travelling as fast as you can and I do not want you to suffer a loss. Your condition is delicate and I wish you every good fortune with this new life you will soon bring into this world. However, forgive me for imploring you to make haste.
 
I have good reasons to believe Aegon’s life may be in jeopardy.
 
Your letters reach him only because I took it upon myself to have them delivered to me out of fear they might be taken and destroyed.
 
My grandsire tried to lock my husband up in his apartments and had ordered his staff to stop bringing him food, water, wine, in the hopes of breaking his spirits, not doubt to have him relent the regency and declare himself king. Aegon got away through secret passageways and has stayed in my apartment ever since, the only place he can be safe as the Lord Hand would never try anything out of fear of hurting me, his favorite grandchild. This I know because Aegon told me himself.
 
However, Aegon never told me about the marks on his neck.
 
The morning following the announcement of the regency, I saw bruises on his throat, red, vibrant, fingerprints. I do not know if he kept silent so as to not worry me or if he believed I didn’t notice them. I am convinced this is Otto’s doing. If he can try to isolate and torture him, if he can try to strangle him, I do not want to imagine what else he could try on his own grandson out of anger for he lost control of the situation.
 
Aegon is maintaining the peace the best he can. The capital is, for now, rather calm thanks to his efforts. He has also sent words to the lords, asking them to renew their fathers’ vows, the ones they said when you were named heir years ago. Every step he takes to secure your throne makes him more hated by our grandsire. I’m afraid Mother is starting to turn on him too, clinging to the idea that it was our father’s wish for our brother to succeed him.
 
With love,
 
Your sister, Helaena”
 

 
“The plague that is Otto Hightower!” Daemon cursed
 
Someone knocked on their door.
 
“Enter.” Rhaenyra ordered before beaming. “Ser Harrold!”
 
The knight bowed.
 
“My queen. Prince Daemon. Prince Jacaerys.”
“You may call me Your Grace as well, Ser.” The Rogue Prince said
 
His wife smirked.
 
“And we will make sure you are addressed properly, my love. Ser Harrold, to what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Your Grace, Prince Aegon sent me to personally escort you to the capital.”
“My brother is very kind.”
 
She noticed something in his eyes.
 
“What is it, Ser? Has any misfortune fallen on my brother?”
“The Seven be thanked, the prince was in good health when I left.”
“But?”
 
The knight gulped.
 
“Ser Criston Cole has good reasons to believe Prince Aegon could be in danger.”
“Why?”
“Not everyone in the keep seems happy with the course of events, Your Grace. According to Cole, someone close to the prince had attacked him after he announced the regency, believing he was meant to rule.”
“And Cole is afraid it might escalate to something worse.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
 
Criston Cole was many things. He had been the one to take her virtue. She had been the one to break his heart. She had never quite forgiven him for killing Joffrey Lonmouth, staining her wedding with blood, and most importantly for breaking poor Laenor’s heart. He hadn’t been a good teacher for her sons. He could be a perfect snake. But the one thing she knew of him was that he genuinely loved her half-siblings. He saw them being born, he saw them becoming children then adults. He saw Aegon and Helaena being married, and becoming parents. He genuinely cared for them, maybe seeing in them the children he would never have, the children he vowed to not sire. And if Criston Cole, who disliked her for so many reasons, asked her this one favor, not for himself but out of fear for one of those children, then it meant something was amiss. The only reason he’d put his pride aside to ask for her help would be because the love he had for them was bigger than any feelings he had for her.
 
“We depart at once.” Rhaenyra ordered
“Mother…” Jacaerys tried to intervene
“We cannot wait, Jace.”
“Prince Aegon ordered maesters and midwives to be ready for your arrival, Your Grace.” Ser Harrold declared, hoping to ease the prince’s worries
 
 

 
“Rhaenyra is moving faster than expected.”
 
Otto had cornered him in the small council room and Aegon hadn’t been fast enough to retreat to Helaena’s chambers. The prince wondered why such haste : sure, he had asked to be quick, but until now, her pace had been fast, steady. Now, it seemed she was rushing. The reason seemed unclear.
 
“We still have time, Aegon. We could have the scorpions ready, and have their dragons taken down. Vhagar could stop them.”
 
He scoffed.
 
“Vhagar is powerful but she’s also old. They are coming with four dragons.”
“We have dragons. We have Vhagar, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, the twins’ dragons.”
“I will not use Sunfyre or my blood’s dragons against my sister. Cursed is the one who is a kinslayer.”
“As if you believed such things!”
 
Tired, the regent tried to walk past him but his grandfather took him by the arm.
 
“Now, listen to me!”
“Let me go! You are hurting me.”
“Not until you see reason.”
“I am the Prince Regent! I command you to let me go!”
“Or what? You will fire me? You will confine me? You will banish me? Your power is weak, boy! Whatever base you have, mine is bigger, stronger, steadier!”
 
Aegon managed to break free.
 
“You can still be king.”
“I don’t want to be king!”
“This is what Viserys wanted!”
“Never.”
“This is for the best! The realms will never accept a woman, even if she is Jaehaerys reborn! Think of the sacrifices made so you could even exist!”
“I will not become king. Never.”
“You insolent pup!”
 
Otto raised his arm and with the back of his hand, he slapped Aegon with all of his might. The pain on his cheek stung. But then, he felt himself falling briefly before everything turned black.
 

 
Aegon lay there, eyes closed. Unresponsive. Otto wondered if he had indeed killed the boy. Panic started to invade him. He hadn’t meant this. It was an accident. He wanted him to obey, to come to his senses, but the brat seemed determined to make their lives a living hell.
 
“I could end this.” He thought
 
He was already out of it. He would not fight back. One slice on his throat and everything would be over. He’d then blame it on Rhaenyra, stating one of her allies did this, that she planned his assassination. They’d turn on her and he’d crown Jaehaerys. Alicent could be the regent, Aemond was dutiful but too young. He’d remain as hand. But before he could even try and reach a dagger, he felt himself being yanked away.
 

They had arrived safely but Rhaenyra was having heavy pains in her belly. Rhaenys had told her to rest, to consult the maesters and she would check on Aegon herself, asking Criston to take her to him. It seemed only fitting : he had reach to her after Viserys died. He had put himself in danger for days.  It was only fair for him to be shielded after being a shield for so long.
 
“Where is Prince Aegon?” The knight asked a servant
“The small council room, Ser.” The maid replied. “With the Lord Hand.”
 
The princess saw the White Cloak pale. He knew, she realized. He knew everything.
 
“Let us make haste, Ser.” She simply said
 
They walked as fast as they could, running even, their hearts beating in their chests. The door was slightly opened, an oversight of the guards. No one was guarding the door actually, maybe due to the change of guards happening. Inside, grandfather and grandson were arguing.
 
“You can still be king.” They heard Otto say
“I don’t want to be king!” Aegon immediately replied
“This is what Viserys wanted!”
“Never.”
“This is for the best! The realms will never accept a woman, even if she is Jaehaerys reborn! Think of the sacrifices made so you could even exist!”
“I will not become king. Never.”
“You insolent pup!”
 
The Lord Hand struck his grandson on the left cheek with the back of his hand, powered by ire and rage. But before they could feel their blood boil, it froze. It happened too fast for them to prevent any of it.
 
Due to the force of the slap, Aegon stumbled, his head violently hitting the corner of the council table. He fell limply on the floor. Criston immediately barged in before the man could even reach his dagger, dragging him away from the prince.
 
“Unhand me, you fool!”
 
Rhaenys knelt by Aegon’s side She shook him by the shoulder.
 
“Aegon?”
 
His eyes remained closed, his entire body unresponsive. She raised his head slightly before a familiar smell hit her nostrils. A smell of iron. Her fingers grew red as she realized where it came from.
 
A crown of blood was staining the young man’s silver threads.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Time stood still as the knight, the princess and the Lord Hand realized what was happening : Aegon was bleeding from his head, unconscious, unresponsive. Quickly, Rhaenys tried to find a pulse, relieved to find one, even if faint.
 
“Guards!” She cried out
 
Immediately, several knights rushed in.
 
“Arrest the Lord Hand at once!” She ordered. “He attacked the Regent! And call some maesters!”
 
Otto was dignified enough to be taken without screaming, without being dragged away. He walked, surrounded by them. For anyone outside, who didn’t know, he was being protected or escorted to somewhere important. That was better that way. The keep would be disturbed soon enough, there was no need to add more.
 
“You.” The dragon rider said to one of the soldiers. “Inform Queen Rhaenyra of what happened. Then, inform Princess Helaena, the Dowager Queen and Prince Aemond. Try not to scare the Regent’s children.”
“Ot once, Princess!”
 
Criston approached. Rhaenys could see how destroyed he looked as he watched the prince’s form on the floor. He failed him, he believed. He blamed himself. He imagined that, had he stayed with him, this could have been avoided. He loved the boy. Perhaps more than the boy’s own parents. She loved her cousin but she had to admit that he hadn’t been the best to his children by Alicent. Part of it was due to the horrible sickness that plagued him. But most of it was fueled by his never-ending grief for Aemma, showering Rhaenyra with love and care, almost as if to make up for the horrible choice he had to make that cost her her life and then the babe’s.
 
“Aegon is still alive, Ser.” She said softly. “We need to move him.”
 
He nodded, carefully lifting him up in his arms, reminding him of the many times Aegon wished to be hugged, hugs he never denied him. They were too few, however, to make up for his loneliness.
 

 
“You cannot disturb my Lady Mother, Ser.” Jacaerys insisted. “She has been ordered to rest.”
 
Lucerys nodded.
 
“I am so sorry, My Prince, but it is of the utmost importance. There has been an incident…”
 
Rhaenyra tensed. Daemon immediately took her hand to ease her worries.
 
“What happened?” She asked
“Lord Otto Hightower attacked the Regent, Your Grace.” He revealed
 
It felt like a punch in her guts. Helaena was right. And to some extent, her half-brother had felt it. Aegon had stood as a shield to defend her claim. She had asked him to be her wall of defence. And standing up he did… Until she arrived.
 
“How?” She stuttered
“I don’t have the full details, Your Grace. According to Ser Criston and Princess Rhaenys, there was an argument in which the Lord Hand struck the prince, causing him to fall.”
“How is Aegon?”
“Unresponsive, Your Grace. Bleeding from the head.”
“By the Seven…” Jace whispered
“Princess Rhaenys has already ordered the Lord Hand’s arrest, for maesters to attend the prince and for his family to be told of the event.”
“She did well.” The queen replied as she tried to stand up
 
This time, none of her sons or her husband tried to stop her. The consort simply helped her on her feet.
 
“Is my brother’s life in danger?”
“I do not know, Your Grace.”
 
Dread filled her entire being.
 
Her sibling, whom she had never cared to bond with out of resentment for their parents’ marriage, had been the only one to care for her rights.
 
And now, he could be dead for it.
 

 
What broke Alicent’s heart wasn’t Aegon’s lying form on his bed. It had been Helaena’s scream of what sounded like agony. Aemond stood by her side, not daring to touch her, his eyes staring at his brother as they were trying to stop the bleeding. Surprising them all, the young woman took her husband’s hand. Ever since he had become regent, she appeared more comfortable with his touch.
 
“The crown of blood on silver threads…” She sobbed
 
Aegon’s curls had been cut off, his hair so short now, almost shaved, to allow the maesters easy access to his wound.
 
Helaena hated herself : her visions were nothing but a curse. What good was it for her to have them if she was incapable of communicating them properly? Why did she have them if she couldn’t prevent them? Why was she like Daenys but without the possibility of acting? Aegon didn’t love her as a husband loved his wife, she didn’t love him as a wife loved her husband. Their marriage had been forced upon them at such a young age, the possibility of romance blossoming between them had certainly been killed along with the forced consummation of a union they both resented. Her spouse wasn’t always the kindest to her, he wasn’t always the nicest, and he usually avoided her, unless drunk, because it was the only way for him to forget that his wife was his own sister. She wasn’t mad at him for it, she instead felt for him. If she liked alcohol, perhaps she would have done the same thing. Whenever he touched her, she always saw doom. For herself, for him, for everyone, making her shiver, making him believe he disgusted her. Any caress of his reminded her of the rats, of a choice she had to make, of Jaehaerys’ possible short life, of her death, of what would happen to Jaehaera later…
 
But all of those disappeared when he renounced being king.
 
When he sent Rhaenys to Rhaenyra.
 
When he unknowingly broke the strings of their puppet masters.
 
Ever since, when he touched her, she didn’t have visions anymore. She just felt the warmth of his skin, the gentleness he was capable of. She loved the small routine they had installed, even if it was meant to protect him. She loved seeing him play with the twins, she loved seeing him try to be a better father than their own had been to them, patient, kind, putting himself in their shoes, helping them when they didn’t understand something from their lessons, always kissing them, hugging them, telling them he loved them. She loved how he quickly adapted to Jaehaera’s quirkiness, found a way to let her know, to show her, just how he adored her too. She loved the small comments he made on her embroideries, sometimes asking how she achieved certain stitches and knots. She loved that he tried. She loved having her brother by her side, the real one hidden underneath all of his hurt, the one capable of great love, patience, and understanding.
 
“Grandsire did this…” She uttered
“Helaena…” Her mother tried to touch her shoulder.
 
Helaena refused to let her.
 
“Do not say it wasn’t him, Mother!” She sobbed. “Princess Rhaenys saw him!”
“Maybe she…”
“Criston saw him!”
 
She looked at her in the eyes, startling the Dowager Queen. They were filled with anger.
 
“Why didn’t you protect him?!”
“Helaena, I didn’t know…”
“Yes, you did! You always take Grandsire’s side! When I told you about the marks on his neck, you immediately assumed it was because of a game he played with a prostitute! When I told you about the door, you told me Aegon was mistaken! When I told you about the food, you told me Aegon lied to me! He’s your son! How can he be second to your father?! Why don’t you ever believe him?! What has he done to you?! Why do you hate him that much?!”
 
The princess was completely broken down, tears rolling freely on her cheeks.
 
“Helaena…”
 
She let Aemond embrace her.
 
“Mother.” He said. “Is it true?”
 
He had noticed the marks as well and to his shame, he admitted he believed his brother tried out another sexual perversion with a woman. He knew about the door, Aegon had mentioned it after a council meeting, never telling however who did this. But he never knew about the food. Why he spent so much time with Helaena made sense now. Of course, it was to be with his children, no doubt about it, but it was also, ironically, their pacifist and untrained sister, their beloved sibling who refused, at age 5, to eat meat for moons because it meant animals were killed, was his best defender, knight and shield.
 
“I believed he was accusing your grandfather because his mind had been twisted for it… That he resented him and tried to have some vengeance upon him…”
“And of course, when he tells you he was there when Father died, that Father didn’t mean him when he said the name Aegon, that he wanted Rhaenyra, you didn’t believe him either. Because everything that comes out of his mouth is necessarily a lie in your made-up mind.”
“Aemond!”
“Look at him, Mother! Just look at him! He’s lying in his bed, his head cracked open when this could have been avoided!”
 
He was just as guilty as her, he knew. He didn’t believe him to some extent, blinded by the torment he endured at his hands as children. However, ever since he lost his eye, Aegon had completely stopped his attitude. True, he still joked at his expense, but those were now harmless words, banter he even joined in at times. He never apologized for his actions but the prince knew he was sorry. After all, he was the one who offered him his sapphire as he knew he loved the story of Symeon Star-Eyes, telling him without uttering a single sentence that he believed in him and in the possibility of him becoming a great swordsman.
 
“Her Grace, Queen Rhaenyra.” A guard announced
“Rhaenyra!” Alicent exclaimed. “You should be resting after your journey.”
 
The queen smiled at her former friend, knowing her concern to be genuine. Her daughter tried to stifle a scoff. She was glad her mother was worried for her stepdaughter, it meant she cared. But why did she care more about her than her own flesh and blood? Her first-born child? She could care for both…
 
“I am alright, Alicent. I couldn’t stay idle after I learnt about Aegon.”
 
She approached Helaena.
 
“Can I hug you?”
 
Aemond let their half-sister take his place. He should write to Daeron, he thought. He deserved to know. He wanted the whole of Oldtown to know what their relative had done to his own blood.
 
“How is he?” Rhaenyra asked the maester as he finished bandaging her brother’s head.
“We cannot say for certain, Your Grace.” Maester Orwyle admitted. “We managed to stop the bleeding by stitching the wound. The prince’s vital signs seem stable and we didn’t see any signs of deeper injuries. However, we can only see with certainty how severe the shock was once the prince wakes up.”
“You fear there might be complications?”
“Mayhaps. Confusion, possible amnesia, headaches.”
“And?”
 
The man looked upon the princess, worried about the effect his words would have on her.
 
“Please, say it, Maester.” Helaena told him. “I can take it.”
“It is only a possibility, Princess.”
“But?”
“In the worst of cases, fluid could build up in the prince’s skull, causing tension and pain…”
“A traumatic brain injury.” Aemond concluded
“Possibly.”
“And one of the cures is trepanning.”
“Yes, my prince. To evacuate the unwanted fluid and blood causing the pressure.”
 
Helaena paled.
 
“It’s only a possibility, Helaena.” Rhaenyra tried to ease her. “This is an extreme. It does not mean it is what will happen to Aegon. Right now, we can only wait for him to wake up.”
 
A maid rushed inside the room.
 
“Your Grace…” She bowed. “My queen, my prince, my princess…”
 
The poor girl was out of breath.
 
“What is it, Marigold?” The princess replied
“Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera are missing!”

 
The castle was way too big. Jaehaerys always believed it to be so. Why did they need such a big house when there were so few of them? Jaehaera took his hand, meaning she was worried. They had heard the adults talking.
 
Their father was injured.
 
There was an accident and he was hurt.
 
No one believed they heard but they did. And no one had heard the little girl earlier whispering : “Ruby on silver and porcelain.”
 
Their mother entrusted them to Marigold and left with their uncle. No one wanted to tell them what happened, they simply repeated they didn’t have to be scared.
 
The twins weren’t.
 
Their father was big, strong, he had the most beautiful dragon that ever lived and understood the common language instead of High Valyrian! Of course, he would be okay! But they wanted to see him.
 
Whenever they were hurt, their father was there with them. He always came, asked what happened, and listened to their fears. He never mocked them for being scared : for him, it certainly was a small tumble, for them it was horrible, and he always agreed that it was indeed ghastly. He kissed the pain away, and hugged them until the worries vanished. His arms were the safest place of the Seven Kingdoms.
 
Whenever they were ill, their father was there with them. He always came, he stayed with them. He made sure they were tucked in, warm enough. He agreed that the medicine was disgusting, that he understood why they didn’t want to take it but that they had to, or else they wouldn’t get better. He had the maesters add some honey or fruit so it felt better on the tongue. He would sing to them if they asked him. He had a beautiful voice and he even had invented a song for them. When they were starting to feel better, if their stomachs could handle it, he asked for their favorite meals and sweets so they could find some joy after feeling so unwell. He always remembered to ask for orange cakes instead of lemon cakes for Jaehaera because she didn’t like how bitter lemons were.
 
Their father was always there when they needed him the most.
 
They had to be there for him now!
 
Or else, how would he know they loved him to the moon and beyond?
 
But for Heaven’s sake, why was this castle so big and where were their father’s private bed chambers?!
 

 
“They are four years old, how could they escape you?!” Alicent barked at Marigold as they stood in the children’s room, looking for clues of where they had vanished
“It can happen quickly, Mother.” Her daughter replied. “Just one second of inattention and off they run.”
 
Aemond had already asked the guards and the servants to search any area. The library, of course, as Jaehaerys loved books. The gardens. The kitchens. He ordered special care to be taken around the ponds and fountains.
 
“Mother.” Lucerys said as he joined Rhaenyra and the others
“Lucerys?”
 
By the Seven, what a day…
 
“Ser Criston has found the twins!”
 
Relief spread in their entire bodies.
 
“Jace is joining Aemond so the search party can be dismissed.”
“Where are they?” Helaena asked her nephew
“Come with me.”
 
They followed the future Lord of the Tides, their feet leading them to Aegon’s bed chambers. The White Cloak was guarding its door, somewhat amused.
 
Inside the room, on the nightstand, a wooden horse and a pine cone. Jaehaera on his right side, Jaehaerys on his left, the twins were nestled against their resting father, sleeping, thumbs in their mouths, cradled by his warmth and the security of what they knew to be his ever-loving arms.

Chapter Text

The child in her belly finally seemed to have settled down, though she still felt some pains, most likely due to the extensive dragon riding of the past few days. Syrax had been the most careful she had seen her be, perhaps sensing her uneasiness. Sitting in the small council room, Rhaenyra’s eyes stared at the corner where Aegon hit his head. She couldn’t help picturing his lifeless form on the ground, helpless, as his grandfather would pull out a knife from his pocket to slice his throat. Criston had told her he was clenching a dagger, hidden by the fabric of his breeches when he stormed inside.

A man had been willing to murder his own grandson to keep control of the realms.

The way power could corrupt people scared her.

Her brother, who was a few weeks away from turning one and twenty, was currently lying, unresponsive, in his chambers, after being attacked by his own blood… because he had refused to steal his sister’s birthright.

The queen blamed herself.

She should have been there more often. She should have stayed in King’s Landing despite the hardships, so she could keep her rank, her position, establishing new alliances and friendships. She should have made herself appear as the heiress she was. And most importantly, she should have been there for her siblings. Her past self ashamed her : she had resented Aegon for being born, for being Alicent’s and her father’s son while Alicent had no say in whom she married. How she acted during his second nameday celebrations… How did her father not lose his temper or patience? She couldn’t blame her stepmother and former friend for being afraid for her children. When did their sister show any sign that she cared? That she would not hurt them? All she had shown them was coldness, distance, strangers that only shared a name.

She had ignored Aegon completely, only seeing his Hightower blood, and not seeing him the Targaryen he was.

For Heavens’ sake, she had wanted a ten-year-old child “sharply questioned”! Even if it was to protect her child, this wasn’t the way, she knew it now…

It was nothing short of a miracle that Aegon respected their father’s wish and tried to trust her when she did nothing to show him she was trustworthy. He had stood for her, on his own, him against the rest, and the price to pay was horrifying.

Her mind played the scene Rhaenys told her again and again, almost feeling Otto’s hand on her skin, the pain of the shock, the blood in the room, shivering as she realized, time and time again, that if her half-brother lived, it only was because she granted Helaena her wish. If not, the table incident would not have occurred but something else would have happened and she would have arrived to attend his funerals. Jaehaerys would have been used as a piece on a chess board, a boy king, a puppet king… The doors opened, the members of the government arrived one by one. They froze as they saw her but bowed nonetheless.

“Your Grace.” Lord Beesbury greeted. “It is an unexpected but pleasant surprise. The Regent didn’t warn us about your arrival…”
“We believed this emergency gathering was at his initiative.” Lord Wylde added
“I am so sorry for disturbing you all at such a late hour, My Lords.” Rhaenyra replied. “But the situation calls for it.”

They sat and placed their marble balls on the table.

“My Lords.” The sovereign announced. “My brother, Prince Aegon, has been viciously attacked and injured by Lord Otto Hightower.” 
“By the Seven!” Tyland Lannister exclaimed
“How is the Regent, Your Grace?” Larys inquired 

Rhaenyra designated Orwyle, letting him speak.

“The prince has suffered a serious blow at the head that required stitches. He’s currently unconscious and unresponsive. I am happy to report that his vital signs are stable and actually slowly bettering since the bleeding has been stopped. However, as I told Her Grace earlier, we won’t know the extent of the injury until the prince wakes up. Only the symptoms he’ll exhibit once awake will tell us if we have to fear more serious threats to his health and his life.”
“His life, Maester?” The masters of laws repeated
“One of the worst case scenarios would require trepanning.”
“I have ordered the High Septon to give services for my brother’s health.” Rhaenyra informed them. “The bells will ring, inciting the people to pray for his recovery.”
“Your Grace, what is to be done with Lord Hightower?” The masters of whisperers asked
“Lord Otto has lost any right to be Hand the moment he raised a hand on my brother, which is at the very start of the regency.” 

She had them read Helaena’s letter.

“How ghastly!” Lord Beesbury paled. “How can anyone treat his own blood like this?!”
“Was the Dowager Queen aware?” The masters of ships wondered
“I should hope not.”

She tried to take her gaze off that corner. 

“The fate of Otto Hightower will be linked to my brother’s. Should he survive, I will send him to the Wall so he might still be of use for the realms. Should my brother perish, he shall be executed.”

The method was still being debated in her mind. Burning him alive would be too much of an honour. Devoured by a dragon? She was afraid he’d ingest anything that would poison them after death. Beheading seemed too quick, too merciful. And she had to consider how the Hightowers of Oldtown would react to the news. Would they side with Aegon or with their closest relative?

“Who shall replace him as Hand, Your Grace?” Larys asked her
“This is still being debated, Lord Strong. It shall be resolved soon, I know the realms need a Hand. In the meantime, I know I can count on your love and dedication to support me in those hard times.”
“Hear hear!”
“Also… While it will be announced that I am now queen and ruling as I am meant to be, as my brother said he would step down as soon as I arrived in the city, I shall not be officially crowned yet.”

No, she definitely couldn’t look at anything else than this corner. 

“I want my brother to attend my coronation. It shall be done when he is recovered. I want him to crown me.”
“Your Grace!” Lord Beesbury exclaimed

They saw her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“My brother has protected my crown with his blood, perhaps even his life, so evil men couldn’t steal my birthright. It has to be him.”
“Your Grace, should the prince… pass away?”

The idea of him dying iced her blood. They weren’t close, that was partly her fault. He would have died for her, a woman who had ignored him, so she could have what their father intended for her.
He would have died protecting his son from being used as a puppet. 

“My sister will crown me.” She replied. “She has been Aegon’s support from the very start. She, Aemond and Daeron weren’t aware of their grandsire’s scheme.”

She’d keep the promise she made him, whether he lived or died. 

That was the least she owed him.

“I am surprised it isn’t Criston Cole down here.” Otto said as he saw Daemon arriving
Locked in the cells, the man still stood proud.
“Cole is too busy worrying about Prince Aegon while he’s not even his blood.” The prince snarled. “It is funny how the boy matters more to him, a common-born dornish man, than to his own grandsire.”

He turned to the guards, ordered them to take away the Hand pin. 

“You’d better pray, Otto, that your grandson lives. Because your survival depends on his. My wife is adamant : he dies, you die.”
“And I am certain you want him to die so you can do the deed yourself.” The former Hand stated
“Better me than Cole, Otto. The man would tear you apart. I’m surprised he didn’t kill you on the spot.  No one would have blamed him for it and I would have offered him a reward myself for it. Again, all of this for a boy he cares about more than you do while he’s not his blood.”
“Do not stand there lecturing me about blood. All of Viserys’ life, you have been a plague, his political headache and now, you will ruin everything we built.”
“We?”

The lord smirked.

“Viserys trusted me. Loved me even. He was my king, I respected him and I was honored by his friendship. You are Maegor born again. Who says you won’t declare war on the whore’s eldest bastard as soon as she dies to put your own little Aegon on the Iron Throne?”
“I don’t need that. My Baela shall be queen one day, as his spouse.”
And despite what he believed, the man cared about his stepsons. They were Rhaenyra’s. They were a part of her and any part of her was to be cherished, the same way she loved and cared for his daughters. 

“Queen Rhaenyra has asked for you to be sharply questioned.” He announced. “Be prepared. You might find yourself praying to the Stranger to embrace you.”

“You should go to bed, Helaena.” Aemond whispered to his sister

The twins had been adamant : they refused to leave their father. They had to be here so he’d know they loved him. He was always there when they were sick or hurt. They had to be here for him now. They would be careful, they would not bother the maesters, they would do as they would be told, they would be soft and kind, but they would stay. Exhausted, their mother had refused to fight it and had, instead, asked for two beds to be brought so they could have their own space. Besides, she was convinced their presence actually helped her husband. The three of them had such a bond, in his way Aegon had to feel their love, keeping his soul in the land of the living.

“I can’t.” She answered
“Helaena, you haven’t slept in almost a day. You have to rest.”

She had stayed by his side through every stitch left, every check-up, her eyes locked on his body, as if she was afraid to blink, to turn away and miss what could be his last breath.

“I’ll watch over him and the children. Go to bed, Hel. You’ll get yourself sick.”
“When I close my eyes, I see that man hitting him and his head banging on the table…”

Ever since she had learnt the full details of the attack, the princess had refused to refer to Otto as her family. 

“Does Daeron know?” 
“I wrote to him. Sent the raven as soon as Mother went to the Sept.”
“I wish I could have done more for him…”
“You believed him and protected him.”

More than he did. Aemond felt the burn of shame deep inside his body and he realized just how little he knew his brother. Yes, Aegon was crass, disgusting, had poor taste, could be rude and cruel, wasting away any potential he had… However, he was also capable of great love, of empathy, of understanding, of kindness even, he could be charming, smart, easygoing, modest and painfully self-aware. All of his qualities seemed to have been drowned, diluted in what seemed to be an ocean of vice and wine, which appeared to offer him fake but warm arms to embrace him when he was scared.

But then again, maybe he was this “waste of a man” because he had been told all his life that this was who he was, that he would never be anything else than this horrible man. 
Because he didn’t really have anyone that believed in him, perhaps except Cole who couldn’t do much on his part. Helaena was so often plagued by what she called her dreams that communicating and bonding were hard for her. As for him, he understood he simply felt superior and arrogantly put him on the side. 

Their mother seemed contradictory : she wanted him to be responsible, active, a good role model, a proper prince but, at the same time, as soon as he tried to be all that, instead of guiding him, she blamed him for his mistakes, as if he was supposed to know how to do it all already. How could he become the best version of him if no one taught him how to? The fact that he managed to do it with his children made it even more remarkable : he took everything he knew about their parents and did the very opposite.

“Do you think he’ll wake up?” He asked
“Aegon is like a cockroach.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“People are scared of them, they think they are a waste, they want to hurt them. But they are small, resilient creatures and hard to kill.”

And prolific. 

If the rumors were true, their brother certainly fathered some bastards of his own. Did he know, however, that he possibly had other children elsewhere?

“Mother hasn’t come by ever since we were first taken here.” Helaena commented

The resentment in her voice was clear. 

“I know.”
“She hates him.”
“Don’t say that. She can’t hate him. She might dislike him, but…”
“She hates him, Aemond. Because when she looks at him, she sees herself and her own sufferings.”

Because out of all of them, Aegon was the one that looked like her the most. He was almost every inch of her reflection. She certainly had been sincere when she told Rhaenyra she would be a good queen. However, upon hearing their father saying Aegon’s name, she believed her Aegon had to ascend the throne. The idea that she was wrong, that she might have started a war of succession, that she had suffered everything she suffered was in vain must have been too hard for her, forcing her into denial for her own mental preservation. Helaena felt for her : married at a young age, her first child at five and ten, alone in a court that saw her as a mare sold out by her father, her friendship shattered, no one believing her, seeing Rhaenyra do everything as she pleased with no consequences and for what, in the end? Children her husband rejected in everything but name and not even the satisfaction of believing that it had been worth it. She put her firstborn child through the same traumas and was upset that he hadn’t reacted the way she did. 

She hated that her son wasn’t her perfect twin, a mirror of herself, to reassure her the way she acted was the right one.

She hated that her son was his own person, with his own heart and his own feelings. 

She had put her only daughter through it too… 

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera wouldn’t go through that. 

Aegon and her would not allow it.

“Mommy, Mommy, look!”

Lost in her thoughts, Helaena hadn’t noticed Jaehaera coming to her, nor Jaehaerys carefully going on the bed to cuddle his father, his small hand taking his as he settled on his side, his head resting on his torso. Her daughter tugged at her dress.

“Look!”

Aegon’s fingers started to twitch, gently entwining with his son’s, his eyelids fighting to open. 

To be continued

Chapter Text

At first, he couldn’t feel anything. It was as if he was in a deep slumber. He was one with the darkness. He wasn’t anything, anyone, just something fused with the rest of the universe. But bit by bit, sparkles of who he was were restored.

He slowly started to feel more.

He started to hear, unable to understand a word uttered.

A part of him didn’t want to wake up : some sense of dread remained in every fiber of his being. Waking up meant something terrifying. Sleeping meant staying in this soothing limbo where nothing could hurt him.

There was a woman crying for him.

There was a man, speaking a weird language he barely understood.

There was another man, older, with an accent, choking on tears he didn’t want to shed.

Two voices stood out.

Small, simple, high pitched sometimes.

And one word stood out.

Daddy.

The first one he fully got.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“Please, wake up, we miss you, Daddy.”

He was a father.

Jaehaerys… and… Jaehaera. He was their father. He loved them. No, he didn’t love them, he adored them. That he remembered. They were his life, his everything. A good father didn’t abandon his children.

He wanted to wake up.

For them.

A good father was awake for his children.

He felt a tiny hand taking his, a head on his torso.

He wanted to wake up.

Why was this so hard?

Why did everything hurt so much?

The light blinded him for a second. But when he saw his son’s face, every pain endured was worth it.

“Aegon?” Helaena called

Aemond got closer, checking on his face, his eyes. He wanted to see his pupils. They could indicate a sign of traumatic brain injury. A pupil larger than the other could be a clue. He noticed just how his brother fought to come back to them.

“Daddy?” Jaehaerys asked

Finally, the prince opened his eyelids, wincing as he got used to the light. He slowly came back to his senses. A soft smile lit up his exhausted face as soon as he noticed his son.

“Jaehaerys…” He called

The boy immediately hugged him, his arms around his neck. Aegon returned his embrace. His eyes moved around, stopping as soon as he saw Jaehaera. He extended his left arm to his daughter who climbed up on the bed and fearlessly joined her twin. A hand on her stomach, Helaena felt a relief beyond no other.

“His pupils look normal.” Their younger sibling thought

He came closer to the eldest and showed him three fingers.

“How many?” He asked

“What?” Aegon replied, confused

“Just answer me.”

Puzzled, he replied he saw three of them, from his right hand.

“Now?”

“Two. Left hand. What the…”

“What’s your name?”

“I…”

“Just answer me.”

“My name is Aegon. You’re my irritating little brother Aemond. I am married to our sister Helaena…”

“Good.”

His wife placed her hand on his forearm.

“You scared us.”

“What happened…”

“You don’t remember?”

“Some of it…”

He worriedly glanced at their children. She understood. Aemond opened the door. Criston had stood guard for hours.

“Cole. Aegon’s awake.”

He let the knight enter and see him for himself. The pure joy he felt was written all over his face.

“My prince…”

His voice was overtaken by emotion.

“Ser Criston...”

“The Seven be blessed! My prayer to the Mother has been answered!”

“Queen Rhaenyra must be informed immediately, Cole.” Aemond told him. “I’ll inform Mother.”

The door of the small council room opened as Rhaenyra was discussing the most urgent affairs left behind when her father passed. All heads turned to Criston as he entered, bowing slightly.

“Ser Criston.”

The queen felt her intestines twisting. If he was there, something had happened to Aegon…

“Your Grace. Forgive me for the intrusion but it is of the utmost importance.”

“Is my brother…” She uttered

“Prince Aegon has woken up, Your Grace.”

Lord Beesbury clutched his seven-pointed star necklace and thanked the Gods above.

“According to Prince Aemond, he doesn’t seem to suffer from memory loss and was able to answer some questions.”

Rhaenyra closed her eyes, the weight of the world taken off her shoulders.

“Your Grace.” Orwyle said. “Forgive me, I must…”

“Of course, Maester. Please assist my brother and assure him of my affection. I’ll visit him later.”

“Your Grace.”

Daemon turned, cleaning his blade of Otto’s blood after he was done taking away one of his fingernails.

“Ser Arryk?”

“Erryk, Your Grace. But no matter.”

“What is it?”

“Prince Aegon has woken up.”

Otto froze. The insolent pup had survived? Maybe it was for the best : after all, if he had died, he would have been doomed to die as well.

“How is he?”

“I don’t know the full details, Your Grace. But he appears to remember who he is and was able to answer correctly some basic questions.”

The king consort turned to his brother’s former Hand.

“The Gods spared your grandson, Otto.”

“That boy is no grandson of mine. You all act as if you cared for the boy, loved him even. Where were you all as he grew? As he became a drunk, a lustful whore who sired bastards? You love him now because he defends your interests. As soon as he stops, as soon as he becomes the useless pawn he always was, you will set him aside. That brat is no Targaryen, shaming his father. He is no Hightower. He lacks the intelligence, the discipline, the dignity.”

Knowing he had lost, he didn’t see why he had to restrain himself from speaking his truth.

“Have you never considered that maybe, perhaps, he turned this way because you lot never ever loved him or tried to help him with whatever was amiss?” Daemon replied

He didn’t consider himself the greatest of fathers. To his own shame, he had realized, not long ago, how neglectful he had been to Rhaena. He had bonded with Baela over being dragon riders, his daughter took after him, reckless, a tomboy. Rhaena was different and while he didn’t understand, she still needed him. Ever since, he had tried to better himself and his child had been well raised by her mother : she saw his attempt for what it was and offered him a chance.

What chance did Aegon have?

Between a mother who had him too young and resented him for it because it was easier to be mad at the child than the husband she had been forced to wed?

Between a father, plagued by sickness and guilt, who left him behind?

Between a grandfather who saw him as a piece on a chessboard?

What chance did that boy have?

What chance did his siblings have?

“Please. As if you cared. Admit it, him gone would have secured your wife’s claim. The realms will never accept a woman!”

“Oh but they will. Because her brother, a man, asked them to. You have to start somewhere. Now, tell me, is it true you were willing to slice the boy’s throat while he was unconscious at your feet?”

The cells resonated with the lord’s screams.

“Why all of these questions? Can’t I just have milk of the poppy, please? My head is killing me…”

“I am so sorry, My Prince. I know you are in pain. But it is important for me to conduct these experiments while you aren’t under any drugs.”

Aegon sighed then winced. Helaena took his hand, squeezed it gently. The maester made him follow an object with his eyes, asked him random questions about him, or their surroundings.

“Aemond already made me answer that…”

“And I am most grateful as it helps me greatly. We are almost done, My Prince.”

He glanced over a mirror, his gaze upon his head. The stitching was there, the skin bright red and his hair almost nonexistent. It was weird, he thought, that he missed it when he barely cared what he looked like before. He had chopped it short, uneven, as a way to rebel against his heritage. His hair was one of the few things he had control over. He wanted to be different from them, to make them understand how left out he felt. No one saw it.

“What is the last thing you remember, My Prince?”

The young man quickly looked over. His children were asleep in their beds. He didn’t want to scare them more than they had been. Seeing him with such a head might have been terrifying. And he didn’t want them to believe their great grandfather evil. Otto didn’t have a relationship with them, but he didn’t want their minds polluted with all of this.

“I was in the small council room, arguing with the Lord Hand. He wanted me to betray my sister, have her dragons taken down. When I refused, he slapped me. I remember falling but nothing else.”

“It’s because, as you fell, your head hit the corner of the table, violently enough to knock you out and bleed. Ser Criston and Princess Rhaenys rescued you. ”

Rhaenys.

How oddly fitting.

“Otto wanted to kill you afterwards.” Helaena added. “Criston said he was gripping a dagger when he entered.”

Her husband noticed the disdain and spite in her voice. The door opened. Rhaenyra entered. She looked exhausted but smiled as she saw him.

“Aegon!”

“Your Grace… Forgive me if I don’t get up.”

“You are easily forgiven!” She joked. “And do not call me Your Grace! Unless it’s a public or formal event. You, of all people, earned the right to call me by my name. How are you feeling?”

“Tired. My head hurts and feels like it’s going to split open any second.”

Helaena offered her seat to their sister.

“I am better standing, thank you.”

“Rhaenyra…” Aegon said. “Not that I am complaining as it saved my life but… how…”

“Helaena wrote to me.”

He looked at his wife, confused.

“You didn’t tell me anything about the marks on your neck.” She justified herself. “Then, with the bedroom door, the servants… and I kept dreaming of…”

“A crown of blood on silver threads. They didn’t want the boy. They wanted the man.”

“You listened?!”

“Just because I don’t understand doesn’t mean I don’t listen. You saved me, Hel… I don’t deserve you.”

She smiled at him.

“You may not be the best of men. But I couldn’t have asked for a better husband.”

“Where does that come from?” He asked, puzzled.

She did say at that dinner that he basically ignored her unless drunk. That felt so long ago…

“You do not hit me. You do not insult me. You do not force me so we have more children. You try to understand me.”

That seemed like such a basic… How sad it was for it to be what she considered “good.”

“And you love our children. You love them equally.”

Their half-sister looked amused.

“I wrote to Rhaenyra because I was worried for your life…”

“Thank you, Hel…”

Rhaenyra approached them.

“Aegon. I want you to know… there are no words powerful enough to tell you just how grateful I am to you. We are basically strangers and yet, you defended me, my rights. I know you did this to protect your son. But by protecting him, you protected me. When I have done nothing to be worthy of your loyalty or care. I am so sorry for not being the sister you deserve. And if you give me a chance, I’d like to try and be a sibling worthy of you.”

He smiled.

“Thank you for trusting me in the first place…” He answered. “What… what is to be done with us?”

“Aegon…”

“I have to worry about it. What do you want me to do? If you want me to renounce my rights, the rights of my children, I will. If you want me to move away, I will. Just…”

She took his hand.

“You won’t go anywhere.” The queen firmly said. “You are my brother. You belong here. Your children belong here. I want to live with my entire family. Like we should have in the first place. This is my fault.”

“What of Lucerys?”

She froze.

“Don’t get me wrong, Rhaenyra. I do not want him to lose an eye. I understand why you acted the way you did. I do not agree with it but I understand. If nothing is done, things will clash between Aemond and Lucerys. I do not want my brother sent away. Nor will you want to send away your son. I wouldn’t want to be separated from my child, why would you?”

“I did Aemond wrong. Terribly wrong.” She admitted. “I shall apologize to him. I’ll have Lucerys apologize. This is in no way, shape or form, enough. But it is a start.”

“It is.”

“The council told me you were quite good as regent. If you wanted a seat…”

“I’d rather be a father, to be honest. Or to help with the smallfolk.”

“You do see them often.”

“There are child fighting pits.” He revealed. “I’m ashamed to say I’ve watched certain fights. The sewage system is obsolete. Landlords are raising their rents so high some women have to sell their teeth so their children can have a roof over their heads.”

“Why were you watching the fights?”

“Morbid curiosity filled by my self-loathing. And… there was a child.”

“A dragon seed?”

“Possibly mine…”

It hurt to say it in front of his wife.

“I am unsure. He looked too old to be mine but since I’ve been… early, in that regard…”

“What made you stop looking for your bastards?”

“Otto. And Mother. I started to look for them when the twins were born. I felt, for the first time, happy, complete… and it hit me. That I could have some other children in the city. I tried to gather information, got none and then… Mother and Otto stopped me. They said I didn’t have to care. They were their mothers’ responsibilities, not mine. Bastards have no rights. I pushed further, to no end.”

He wondered if the lack of information was their doing.

“Aegon.” Helaena spoke

She locked eyes with him, a rare occurrence.

“If you have bastards…”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t. I never expected you to be faithful to a marriage we both didn’t want. If you have children out there, if you want to care for them, find them. Bring them here. They’ll be raised with Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. They belong with their siblings.”

His lip twitched as he felt tears in his eyes. How on Earth was he allowed to marry such a pure and kind-hearted soul?

“Helaena is right.” Rhaenyra agreed. “We can find out if you indeed have bastards and we will care for them. Your knowledge of the smallfolk’s condition is impressive. I know you feel you do not belong in a government. I respect that. But if you wanted to, I could create a post for you. So you could help our people. I’ll let you think on it.”

He nodded.

“I will write to Oldtown, asking for Daeron to return. And while he’s still quite young, I’ll ask Aemond if he would like a seat on the council. His intelligence is already praised and I was told he supported you in the regency, especially with the renewal of the lords’ vows.”

“He’ll be pleased by the offer, no doubt. He should have been the eldest…”

“Where is your mother?”

“She hasn’t visited since Aegon was taken here.” Helaena answered

She didn’t make any attempt to hide her displeasure.

“Rhaenyra, your baby…” Aegon worried  

“We are fine. Your maesters and midwives have been most helpful.”

“Hi, Auntie!”

They turned around. Jaehaerys had woken up from his nap. The sovereign laughed.

“Hello, little nephew! I’m so happy to see you!”

“Daddy said you are to be the first queen to rule over the kingdoms! Is it true?”

“Yes, it is! And if I can, it is because your father is a brave man who protected my crown from evil men!”

He nodded.

“Daddy is the best.”

Aegon had a smile so bright it could have lit up all the candles in King’s Landing.

“Mother.” Aemond whispered as he knelt beside his mother

Alicent was praying in silence, her eyes focused on the candles’ fire. She didn’t dare to look upon her son.

“Is Aegon dead?” She asked, her voice so detached, so cold, it almost scared him

Was Helaena right? Deep down, despite whatever affection she tried to have for him, did she actually resent him?

“Aegon is awake.” He revealed. “He seems to be doing fine. Rhaenyra must be with him as we speak. Would you like me to accompany you?”

“I should see him, yes.”

Should.

Not want.

He tried not to read too deeply into this but his sister’s words rang into his ears, her outburst so fresh and vivid in his mind. Their mother was a loving one to her, she tried her best with him, she protected him the best she could and he loved her so much for it. She missed Daeron, her requests to Viserys about him coming home were always denied. Aemond wondered if Otto hadn’t planned this.

He had seen Aegon as a mistake, a failure.

Helaena was his precious. She was a girl, his expectations for her were lower and he genuinely liked her.

In him, he saw all the qualities a Targaryen prince should have.

Did he want Daeron to be more of a Hightower, for some kind of balance when they would have usurped Rhaenyra’s throne?

“They took your grandfather in the cells… That beast must be torturing him…”

“Mother. He did raise a hand on a prince, the ruler in the absence of the sovereign. He caused him injuries, bleeding and he’s fortunate Aegon didn’t die on the spot.”

“He’s your blood!”

“So is Aegon.”

“Don’t you care about your grandsire?”

“I care about both of them. But right now, I care about Aegon the most.”

As you should, he wanted to add. He helped her to her feet, offered her his arm and took her to Aegon’s rooms.

Helaena had taken the twins to have a stroll in the gardens and to visit the dragons. To convince them, Aegon had given them a special mission : to tell Sunfyre he loved him and that he was sorry he couldn’t fly with him right now. He had introduced his children to his dragon shortly after they were born and to the caretakers’ surprise, the young beast became fiercely protective of them. They were the only ones, apart from his rider, who could hug him, kiss him, pet him. The young man sat on his bed, carefully tucked in by his wife. It was weird, how protective of him she had become, how his touch suddenly did not bother her anymore. He wondered if that had anything to do with those weird sentences she said. He didn’t complain : he enjoyed her pampering and it felt nice to be cared for. Jaehaerys had left him his favourite book to pass the time until they returned. They would share all of their meals and the children would come and play when their lessons were done.

“It used to be my favourite as a child…” He smiled as he saw the cover

He used to love reading. He used to dream of being the brave knight defending the fair maiden locked in a tower. But his mother and grandsire told him his readings were weak, not fit for a prince.

“I was only six…”

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera would be allowed to read whatever they wanted. Age-appropriate, of course. He didn’t want libertines’ novels to fall into their hands. Those he could hide away, perhaps for solitary nights… His door opened. Lifting his head, he was rather shocked to find his mother entering the room.

“Mother.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

She sat near him.

“Aemond told me you would be okay.”

“Maester Orwyle still wants to conduct examinations to rule out traumatic brain injury. However, the threat goes away. I most likely will keep my head whole.” He joked

“Is it painful?”

“If I don’t drink milk of the poppy, yes.”

“Rhaenyra dismissed your grandfather as Hand.”

He scoffed. Of course, she came for her father. Not for him. Why did he expect anything different?

“Mother, he did hurt me, almost killed me and according to Cole, he was ready to slice my throat.”

“I am sure Ser Criston misunderstood. He was so worried for you, maybe he misinterpreted…”

“Cole understood perfectly, Mother.”

He looked directly into her eyes.

“Your father, the day I became Regent, tried to strangle me, kicked me in the ribs and vowed to tame me. He had me locked up in my rooms, tried to terrorize my staff, wanted me starved so I would break. If I’m alive, it’s because Helaena begged Rhaenyra to make haste.”

“Aegon…”

“You said Rhaenyra will make a good queen! Father said my name but didn’t mean me! We both know it! Just admit you were wrong! Rhaenyra isn’t even mad at you! She doesn’t want to punish you for what’s treason! Out of respect for what you did for Father, because you used to be friends! Because she knows you believed you were granting my father his last wish! She wants peace! She doesn’t want me to go away, to renounce my rights! For Heavens’ sake, she even wants to try and make amends for what happened in Driftmark!”

“Daemon will control her…”

“If he did, she would have disinherited her three eldest sons in favor of the ones he sired. Instead, he raised them and allowed his two legitimate daughters to marry their cousins.”

She sighed.

“Daemon is torturing your grandfather. Don’t you care?”

He was completely bewildered.

“Mother. That man hurt me, tried to torture me, almost killed me and said, in front of Cole, that he wished you had miscarried me. I respect him as he is your father but I do not care for him. Why should I?”

The slap he received echoed in the room. His neck moved so fast it made him dizzy.

“If it weren’t for him, you would not be born. You have the power to save him.” She begged

The surroundings were spinning around him. He suddenly felt unwell, hot and sweaty.

“I can have him spared… but he won’t be Hand anymore… he won’t be…” He tried to reason with her.

He barely had the time to grab a pot as he was starting to retch.

“He won’t be what?”

Aegon could barely hear her by now.

“Answer me!”

Alicent grabbed him violently by the shoulders.

“Aegon, answer me!” She shook him

Her son was too pale. Her anger turned into fear as she saw his eyes rolling to the back of his head, his body suddenly limp in her arms.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Prince Aemond, Your Grace.”
 
Rhaenyra smiled at her brother as he entered. She sat on a sofa, her hand on her belly. She wanted to appear warm, and friendly. Her sibling had every reason to distrust her. It would be hard, she knew, to mend the gap between the two branches of her family. But she wanted to. Their father wished for it during their last dinner together. Aegon had put his life on the frontlines to protect his blood. The realms were safe for now, the last thing they needed was a war between members of the same house.
 
“You called for me, Your Grace?” He asked
 
So tall, so straight, the true picture of duty…
 
And he was just seven and ten.
 
“I did.” She nodded. “Sit with me.”
 
Surprised, he obeyed nonetheless.
 
“We didn’t have much of a chance to chat, you and I.”
“You were busy with affairs of state and I with my brother’s health, Your Grace.”
“Rhaenyra.”
 
He looked at her.
 
“Please. When we aren’t performing formal or public events, call me by my name. We are family.”
 
The teenager tried to hold a scoff. She didn’t blame him.
 
“I know things aren’t easy between the two sides of our family.” The queen started. “And I am to blame for this.”
“Father was to blame for this.”
 
He stared outside of the window.
 
“The way he played favourites hurt our house. You didn’t choose to be his precious and only child.”
“But I abused this power and used it over you.”
 
The prince grabbed a goblet and served himself some wine, finally understanding why his older brother was so often found so deep in his cups. He didn’t want to hear this. He didn’t need to listen to this. He wasn’t ready to hear this.
 
“Aemond, for what happened in Driftmark…”
“Don’t.”
 
He hadn’t meant to snap. He really hadn’t. Still, his half-sister didn’t seem to mind the sudden outburst.
 
“I have to. Aemond, I am so very sorry.”
 
A dry laugh exited his lips.
 
“All I wanted was to protect my son. And it blinded me. You were a child too. A child who felt the pressure of being dragonless. You were ten years old. You hurt my sons, true. But my son took your eye. And nothing was done about it. Worse, I made everyone turn on you, I asked for your suffering… when you were a literal child.”
 
His hand tightened around his cup as he bit his tongue.
 
“You cannot restore my eye.” He just stated
“No, I cannot. But I can apologize for my behaviour.”
 
Rhaenyra resisted the urge to pat his arm. She was unsure how he would react.
 
“I know it is completely insufficient. Apologies don’t even begin to make this right.”
“Will you ask Lucerys to put out his eye in exchange for mine?” He bitterly asked
 
Seeing her hesitate, he told her he had never expected her to oblige.
 
“I will ask Lucerys to apologize to you as well. I know this is far from the Justice you deserve. But I want to start somewhere. I want to show you that I mean my words.”
“Aegon decided to put his faith in you. I don’t know why I trust him.”
 
The young man finished his beverage.
 
“There was another matter I wished to discuss with you.” Rhaenyra confessed. “The council told me Aegon relied on you during the regency, that you helped him and had good advice.”
“They are being too generous. All I did was sit there, and watch him struggle without realizing how much he had put his neck on the block for the realms. For us.”
 
He hated himself for it.
 
“You sent the ravens for the lords yourself so the letters would not be tampered with. Besides, your intelligence is highly praised. If you wished, I would be happy to have you in my government.”
“Is that a blackmail? Me being on the council and in exchange, I forget about my eye? I leave Lucerys in peace?”
“It isn’t blackmail. I would really be happy to have you on my council.”
“Not Aegon?”
“He dislikes this kind of job. He was good at it but he felt it wasn’t his calling.”
“Well, at least, he knows his limits.”
 
They shared a small but genuine laughter.
 
“Do you have any idea who will replace my grandsire as Hand?”
“I had considered Rhaenys.”
“The first queen regnant and the queen who never was. It truly is the start of a new age.”
“I doubt the council would let me name my husband, no matter how much I’d like it.
“Would he be a good Hand?”
“He’d try his best. But I do not know if he’d be good at it. My husband is a man of action, the blood of the dragon boils in his veins.”
 
They continued chatting away for a few minutes before the queen was reminded of a new session of the small council. She excused herself. Once alone, Aemond realized that a tear was rolling down his cheek. He had never understood just how much he needed those words.
 
They realized they had wronged him.
 
They realized that he was a child too back then.
 
He was seen.
 
He was heard.
 
An apology was far from enough. But it was a start. Perhaps he hadn’t discovered one of Aegon’s qualities : he could be a good judge of character. He took a moment to compose himself and left Rhaenyra’s apartments.
 
“I should visit Aegon.”
 
No doubt that he was bored out of his mind. Besides, he’d be happy to learn of this development. If their mother was still with him, perhaps it could ease her fears as well, make her realize that while surprising, the path his brother had forged for them was perhaps the right one. He walked through the corridors, avoiding the maids carrying heavy baskets of laundry. Aegon’s door wasn’t guarded : they had asked Criston to take some well-earned rest, having barely slept, just like Helaena. Besides, Otto was jailed.
 
“Daemon is torturing your grandfather. Don’t you care?”
 
The prince immediately stopped as he was about to open the door. He had left his mother with his brother for what? Twenty minutes? And she already was at his throat. He understood the love she had for her sire. But how could she still side with him while he had hurt her own child?
 
“Mother. That man hurt me, tried to torture me, almost killed me and said, in front of Cole, that he wished you had miscarried me. I respect him as he is your father but I do not care for him. Why should I?”
“If it weren’t for him, you would not be born. You have the power to save him.”
 
He suddenly heard Aegon vomiting.
 
What had she done?
 
“He won’t be what? Answer me! Aegon, answer me!”
 
That was enough. He couldn’t let her torment him this way. But when he entered, he froze. When he had left Aegon with their mother, he was “fine”. Hurting, yes. But he was awake, he was able to follow a conversation, he was resting, in good spirits even. Twenty small minutes… and he lay unconscious in the dowager queen’s arms, pale, sweating, and with a chamber pot filled with the remnants of what they ate the previous day. He rushed to his bedside, and took him away from Alicent’s arms.
 
“What did you do to him?!”
 
Seeing how startled she was, it was an accident. But that was the issue : everything was always an accident. No one meant to injure Aegon, yet no one felt any remorse in raising their hands on him. As if he wasn’t a man, a human being, made with flesh, blood, a heart and emotions.
 
“I…” She stuttered
“I leave you alone with him for twenty minutes! He was fine when I left you! What did you do to him?!”
“You cannot speak to me this way…”
“Or what?”
 
He carefully laid his brother on his pillows and placed his ear against his chest. His heartbeat sounded too fast. His pulse felt the same way under his fingers.
 
“Mother.” Aemond said again. “What did you do to him?”
“I didn’t mean to…”
“I don’t care. Just tell me. So the maester can try and fix your mess. And don’t start blaming Aegon. I heard the argument.”
“I slapped him… and when he wouldn’t answer, I shook him…”
 
Aemond was completely bewildered. Even under anger or desperation, who in the right mind slapped someone who had suffered a blow to the head the day before and had woken up just a few hours ago? Deep down, did Alicent want him to suffer?
 
“What was his reaction? To the slap?”
“He had difficulties answering me… and he retched.”
“Was he confused?”
“No…”
 
This was even worse…  He had read medical research in his spare time. And while the maesters had been rather optimistic in his brother’s recovery, this event certainly had worsened his condition. He prayed the Seven they hadn’t missed what was called an epidural hematoma… this was lethal. The pressure of the injury against the brain was a life or death situation and trepanning was the only cure they knew of. Aegon had been lucid after waking up.
 
“The talk and die syndrome…” He whispered
 
Oh Gods, he hoped he was wrong… He hoped it was just a reaction due to the injury being so fresh and his awakening so early… He got up, called up two guards.
 
“You.” He said. “Fetch Maester Orwyle as quickly as possible. My brother’s condition has worsened.”
“At once, my prince!”
“You.” He told the other. “Inform Queen Rhaenyra of the situation. Discreetly.”
 
Seeing Marigold not far away, he ordered her to approach.
 
“Prince Aemond.” She bowed
 
He got closer to her, whispering in her ear.
 
“Fetch Princess Helaena at once but do not make the children afraid.”
“Yes, my prince.”
“If you repeat those words to anyone else but her, I’ll feed you myself to Vhagar.”
 
She nodded.
 
“My mother slapped my brother, causing him to faint.”
 
If the servant paled and gulped, she remained straight as a line.
 
“Go, now.”
 
She bowed again and he noticed that while she walked quickly, she did not run.
 
“Good.” He thought. “She won’t cause the court to worry.”
 
He rejoined his brother. Alicent appeared shaken by the situation.
 
“I didn’t mean to…”
“Helaena was right about you. You hate him. You resent him.”
“I…”
 
He looked at her in the eyes.
 
“A mother of mine would never hurt her own children over her father.”
 

 
Sunfyre had been delighted to see his rider’s little hatchling, cooing happily as he approached. The twins adored their father’s mount. As they exited the Dragon’s Pit, they saw Rhaenys coming their way, certainly to take care of her own precious friend.
 
“Princess.” The woman smiled at her
“Princess Rhaenys.” Helaena greeted
“Are these little ones your children?”
 
The dreamer beamed.
 
“They are.”
 
She turned her attention to her children.
 
“Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, this is Princess Rhaenys. She is King Viserys’ cousin and the great woman who helped your father with the regency. It’s thanks to her Queen Rhaenyra is queen.”
 
Both of them bowed to her.
 
“Hello.” The little girl quietly said
“Hello, Princess Rhaenys!” The boy smiled
“Hello, my prince, my princess.”
 
Looking at them, she was reminded of her own children. How she missed them!
 
“They are precious, Helaena. You must be proud.”
“They are the apple of my and of Aegon’s eyes.”
 
The kids’ attention was taken away by some flowers growing, a species that they didn’t see in the garden. Keeping watch on them from the corner of her eyes, Helaena got closer to Rhaenys.
 
“I have never thanked you.” She said. “For trusting my husband. For helping him. For saving his life.”
“It was a great gamble he took. I wanted to trust him. If we cannot trust family, then we are doomed.”
“I wish my mother would see things this way.”
 
The Lady of the Tides smiled softly at her.
 
“I have no doubt your mother is doing her best. It is hard, to marry into our family. She’s an andal. Our customs, our bonds, must be difficult to grasp, even after so many years.”
 
Far away, Marigold’s form appeared on the horizon and the young princess felt a stone falling in her stomach. The servant bowed to them both.
 
“Marigold… Has something…” She uttered
 
Seeing her eyes on Rhaenys, she told her she could speak freely in front of her.
 
“There has been an incident, Princess.” The maid whispered so the kids would not hear
“What kind?”
 
She was afraid she already knew the answer.
 
“When Queen Alicent visited Prince Aegon, she slapped him… and it caused him to faint. Prince Aemond is with him, he already has ordered maesters to attend him…”
 
They said the Targaryen ire was something to be feared. It was boiling, an explosion, wrath incarnating in the person’s body. They were wrong, she thought, as she realized her own fury was ice cold, extinguishing any love she had left for her mother. Rhaenys had paled.
 
“Marigold. Please take the children to my bedroom. I’ll call for them when their father can receive them.”
“Of course.”
 
She walked to them, knelt by their side.
 
“My sweets. I have to go back to the castle.”
“Is Daddy sick again?” Jaehaerys worried. “He was okay when we left!”
 
Her precious boy, already so clever…
 
“Yes, Daddy is sick again. I have to check on him. You two will go with Marigold.”
“Can’t we come with you? We’ll be good, we promise!”
“Yeah!” Jaehaera insisted
 
She caressed their cheeks.
 
“I know you would be. And you did help your father feel better. But the room is going to be crowded, loud. As soon as it’s quieter, I’ll have you two brought to your father’s room. I promise.”
“But…” Her son argued, looking at his shoes. “If we are not here, how will Daddy know we love him?”
“Do not worry, my love. Your father knows you love him. He never once doubted it.”
“We could draw him pictures.” Her daughter offered
“He will love it.”
 
Finally, the twins followed the servant.
 
“I am sorry, I must…” Helaena apologized to Rhaenys
“Never apologize for taking care of your husband.” Rhaenys smiled. “We will talk soon enough.”
 
She bowed to her, out of respect and left. The world around her was buzzing, yet she felt herself deaf to everything. She walked fast, past everyone, with not a care in the world. Alicent was going down the stairs, most certainly to join the Sept and to avoid Aemond’s own venom. She appeared concerned.
 
“Helaena…” She said as she saw her daughter approaching
 
The slap she gave her mother resonated in the entire hall. It had been given with no warning, a pure reflex, and it was harsh enough to cause her to stumble. Holding her cheek, the dowager queen looked at her child in disbelief. Courtiers, servants, everyone had stopped as the scene felt so surreal.
 
Princess Helaena, known for being sweet, kind, soft, the purest soul of her family, had hit her own mother.
 
“Everytime you will hurt my husband, I will hurt you worse.” She vowed
“Helaena, I didn’t…”
 
Her eyes were colder than the lands beyond the Wall.
 
“You are no mother of mine.”
 

 
Orwyle and his colleagues were busy. They reminded her of bees in a hive. Helaena’s eyes didn’t leave Aegon’s form. Her jaw was tight, imagining her mother by his side, the hit he took. She had dared to raise her hand on him, him who had suffered a head injury, who had woken up a few hours beforehand.
 
“I am sorry.” Aemond apologized. “I should have stayed with them.”
“Rhaenyra had called for you. And he should have been safe with this woman.”
 
He noticed the words, the tone.
 
“How sad and broken we must be if we cannot leave our brother alone with one of our family members?”
“With the Hightowers, you mean.”
 
The grand maester turned to them.
 
“My prince. My princess.”
“Maester.”
“Prince Aegon is going to be okay.”
 
Sighing in relief, the princess took her brother’s hand.
 
“Can we rule out the epidural hematoma?” Aemond worried
“I still want to be careful about it. But we saw no signs of swelling. Nor did the prince, when he was awake, complain about any pain when we applied pressure around the area. He stated the pain remained the same. His loss of consciousness was triggered by the sudden and violent movement caused by the hit he received. It shook his internal ear which is already weakened by the blow he received when he hit his head on the small council table.”
“Is there anything we can do to ease him?” Helaena inquired
“The prince mostly needs rest. Avoiding sounds too loud to avoid headaches. We would recommend him staying abed for at least a week, perhaps two, so he can rebuild his footing.”
“Thank you, Maester.”
 
The medical team exited the room and the siblings sat near their bother’s bed.
 
“We cannot leave him alone again.” The young woman declared. “He’s not safe. Grandsire is out of the picture. But I do not want that wretched woman anywhere near him again. Not on her own.”
 
Aemond didn’t reply.
 
“I am not asking you to stop loving her.” His sister continued.  “She is a good mother to you. She tried with me. But Aegon, she just gave up on him.”
 
She remembered when the queen was expecting Daeron. Alicent had said she had hoped the baby to be a girl so her little daughter could have a sister. She’d be happy with another son too, of course.
 
“A good brother for Aemond at last.” She had stated
 
Worst of all, when told of Aegon’s difficulties to focus, making it harder for him to study and reach his full potential, she had sighed and said this one last babe was her priority, her eldest was a lost cause.
 
Aegon was seven.
 
And he was already seen as a failure, replaced by a brand-new being.
 
In the end, Maester Mellos had diagnosed him with a small vision deficiency that had been corrected in a few moons. The boy could focus again. But having been repeatedly told he was lazy and dumb broke any desire he had to be a good student.
 
“Alicent is no mother of mine.” The prince finally stated
 

 
“Aemond, look.”
 
Aegon was slowly moving in his bed, his eyes opening, his face grimacing as he came to his senses. His brother sat by his side and helped him adjust.
 
“Welcome back.” He said
“What… what happened?”
“What do you remember?”
“Please, don’t do the finger thing again…”
 
The prince smirked. His eldest seemed to remember and to have kept his sense of humor. But seeing he wouldn’t relent, Aegon sighed and replied that he remembered their mother arguing with him, her slap, how unwell he had felt and her shaking him by the shoulders. Helaena’s jaw tightened as she got up.
 
“Where are you going?” Her little sibling asked her
“To slap that woman again.”
“What do you mean, again?” Her husband wondered
“When Helaena learnt what Alicent did to you, she slapped her in front of everybody.”
 
The injured man looked at his wife in disbelief.
 
“You… the non-violent Targaryen… hit her own mother?”
“She’s no mother of mine. You, our siblings, our children, are my family. Not her. Not her sire. I told her. Everytime she hurts you, I hurt her. Maybe it will finally make its way into her brain.”
“Don’t.”
“Aegon, she…”
“Isn’t worth your wrath. Nor am I worth fighting for, not that hard anyway.”
“You are my brother, my husband, the father of my children, whose actions scared the rats away from Jaehaerys. You are worth fighting for.”
 
They pretended not to notice the tears in his eyes. Instead, they called the maesters to have one quick check-up, followed by calling the twins to their father’s bedside.
 
A promise was a promise.

 
Alone in her apartments, Alicent checked herself in the mirror and wondered how her life turned around so quickly. A few days before, her husband was alive, everyone was under control and today, Rhaenyra was queen, Aegon was her enemy, he had turned Aemond against her, he had turned Helaena against her!
 
Helaena who slapped her in public…
 
Her father rotting in a cell…
 
And no one who could understand all of her worries and fears.
 
How?
 
Why?
 
Why was anyone listening to that fool who was her firstborn son instead of her?
 
Did she doubt Rhaenyra’s abilities? Not really. But she too was at Viserys’ side as he was in agony. Aegon had been lying to escape what his father wanted. He was sinning against the Gods and plundged the realms in this folly… The knock on her door startled her.
 
“Enter.”
 
She froze when she saw Rhaenyra entering. Her former friend stood there, serious, angry.
 
“Rhaenyra.”
 
The queen walked to her and looked at her from all of her height.
 
“Alicent. Why on Earth did you hurt my brother?”
 

Chapter Text

“Rhaenyra…”
 
The queen could see in her former friend’s eyes how scared she was. She knew her enough to know that she didn’t mean to injure Aegon further. However, she couldn’t be so certain as her not wanting to hurt him. Ever since the Regency started, she was unsure about everything. It had been roughly a week and her father being alive felt like a hundred years ago.
 
“Don’t.” She said she sat by her side, her back aching with the weight of her rounded belly.
“How… how is Aegon?” The dowager queen asked
 
The Targaryen had a bitter laugh.
 
“Oh, because you care now? About his health? His wellbeing?”
“He’s my son, of course I care!”
“But not enough to not defend him against your father.”
“My father was right, Rhaenyra! Aegon… Aegon is destroying what your father wanted! He lied to you! He lied about being there as he died! He didn’t love him, why would he be there?!”
 
The worst part was that she genuinely believed it.
 
“Alicent, you slapped your son who suffered a severe blow to the head about twenty-four hours ago and who woke up around noon today, causing him to suffer and faint. How can you say you care about his health?”
 
Seeing how worked up she was, she softened slightly.
 
“I was told he is awake. His injury hasn’t worsened. Your slap caused his already shaken internal ear to scream in agony. According to Jace, when he saw him, his children were nestled against him, showing him the pictures they drew for him as orange cakes arrived for the kids.”
“Your son visited him?”
“Jace and he used to be friends.”
 
Before she told Aegon he was a challenge, that his sister would kill him, that his nephews were bastards and would hurt him and his family.
 
“Aegon didn’t lie, you know.”
“Of course you believe it, it is in your interests!”
 
Alicent was distressed.
 
“I meant my words. You would make a fine queen. But the last words Viserys told me… he named Aegon…”
“Let me guess? The song of ice and fire. What we saw in the North. The Prince that was promised.”
“You… You know of it?”
“Father and I spoke of it shortly before I left for Dragonstone.”
 
Rhaenyra had to refrain from taking her hand. She refused to comfort her, no matter how tempting it was.
 
“It is a prophecy, Alicent. The prophecy about a man from my blood to unite the realms. The dream. Aegon’s dream. It is Aegon the Conqueror. Not our Aegon.”
“No… How can I believe you?”
“Father shared that with me only. You can ask Daemon or Rhaenys about it, they won’t know of it. Aegon, for some reason, overheard him. And despite the differences between them, between us, he still chose to honour our father.”
 
She took the letter that had started it all, the one that had changed the course of History. In a way, Alicent wasn’t wrong. Her Aegon did unite the realm : with his resilience, his sweat, his literal blood, he prevented a usurpation, war, perhaps even the decline and fall of their house, of their dynasty. She watched as her stepmother carefully read every word, tears filling her eyes.

 
“But my mother believes otherwise. She will try and get me crowned, convinced that she is acting according to her late husband’s wishes.”
 
“They will crown me and I have to let them do it : if I run away, they will use my son. I refuse that.”
 
“My only wish is for you to spare my siblings and my children : Helaena, Aemond and Daeron have no idea of this. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are still babes, barely older than your own Aegon and Viserys. Make haste. I know for a fact that I won’t be able to maintain this long.”

 
“See? I didn’t invent anything. He didn’t lie. Everything he did, he did to protect his son from being used as a pawn. He did it to protect his siblings and children. He even feared for you.”
 
Alicent was sobbing by now, her hand on her mouth.
 
“I promised Aegon I would protect our siblings, his children. I promised him I would not harm you. What you wanted to do was technically treason. But you didn’t mean it. You believed you were acting in honour of my father’s memory.”
 
A part of the queen ached for her : now older, wiser, she knew her friend had not chosen this life for herself, having been pushed by her father to gain power. Otto certainly believed that making his daughter queen would be best for her. She had been married at four and ten, a mother at five and ten, and before she turned thirty, she had already birthed all of her children. She was alone, friendless, in a court that had mocked her at first, as if she had plotted to become queen. She didn’t have the Targaryen’s respect. Her husband, while he never hit her, was not always the kindest. She had spent her young years caring for an ailing man and now, not even his last words were for her. No concern for their children. She couldn’t blame her for believing that he meant their Aegon. Him being king would have meant her tears would have been well spent.
 
“I forgive you, Alicent.” Rhaenyra told her. “I genuinely do. And I will keep my promise to Aegon. Your children are my family. The fear you felt, I am partly responsible for it and I am so sorry you had to endure this terror. I will do my best to make things right. However…”
 
Her father’s widow looked at her.
 
“You are not allowed to approach Aegon anymore.”
“Rhaenyra!”
“Alicent, the first thing you did when he woke up, after he received a hit at the head, a hit that bled, was to slap him and shake him! You could have worsened his condition! Blinded by your delusion, you caused him harm! I cannot allow anyone to hurt my brother, not even his own mother!”
“You can’t do this to me…”
“Why? Oh, I know. Because Aegon is the key to your father’s survival. Your father who strangled, kicked, locked up, tried to starve and almost killed his own grandson because he refused to become the usurper he envisioned him to be. He confessed, you know. About wanting and trying to slice Aegon’s throat as he lay unconscious at his feet.”
“Aegon is my son…”
“Then why do you treat him like the worst of men? Helaena told me. You often slap him. You offer him no love, no comfort. You try with everyone but him. You always expect the worst of him. She told me that you gave up on him, even as a child. You used to dote on him as a baby. What happened to you, for you to discard him like this? Helaena’s birth? Aemond and Daeron’s? Or the fact that unlike them, he needed more help? Helaena is your precious, your only daughter. Aemond is your favourite. I understand that : what mother wouldn’t be proud of a young man as dutiful, clever, and dedicated as him? Daeron is your last one, the littlest one, the one ripped away from you as he was sent to foster in Oldtown. But what of Aegon? He made you a mother. Doesn’t it count? Or is it because he’s your spitting image? He is you, with the valyrian colours, but he doesn’t mirror you perfectly. He reacts differently.
“Stop it…”
 
Rhaenyra got up.
 
“I meant my words. I am partly to blame for what happened between us. I should have been there. For you, for them, for the realms. I will not hurt you out of respect for the love my brother has for you. But you won’t be alone with him anymore. You will not approach him anymore unless there is someone to ensure you do not accidentally kill him.”
 
She looked eyes with her, her hands tightening.
 
“The next time you raise a hand to Aegon will be the last time you have hands.”

 
The scene was absolutely lovely. And bittersweet, Rhaenyra thought, as she discovered it. This was what they could have had, had she not blamed her siblings for being born. Had she not forsaken Alicent. Had she stayed and tried. Aegon’s room was quite busy but calm, everyone making sure not to speak too loud to avoid him pains or migraines. Jacaerys was still there, sitting by his uncle’s side as they had started a game of cards. It appeared her brother had the assistance of his daughter, whom he tried to teach how to play. Jaehaerys was on Aemond’s lap as they read together. Helaena was nearby, embroidering.
 
This was peace.
 
True peace.
 
What her father had so desperately wanted.
 
She would have to talk to Lucerys. She had to convince him to apologize to Aemond. She would never blame her son for trying to protect his sibling. But first, she needed to know more. What truly happened during the Vhagar incident. And while he hadn’t meant it, he did cripple his young uncle. He seemed to laugh when the roasted pig arrived, for an unknown reason. She had to do right by him. The reality was always grey.
 
“I see you are in good company, brother.” She smiled
“In excellent company.” He replied
“I would have liked to have a word with you. But it can wait, I don’t want to disturb you.”
 
Helaena and Aemond exchanged a glance, then looked at Aegon.
 
“It’s alright, Sister. We can always resume after. The day is still young. And I still have to beat Jace.”
“You aren’t winning, Uncle.”
“I am.”
 
They chuckled. Jacaerys, his aunt, his uncle and his nephews left the room, but not before the twins received a kiss from their father. Well, Jaehaerys had one, Jaehaera had that little bump on the shoulder she appreciated so much. Once alone, Rhaenyra sat by his side.
 
“I have just visited your mother.”
 
Aegon froze.
 
“She’s forbidden to approach you on her own and to be left alone with you.”
“As if she’d listen…”
“I told her if she hit you again, I’d have her hands cut off.”
“I asked you to…”
“To not harm her because she was acting against me, believing she was fulfilling Father’s wish. And I won’t harm her. Not for that.”
 
He remained uncomfortably silent.
 
“She asked about you. I believe she is sorry.” She said, hoping to ease him
“Oh, she is. But then, she’ll start again. I’m used to it.”
 
He sounded so detached, as if it was such a common occurrence…
 
“I’ve told her about the prophecy and the real Aegon behind it. She won’t bother you again with that. Aegon… I’m sorry to press you about this… But the sooner it’s decided, the better. What do we do with Otto?”
“You’re the queen, I have no input to offer.”
“I want your input. It’s not me he hurt the most, it’s you.”
 
He sighed.
 
“Killing him would be a mistake.” He said, much to her surprise
“Why?”
“I hate to remind you of this… But he is the one who pressed Father to name you heir after your mother and brother died. If not for him…”
“I know. He did it to avoid Daemon on the throne, which is ironic when you see where we’re at now. But while he put my name forward, when it was certain you’d survive infancy, he tried to press your claim. If he introduced it, it was Father who always maintained it. Then you, when he died.”
“Maybe. But he still served the realms for decades. He was a good Hand. He ran the realms when Father was abed, rotting away. We owe him…”
“Aegon.”
 
His eyes reminded her of a frightened child.
 
“Why do you protect him that much? That man almost killed you. He has no love for you, his own blood. He wanted to make a usurper out of you. Had he succeeded, I certainly would have blamed you, not him. Had he succeeded, he would have been partly responsible for a civil war. That man wanted to kill you when you were unresponsive and helpless at his feet. Why do you waste your kindness on someone like this?”
 
The prince’s lip started to shake.
 
“Because…”
 
His voice was barely higher than a whisper.
 
“Because if I spare him, maybe Mother will finally love me…”
 
Rhaenyra swore she heard her heart shattering into a million pieces.
 
“Aegon…”
“I know I’m wrong.” He continued. “Mother will never love me. She never did. Or if she did, it was long ago, when I was too young to have a character of my own, just a cute little life-sized doll to be paraded around. But… If I give up on that… I’ll effectively be an orphan…”
 
He looked away, trying to hide the tears that burnt his eyes.
 
“I envy Helaena, Aemond and Daeron. Father’s absence is all they ever knew. But I remember him actually caring. I remember him holding me, laughing, playing with me, caring for me… and one day, all of a sudden, it all stopped. Shortly after that, Mother stopped pretending she loved me. She loves my siblings and I’m glad she does… but why can’t she love me too? What’s my crime? What did I do? What was that horrible sin I had committed before I even turned five? I imagine myself doing all she did to my own children and when I’m not even halfway through it, I want to vomit because how can you treat your blood this way? I lied to Cole a few days ago, telling him I knew my parents didn’t love me and that I made my peace with it. I never did. I can’t do it. Because I just don’t understand… what’s so wrong with me that my own sires couldn’t care or love me… I tried so hard but it was never enough for Father… It’s not me he wanted, it was Baelon… I try so hard still and it will never be enough for Mother… If I stop trying, all of it will never make any sense…”
 
She noticed he picked at the skin around his cuticles, just like Alicent, when she was stressed out.
 
“All I ever wanted was love.” He carried on. “Their love. Their acceptance. What I am isn’t good enough. The one I try to be isn’t good enough either. They say you only have one mother in your life… I’m afraid I never had one… I’m no son of hers, she told me so… I am someone’s offspring but no one’s son… But… I just can’t give up, even when I know that… That she’ll never love me…”
 
His pain was just too unbearable for her to hear. Rhaenyra reached out and took him in her arms. His surprise broke her even more. Carefully embracing him, she held him close.
 
“Nothing is wrong with you, Aegon.” She said. “You asked what your crime was. You committed none. They are the culprits, not you. A parent should love their child unconditionally. You may not always love them as soon as they are born but love necessarily grows. You love them because they have no one else in this world until they have families of their own and even then, you keep on loving them because you cannot remember a time when you didn’t love them. Loving them fulfils you in a way that cannot be compared.”
 
He held onto her, his tears dampening the fabric of her dress on her shoulder.
 
“You are enough. Who you are is enough. You are worthy of her love, just as much as your siblings. If she cannot love you, that is not on you, that’s on her, on her only. You didn’t ask for this, for any of this and even less on being born.”
 
The young man was sobbing. And his half-sister regretted even more by the minute how she didn’t try to be there for him, for all of them. She could have made a difference. All of this could have been avoided. Slowly, Aegon seemed to calm down. She dried his cheeks with her thumbs, the same way she used to do it for Jacaerys, the way she still did it for all of her children.
 
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pain you. And I’m even sorrier for not being there when you all needed me.”
 
He nodded.
 
“I meant every word. You are worthy of love. Why Alicent seems unable to is a mystery to me. But that is no fault of yours. If she told you you are no son of hers, why do you keep having for her a son’s devotion?”
 
It was easier said than done, she knew. Deep down, there would always be a part of him hurting, the little boy crying alone for his mother’s love, something that would never come.
 
“I’ll let you rest. You need to fill your head with fun. You can tell me your decision about Otto later.”
“Do you really want it to be me?”
“He attacked you when you were Regent. And he’s your grandsire. On top of hurting his own blood, he hurt a member of the royal family. It’s only fitting you should decide what happens to him.”
 
The queen wasn’t that surprised to see Aegon’s siblings, his children, and her son staying far enough from the room to give them privacy but close enough to rush in as soon as possible.
 
“I’m afraid I have made your father sad, my little niece and nephew.” She confessed. “I didn’t mean to.”
“Don’t worry!” Jaehaerys smiled at her. “Jaehaera and I always make Daddy smile when he’s sad!”
 
It appeared rather effective as she noticed him slightly laughing as he heard his son’s reply. The bond and love he had for his children was even more marvellous to witness after everything she heard. He wanted them to have everything he never did, breaking the vices once and for all.
 
Her joy, however, was short-lived as she knew the hard decision he had to make, one that could effectively destroy him and the bits of hope he held on to.
 
What to do with Otto Hightower?

Chapter Text

Daeron had never received so many letters in a week. Then again, nothing much usually happened in a week in Oldtown. He liked the life here, and his Hightower relatives were good to him, kind. Still, while he didn’t miss King’s Landing, he did miss his siblings who wrote to him at least once a fortnight to keep him informed of everything. He wished, however, he had been there for Aegon and Helaena’s wedding, for the birth of the twins…
 
And now, for his father’s funerals.
 
The decaying king had never been mean to him. Truth be told, he hardly was present in his life. He remained his sire and he had tried to end the animosity between his wife’s side and Rhaenyra’s side. He and Jacaerys had shared a wet nurse until they were weaned, hoping that being milk brothers would mean something in the future. He didn’t particularly like his nephews. He remained cordial with them. His mother had taught Helaena that courtesy and good manners were the armour of a lady. He believed it to be true for men as well and applied this rule to his everyday life.
 
“Poor Father. May he finally rest peacefully.”
 
The rest of the letters felt like a fast-paced novel : Aegon taking the regency to protect Rhaenyra’s claim, Otto’s attacks and his attempt on his life, his current health condition, how their mother hurt him further, to the point his full-blooded sister refused to acknowledge her as her parent, their half-sister’s kindness, most certainly caused by his brother’s loyalty…
 
“You avoided a war, Brother…” He thought
“Daeron, my boy, you seem preoccupied.” Ormund Hightower said
 
Ormund always had a soft spot for him. The prince wondered if it was because his uncle, the Lord Hand, had entrusted him with the youngest of his grandchildren. Or maybe he saw him as his own child. After all, he had been here for most of his short life.
 
“Read.” He said
 
The lord paled as he discovered the actions of his uncle.
 
“How could Otto hurt his own grandchild?”
“Didn’t you all want Aegon on the throne?”
“I won’t lie, we envisioned it. Father did. He’s the first male, the first that survived, and with the Old King’s Council that voted for your father’s reign, we all assumed the laws of succession were clear. Apparently, not enough…”
 
He stopped mid-sentence, worried to vex him.
 
“You can say it.” Daeron sighed. “My father never liked conflict. If he truly wanted Rhaenyra, fine. Then, he should have passed laws to support her claim. Like… a pragmatic sanction. All legitimate male heirs come before legitimate daughters. If the king has no legitimate sons, his realms go to his legitimate daughter to pass to her own son… It could have started retroactively, in honour of Queen Aemma.”
“And you say you don’t want to be a politician.”
“I’m the happiest when I am with my dragon.”
“And what do you think of the current situation?”
 
Daeron took a sip from his cup. He was careful not to become as addicted as Aegon was, keeping it to one per day, and not even everyday most of the time. But to have this one cup, of the same Red Arbour his brother loved so much, made him feel closer to them.
 
Closer to home.
 
“Rhaenyra is queen.” He declared. “Father wanted this. Aegon supported this when he was the one who should have ruled according to the andal laws. He faced everything on his own and literally bled for it. My brother is no idiot. If he trusts Rhaenyra, then I trust him.”
 
He looked at the man in the eyes.
 
“Rhaenyra wants me back.”
 
There was sadness in his voice. Ormund came closer, caressed his cheek.
 
“Do not mourn, Daeron. You are a lucky one : you have two places you can call home. Oldtown will always welcome you.”
 
He embraced him.
 
“I learnt so much from you all…”
“And us from you. We’ll throw a big dinner tonight for you. And we’ll ask Gwayne to accompany you. No doubt that you are well protected with Tessarion, but I feel your uncle would love to reunite with his sister.”
 
And maybe be there as his father died. There was no mistake in the lord’s mind : his uncle would be killed for what he did. Perhaps his son could persuade him to beg for forgiveness. And they needed to show the new queen where they stood. They had wanted Aegon on the throne, yes but it seemed highly compromised at the moment. They needed to stay on the sovereign’s good grace. Otto did take their house to high levels : one of them, a second son on top of it, had become Hand, had wed a Hightower woman to the king who, in return, gave four children with Hightower blood to the Crown. But by raising his fist on his grandson, he had shaken the tower and its beacon.
 
Sometimes, to survive the worst, you had to amputate the gangrenous limb of your body.
 

 
Baela and Rhaena had arrived shortly after noon. Despite her pregnant belly, Rhaenyra had rushed to embrace them and her youngest boys.
 
“I have been so worried for you all!”
“Fear not, Stepmother. Moondancer protected us and Rhaena has been most helpful with our brothers.”
 
The family sat in the queen’s apartments, Daemon having ordered a late lunch to be served for his children.
 
“Rhaena has such a talent with kids.” Baela praised her twin. “She’ll make a wonderful mother when the time comes.”
 
It was her way to boost her morale as her sister sometimes felt left out, not being a dragon rider.
 
“And the most wonderful lady of the Tides.” Their father added
“I just hope I’ll be worthy of the honour bestowed upon me.”
“Child. You have taken all of your mother’s qualities and none of my vices. You will be perfect.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Children.” Rhaenyra intervened. “I am sorry to spoil this lovely lunch. But I have something important to discuss with you.”
“What is it, Mot… Your Grace?” Lucerys wondered
“Call me Mother when we are between us, my sweet boy.” She smiled
“Has Aegon’s condition worsened again?” His brother worried
“No, Rhaenys visited him two hours ago and he seemed rather alright, just exhausted.”
 
The conversation they had had earlier, the confession he made, still tore her heart apart.
 
“I wish to talk of what happened the night where Aemond claimed Vhagar.”
 
They tensed.
 
“What is there to say, Stepmother?” Baela replied sharply. “That boy stole Rhaena’s chance to claim our mother’s dragon and got hurt because he was foolish.”
“Peace, my lovely stepdaughter. I will not blame you all for protecting each other. And I will not say you were wrong in feeling betrayed and angry. As you all know, we now live here with my siblings. I do not wish to send Aemond away. He hasn’t committed any crime justifying banishment. He supported Aegon during the Regency. But Aegon and I share one fear : that the lingering hurt caused by that night shall boil and explode one day. Aegon doesn’t want his brother to be sent away, I do not want to send my son away, nor does my brother wish that of me.”
 
She took a sip of water.
 
“I personally apologized to Aemond for my behaviour that night. I do not regret protecting you. But I regret not caring that a ten-year-old boy had been crippled. I regret asking for his torture while he was already in great pain. I regret turning the attention away from him being severely injured to focus on an insult instead. However, I do not know what truly happened that night.”
 
Seeing their faces, she quickly added:
 
“Again, I do not blame you for defending each other. I just want to understand. So we can know how to achieve some peace within our family.”
 
It was Jacaerys who started to talk, explaining how Baela and Rhaena came to them after they saw Vhagar flying, Aemond on her back. They went to confront him, especially regarding his lack of tact : the dragon had been Laena’s, she hadn’t been buried at sea for a day that he was already trying to have her companion, like a vulture feasting on a corpse. Angered, Aemond had replied that Rhaena should ride a pig, it would fit her.
 
“A pig?” Rhaenyra repeated. “Where does that come from?”
“It was a prank, Mother.” Lucerys replied, flustered. “Aegon, Jacaerys and I made Aemond believe we were sorry for being mean to him regarding his lack of a mount. We told him we had found a dragon for him to claim, only to lead him to a pig with fake wings attached on its back.”
“That was… particularly cruel.” She remarked. “Wait… Is this why you laughed when the roasted pig was presented at the table during your grandfather’s last supper?”
“It was a funny prank, Mother…”
“Luke! A prank, a joke, is only funny when everyone laughs.”
 
Now, she understood better her half-brother’s nasty tribute and the brawl that ensued.
 
“That was cruel.” Rhaena approved. “Would you have done that to me?”
“Of course not!”
“Then why did you three do it to Aemond?”
“It was Aegon’s idea.”
 
Aegon who certainly deeply regretted the consequences of this jest, considering how he had begged her to spare his siblings, how worried he had been about his brother and his nephew living under the same roof again.
 
“I understand his sentence better now.” She sighed
“What happened next?” Her stepmother pressed
 
Her eldest then explained the fight that broke out afterwards. Aemond had pushed Rhaena who had tried to grab him, she had fallen to the floor, causing her twin to punch him. The young prince had threatened to have them eaten by Vhagar, causing their cousins to come to their aid. He told her how they had hit him while he was on the floor shortly after he had broken Luke’s nose. In retaliation, he had grabbed Luke by the throat, armed with a rock, telling him he’d die screaming like his father, then mocking him, calling him Lord Strong when they said Laenor was their father. Jace had intervened with a knife then received a hit with Aemond’s makeshift weapon. He had blinded him with sand as Lucerys had taken the knife that had fallen during the altercation, slicing his uncle’s face.
 
“Was anyone fighting by Aemond’s side?”
“No…”
 
Rhaenyra pinched her nose.
 
“So, you are telling me that you ganged up on him, four versus one?”
“I am not proud of it, Mother.” Jacaerys confessed. “Now, I know a dragon cannot be stolen. What my uncle did was in poor taste but caused by the taunts he received, taunts I participated in. If Vhagar was indeed meant to be his dragon, waiting wouldn’t have really changed a thing. It would have been the honorable thing to do, to allow Rhaena a shot as Vhagar was her mother’s dragon, as she was mourning.  But the event of these past few days taught me that what is not honorable isn’t necessarily illegal.”
“Children. Let me be clear about this : I am proud of you for standing up for each other. What Aemond said to you all weren’t things to say at all. But can you see the difference now?”
 
Her oldest child nodded.
 
“I see it now. We were all wrong.”
“You were children. But now, you are older. From what I know, it appears Aemond’s anger is mostly targeted at Lucerys as he’s the one who took out his eye. We cannot restore it. But we can show him that we understand now.”
“I shall apologize to him, Mother.” Jace vowed. “For the fight and for the mean-spirited things I did to him as a child.”
“Thank you, my child.”
 
Lucerys gulped.
 
“An apology won’t quench his thirst, Mother.” He said
“No. It is not enough. But it is a start. He didn’t push me away when I apologized for my own part in this.”
“I’ll try, Mother.”
“And I have your back, my lovely son.”
 
The teenager wondered still if his uncle would want him to put out his eye to gift it to his mother.
 

 
Aegon’s head was hurting him so badly that he felt like he had fallen from Sunfyre’s back and that his beloved dragon had fallen on top of him. His children had stayed with him, playing nearby and while they hadn’t been shouting, they had been loud, as little ones usually were. He didn’t care : he was just happy to be alive to see them play together, to hear their voices.
 
“You should have told them.” Helaena gently scolded him as she helped him drink some milk of the poppy.
“They didn’t mean it.” He said
“I know. But I also know you could have found a way to ask them without making them feel bad. I’ll talk to them.”
“Don’t. Seeing them acting normal is great. The last thing I want is them losing their innocence.”
 
She helped him settle against his pillow.
 
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Is it me or are you touchier with me nowadays?”
 
His wife immediately apologized, knowing all too well the feeling of having her body’s privacy violated, even by a gentle, well-meaning touch.
 
“It’s okay, I like it. It’s just… My touch usually disgusts you.” The prince stated
“Your touch does not disgust me!”
“Hel, most of the time, when I touch you, you shiver.”
 
She bowed her head in shame.
 
“I am so sorry, Aegon…”
“Don’t. It’s just… is it somehow linked to the gibberish you say sometimes?”
 
He noticed her playing with her rings.
 
“You noticed? My gibberish?”
“You do speak in riddles.”
“I don’t know what it is… But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been plagued by this…”
“By what?”
“Dreams… visions… they engulf me and the only way I can take them out is by drawing or saying those words that even I don’t understand sometimes. Embroidering keeps me sane. I try to communicate about those things but as I don’t understand them myself, I do not blame anyone for not understanding either.
“Dreams… Like Daenys?”
“Yes…”
“Say. Your “crown of blood of silver threads”… was it one of those?”
“Yes.. and I could almost see, at one point, what it meant… but it was too late. It’s always too late.”
 
Her voice had trembled. Aegon offered her his hand, she took it.
 
“When you touched me, it triggered visions. Bad ones. Hence why you didn’t like it when I touched you.”
 
She nodded.
 
“I saw things… Rats in our childrens’ room. Jaehaerys’ bed filled with blood and cheese. I saw spikes in the sea. I saw a child falling from the windows after being pushed. I saw fire, I saw wine, I saw a wooden chair near the Iron Throne…”
“And now, what do you see?”
“That’s the thing. Ever since you took the Regency, ever since your mind was made up, your touch is just that : your touch. I did have visions of you, I understand they were of you now.  But when you touch me, I don’t see death anymore. I just feel you. Your skin, its warmth.”
“I’m glad to know I didn’t make you vomit… and I am sorry you are suffering from all this.”
“I fear Jaehaera might be like me. Not liking being touched… though it gets better nowadays… and she did whisper something about an hour before you were hit. Ruby on silver and porcelain.”
 
Blood on his hair and his pale skin.
 
“I’m afraid, Aegon… I don’t want her to be cursed as I am…” She started to cry
“Hey!” Aegon slowly rose from his bed, sitting against the bed frame. “Hey. Look at me.”
 
She barely managed to hold his gaze.
 
“You are not cursed. You have a talent few of us possess. And no one to help you out. Of course, it’s complicated. We’ll help Jaehaera. We’ll be there.”
 
Helaena nodded.
 
“We’ll help you. You don’t have to do this alone anymore. Well… Aemond certainly can help you. He’s the scholar one. No doubt he’d find books, records. As for me, I may not understand everything. But I can be there and listen.”
“I’d like that. But… I’m not a freak anymore?”
“Hel, I was three and ten! And drunk… as always.”
 
She smirked.
 
“But I am sorry. For saying it.”
“Aegon?”
“Yes?”
“Can I hug you?”
 
His eyes widened but he made some space on his bed for her to lay beside him as she embraced him. She didn’t see a thing. She simply felt surrounded by his arms, listening to his breathing, the beating of his heart. For the first time in forever, she felt human. She wondered if it would last. Would sex feel different as well? They laid only thrice together. The wedding night where they both drank to excess to forget what they were doing. A second time to cut short the gossip that they didn’t share a bed. A third time, pestered by their mother, as they were expecting yet. Aegon had tried his best to make it feel decent for her, to not hurt her as he entered her and dutifully pumped away inside of her. She knew it could happen again. But now that all of the dread she felt was gone, would she finally be able to fully enjoy the moment and not dissociate?
 
“I am interrupting.”
 
They raised their heads, Aemond entered their brother’s room, surprise painted on his face after discovering them so close.
 
“You have a lot to catch up on, Brother.” Aegon joked. “What is it?”
“Daeron wrote back to Rhaenyra. He’s coming home with our uncle Gwayne. It appears House Hightower might abandon our grandsire to his fate.” He explained as he sat nearby
 
Aegon looked away, feeling where the conversation would go.
 
“The faster you pull out this bandage, the faster you’ll be able to put it behind you.” His sibling told him
“I know.”
“You still haven’t made up your mind?”
“It’s not that easy…”
“Aegon, the man almost killed you!”
“And if I have him killed, Mother will never forgive me for it!”
“That woman doesn’t count.” Helaena coldly stated
“She counts to me…” He whispered. “I know I shouldn’t… I just can’t help it. If I let him live, he may plot again, I know...”
“He may also try to kill you again out of revenge for throwing away his plans and causing his torture.” Aemond noted
“But if I kill him, I won’t just lose our grandfather. Mother will completely erase me from her heart. I’ll be what I’ve always felt like…”
 
He couldn’t finish.
 
“You’ll be what?” His brother insisted. “Come on, say it.”
“An orphan…”
 
His confession was a slap in their faces. They had never seen just how lonely their oldest had felt. An orphan all while having two parents, up until a few days ago when their mother became a widow…
 
“Mother doesn’t hate you.” The youngest finally said
“She does.”
“It’s more complicated than that.”
 
He crossed his legs.
 
“The thing is : you are a catalyst. You incarnate everything she lost. You’re her son, her firstborn child, you made her a mother and deep down, she does care. But all the love she could feel for you is parasitized by everything she suffered from. Her unwanted marriage to Father at four and ten. Rhaenyra’s anger and abandonment. Her isolation. Giving birth at five and ten. Seeing her friend doing as she pleased, getting everything she wanted, while she played the game according to the rules and not getting anything good for herself in return. Then you grew, became your own person, reacting differently and not coddling her hurt. Grandsire loves her but he hurt her by using her as a pawn. Father, while he never raised a hand on her, wasn’t always kind and respectful. He even called her the wrong name often. You are her firstborn. The incarnation of that marriage that cost her her girlhood and her happiness. It was easier with us. We are second, third, fourth. We don’t represent as much. You, you represent her shackles. I am not saying she is right. I am not saying what she did to you was right. I am not saying it justifies the differences she makes. But it was easier for her to blame you than to blame her father. You don’t have to accept it or forgive her. I’m just saying that so you can have some peace of mind.”
“It doesn’t help… But thanks. For trying.”
 
Helaena held him closer.
 
“Whatever you decide, that woman won’t be happy.” She said. “If you spare her father, he will live. But Rhaenyra will banish him, either the Wall or Oldtown. Alicent will blame you for not trying harder so he can stay here or in a neighbouring city. If you want him dead, she’ll blame you, accuse you of being vengeful, blaming your quick anger and your slow forgiveness. It doesn’t matter what you choose, she will always find a way to make you feel bad about it.”
“I don’t want to choose…” His voice broke
“You can always ask Rhaenyra to let him rot in the cells.”
 
Aemond smirked.
 
“And allow Cole to train daily with him as his dummy.” She added
“Helaena!” Her younger brother laughed. “He’s still family. Just the kind of family you don’t want to visit.”
“You picked me over him.” Aegon said. “Why?”
“Because, at the end of the day, you’re my brother. My idiotic brother. But my brother who was willing to sacrifice all he had to protect me.” He replied
“Whatever you choose, we stand by you.” His sister completed
 
But he would have to choose, he knew. The mere idea of it froze him with fear.
 
What if he chose wrong and destroyed everything he wanted to protect?

Chapter Text

“Uncle. Could we have a moment of your time?”
 
Aemond finished his last rep and turned to face Jacaerys and Lucerys.
 
“Unless you require a sparring partner, I have no moment to spare.” He coldly replied
 
Aegon, who had stayed abed for a week, was adamant about getting out of the said bed. He was growing tired of lying in. He missed Sunfyre, he wanted to give Jaehaerys all the pony rides he ever wished for, he wanted to go out, stating being locked in for so long was driving him insane. Helaena was worried but knew she could not stop him. So, she had him promised he would not try to get up on his own and to wait until the both of them were here, in case he felt unwell. Aemond was no maester but he knew a thing or two, also he was stronger than she was if he needed to be carried. The prince had a feeling that stuck to every inch of his skin :
 
Aegon definitely wasn’t ready to get out of bed.
 
The maesters believed the same. Leaving his sheets to take a few steps in the room, to use his chamber pot, to slightly stretch his muscle, perhaps. And up until now, his older brother had been a good, unproblematic patient who took every medicine he was ordered to take, took naps, and simply rested whenever he could. Part of the young man wondered if it wasn’t his fault. Aegon’s desire had risen about two days after he had told him he needed to make up his mind regarding Otto. Was he scared of appearing weak? If only he knew how the Keep praised him : Good Prince Aegon, the man who protected his sister’s crown with his life, even if it meant going against his kin.
 
“We would have liked to have a few words with you, just a few minutes.” Jace said. “But we don’t want to disturb your custom. Especially with our Uncle Aegon still abed.”
 
Jace visited Aegon daily and genuinely seemed to care, Aemond couldn’t deny it. Even in their childhood, they were close, closer than he and him. He remembered feeling jealous of it, asking himself why he couldn’t bond with Aegon the way they did. He couldn’t bond with a dragon, he couldn’t bond with a dragon, was he even a true Targaryen… The teenager looked at Cole who nodded.
 
“We can take a short break, My Prince. You have been at it for quite a while.”
 
The knight stood back, close enough to intervene in case something went wrong but far away enough to give them some privacy.
 
“What do you want, My Lord Velaryon?”
 
To not call him Strong cost him but he didn’t want to spoil his sibling’s efforts to maintain the peace. Jacaerys smiled.
 
“I am My Lord Targaryen now.” He joked. “It was Grandsire’s wish for me to take the Targaryen name once my mother would ascend the throne.”
“I shall remember it.”
“Uncle. I know it certainly feels out of the blue. But the recent events made me think back on our shared youth. Aegon protected my mother’s rights despite the bad blood between us… and I am partly responsible for it.”
 
Aemond scoffed.
 
“I did you wrong. I was a child, true. But you were one as well. And when I think back on those days, I am ashamed of myself, of how I treated you. I am sorry, Uncle. Genuinely sorry. You did not deserve those cruel japes and the humiliation that was the Pink Dread.”
 
It didn’t come out of the blue. Rhaenyra did apologize to him for the way she had behaved towards him during this horrible night in Driftmark. And she did say she would speak to her sons.
 
“I am sorry too.” Lucerys intervened
 
Vhagar’s rider froze. This was expected, still he didn’t know how to react to it.
 
“I do not regret protecting my brother and my cousins. But I am sorry I hurt you with our jests. I am sorry I laughed during your father’s last dinner. Had someone done that to my betrothed, I would have killed them on the spot.”
 
All Aemond wanted was for him to shut up.
 
“And I am sorry I took your eye.”
“Please shut up…” He thought
 
He hated how he felt: vulnerable, weak, armorless, just like his past self.
 
“Aemond… I know my apologies are far from sufficient. I took something of yours that cannot be restored. It was an accident, true, but that doesn’t make it less severe. My goodwill cannot restore your eye. If I could go back in time and fix this, I would.”
 
The boys didn’t notice. How could they? They didn’t know him well enough. But Criston saw the slight change in Aemond’s posture. He was uncomfortable, unwell even. His hand on his sword, he kept on watching. The Strong Boys didn’t appear ill-intended but the path to the Seven Hells was paved with good intentions.
 
“And what do you expect of me?” The prince finally said, hating how his voice shook. “You want me to tell you that since you are sorry, I’m suddenly alright? That I forgive you and you continue with your lives, your conscience in peace? You have no idea what you took from me.”
 
How he had to adapt to only seeing with one eye, the depth perception shattered, how he had to learn everything again. The phantom pains. The nerves acting up, spasms that could hurt like thousands of blades just because he smiled too brightly, the looks of pity around him…
 
“Then, tell me!” Lucerys argued back. “Explain it to me! So I can try and understand! So I can make amends the best I can! You don’t have to forgive me. Just because I apologize doesn’t mean I have to be forgiven.”
“What if I want you to put out your eye as payment for mine?”
“Would it grant you peace?”
 
His nephew’s question unsettled him.
 
“If it did, I would.”
 
The prince huffed.
 
“I have to go to my brother.” He cut short
“Of course.” Jacaerys agreed. “Please send our love to Aegon.”
 
As he walked to the White Cloak, he pondered Lucerys’ words. Did he want his eye? It seemed fair, on paper. But it would condemn him to the same pains he went through, some of which he still battled to this day. He didn’t know what he wanted, what to do with all of this and he hated feeling so lost and powerless. He turned around, and called them out.
 
“Your words.” He said. “They mean something to me.”
 
They nodded. Once alone with Criston, his mask fell off. He bit his lip, fought the urge he felt to break down in tears. The man placed his warm hand on his shoulder, looked away as he composed himself.

 
“Careful, now.” Helaena pleaded with him.
 
She had taken his left hand, Aemond his right. Aegon slowly rose from his bed. He didn’t feel quite settled, as if he was lightheaded. However, he didn’t feel any pain. Together, they walked to the window. In the gardens, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were playing with Joffrey, Aegon the Younger and little Viserys under the watch of Rhaena and some maids.
 
“Jaehaerys, look!” Jaehaera exclaimed as she saw them. “Daddy’s up!”
 
Excitedly, Jaehaerys looked up and waved. The trio waved back.
 
“I still wonder how a man like you fathered two angels like them.” His brother told him
“That’s because Helaena’s in charge of their education, not me.” The prince replied
“Nonsense.” Their sister said. “You too are in charge of their education. You just don’t take care of the mundane.”
“I should.”
“Yes, you should. But it works for us.”
 
When they turned around to join their seats, Aegon suddenly felt unwell. They had turned too fast. He felt as if the walls were spiralling around him.
 
“How are you?” His wife asked him
“I’m fine.” He lied
 
He shouldn’t lie, he thought. But there was something he had to do, something that couldn’t wait because it was eating him alive, ate at him like an acid. He hid the relief spreading in his body as his back met his mattress.
 
“Daeron and our uncle Gwayne are on their way.” Aemond informed them
“By road or by sea?” Helaena inquired
“Dragon back.”
“Our uncle on dragon back? He is braver than Mother.” Their older sibling joked
“Dragons are dangerous creatures. For once, I wouldn’t blame her.” His spouse declared
“She’s visiting the cells daily.” The youngest informed them. “Rhaenyra allowed her.”
 
Because no matter what happened, the man was her father and the queen knew now of the pain it caused to lose one. Otto’s torture was brought to a stop after he confessed all the things he did to his grandson and his scheme to place him on the throne. They now all waited for what Aegon’s decision would be, his half-sister adamant he should pass the sentence as he was the one that got hurt the most. The man was his daughter’s only true friend and ally at this court. How scared and lonely she must have felt when Viserys had sent him away? Especially when she discovered, shortly after, that she was expecting for the third time. Deep down, she had never stopped being that terrified little girl who needed him by her side. Aegon hoped the decision he took was the right one.
 
And that the note we wrote while Helaena was still asleep and Aemond was not yet present to break his fast with them had already been delivered to Rhaenyra.
 

 
Convincing Helaena and Aemond that they could leave him for a few hours had been hard and he couldn’t blame them. Their love for him filled him with joy. It was weird, ironic even, to realize that they were now closer because their grandsire almost killed him. They always cared for each other, they just never said it and that was a shame. They needed to say it, to show it, so there couldn’t be any doubts in their minds. This was why he often told his children he loved them, that he was proud of them.
 
“You called for me, My Prince?” Criston asked as he entered the room
 
He immediately rushed to Aegon’s side as he saw him trying to stand on his own.
 
“My Prince, you should stay abed. It’s only been a week, the maesters said it could be longer.”
“I’ll let you and my siblings lecture me as much as you want. But I have something to take care of first. I have to do this on my own. It haunts me and I deserve peace.”
 
The knight nodded.
 
“I want you to escort me to the Black Cells.” He explained
“What?”
 
The prince couldn’t blame him for being absolutely confused.
 
“I need you to take me for my protection. And if I find myself unwell.”
“Can’t it wait?”
“I’m afraid it cannot.”
 
The young man adjusted his doublet. Helaena had embroidered it for him. Having this on him made him feel safer. How ironic, he believed, that it was his wife who protected him, as he was the fair maiden in need of rescuing?
 
“Will you be alright?”
“If we walk slowly, yes. And I need to keep up the illusion for court. No matter what.”
 
The White Cloak understood. They exited his chambers. Aegon was in the front, Criston a few steps behind. The prince’s sudden appearance froze the courtiers in place. Some whispered and he knew the sight of him could be a shock : his hair was so very short now and he had hidden his healing scar with a hat. The first minute was easy enough : he was far from the public, he walked carefully in a straight line.
 
“Long Live Prince Aegon!” Someone shouted
 
It felt like a dagger in his skull. He forced himself to smile, to wave at the lords, at the ladies, who cheered for him. Seeing him awake, alive, wandering about, was worth more than the reports on his health. But roughly two minutes later, he had to admit he was overwhelmed. The sounds were too loud, the presence of the nobles and servants alike too much. He bit his tongue and carried on. He couldn’t go back to his room, he would not ask for someone to carry him, he had to do this on his own.
 
Otto needed to see him alive, on his two feet, unbroken.
 
The rest of the trip felt like torture. His head was in agony and the turns of the stairs were making it spin. Shortly before reaching the cells, he took a moment to breathe, to settle down. He tried to compose himself.
 
“My Prince… Aegon… We can always go back.” Criston whispered
“We’re here. Let’s get it over with.”
 
He carefully resumed his march. Alicent was there, in front of the cells’ bar. Otto definitely had seen better days : he was dirty, dusty, he had lost weight, his hands lacked fingernails, he had been beaten and some bruises were healing.
 
“Rhaenyra refused to receive me.” She told her father. “She won’t listen to me… Perhaps Daeron and Gwayne will be able to reach out to her, to convince her to release you. You could still be on the council. I could convince Aegon to speak on your behalf…”
 
The man caressed his daughter’s cheek.
 
“My poor girl. Can’t you see? I have lost my battle. I will never sit on the council again. I live on borrowed time.”
 
The dowager queen broke down in tears.
 
“I don’t want you to leave me…”
“Alicent. You have made me proud.”
“How? I gave the king sons he would not care for. He preferred his daughter… Aegon is the first son of these lands to be the firstborn and yet to not inherit anything… What good did I do to our house, to our legacy?”
 
The former Hand smiled at his child.
 
“What good? You, the daughter of a second son, became queen consort. You bore the realm four children with Hightower blood. One of your grandchildren might marry one of Rhaenyra’s children. Jaehaera and her Aegon are of similar age. Their children would cement our blood in their dynasty. The people love you, call you Good Queen Alicent. The Lords valued your input while the king was abed. History will remember that. You wrote our name into the Targaryen’s legacy, into the realms’ History, far more than Ceryse Hightower did. You have always been a good, dutiful, kind and obedient woman. Any father would be proud to have a daughter like you.”
 
Alicent hiccupped.
 
“If you leave me, I will be all alone.”
“You have your children.”
“They resent me. They are Targaryens, Father. They are dragons, not towers. Even Helaena turned against me…”
 
Her words were cut short as they heard footsteps coming their way. She froze when she saw her eldest son walking to them.
 
“Aegon…”
 
He ignored her.
 
“Aegon, please… You have to talk to Rhaenyra! She listens to you! You have to tell her to free your grandfather!” She begged as she got on her feet, taking him by the arm
 
He broke free of her embrace, and didn’t spare her a single glance.
 
“Your father’s fate is already decided, Mother. I have informed the queen of my decision.”
 
She paled.
 
“You condemned him… You want him killed… Your own blood…”
“It is funny, isn’t it? Everyone’s blood counts. But mine can be spilt with no second thought.”
 
Otto got up, and faced his grandson as tall and straight as he could.
 
“How am I to die, boy? Devoured by your dragon? Burnt alive? Put in a sac and thrown into the Blackwater Bay? Hanged, drawn and quartered? Beaten to death by Criston Cole?”
“I forgive you.”
 
Alicent let out a cry of relief, her hand covering her mouth as she realized what her son had just said.
 
“I forgive you.” He repeated. “I forgive you because of the years of peace and stability you gave the realms. I forgive you for my Hightower family who loves and cares for my brother as if he were their own child. I forgive you because while I have a mother who will never love me, I care enough about her to not inflict this pain on her. I forgive you because I deserve better than to live in resentment and hatred. I forgive you because the real question is : how can you forgive yourself?”
“Aegon…”
 
His mother tried to touch him but he stood back.
 
“I have asked the queen to spare your life. I’ve asked her to send you to the Wall.”
 
The dowager queen paled.
 
“You are a good administrator and have long beautiful years ahead of you. You can still serve. You will be surrounded by dutiful men. You will have a purpose. You will be the first Hightower to go to the Wall and perhaps make a name for himself there. You will be forgiven for your sins, clothed, fed, your honor restored. Which is far more than you deserve.”
 
The man could only stare at his grandson.
 
“I’ve even asked my sister, the queen, to not send you before you could see your son and grandson one last time, so you can say your goodbyes.”
“I’ve always believed you weak, boy.” Otto said. “Weak and lazy like your father. But I see there may be some of our blood in your veins yet. This could be worse than any death you would have ordered.”
“I do not want your suffering.”
“You do not want anything, child.”
“I want peace. I want to be a father. I want to be loved for who I am. This is all I ask of life.”
 
He turned away. His mother reached out to him.
 
“Aegon… Thank you… Thank you, my son…” She sobbed
“I am no son of yours, Mother. And I cannot be your son only when it suits your interests. You have to choose : either I’m your son now and forever. Or I am an orphan. Which I’ve felt like for years. Your pick. Not mine.”
 
He left her there, crying. As soon as they were out of sight, Criston walked by his side.
 
“Aegon… I’m proud of you.” He smiled before it turned into a frown
 
Aegon stopped, searching for his hand, a hand he quickly found. His breathing was slow. He closed his eyes, wincing in pain before he completely lost his footing, his legs collapsing under him. The knight immediately caught him, keeping him close to him.
 
“You’ve tired yourself out…” He sighed
 
The prince was too exhausted and overwhelmed by the spinning surroundings around him to protest as the White Cloak carefully picked him up. It was funny, he thought, how he could still carry him despite him being now grown. He wondered if that was how his twins felt when he held them against him : safer than in any fortress built by their ancestors.
 
He assumed this was how a father’s embrace felt like.

Chapter Text

“You absolute…”
 
It was funny, seeing Helaena trying so hard to curse him but failing because she was just too nice, too sweet, to find the meanest words in her vocabulary. Resting on his bed, his head against soft pillows, Aegon looked at his siblings as Criston closed the door behind him to give them privacy.
 
“I’ll handle it.” Aemond said. “You’re a fucking idiot! What on Earth were you thinking, you irritating twat?!”
 
He wasn’t angry : he was enraged. Enraged while keeping his voice low.
 
“I wasn’t alone, I had Cole with me…” Aegon weakly argued back
“He should have knocked you out and put you back to bed! How does that brain of yours work?!”
 
The prince was fuming.
 
“I don’t even know where to begin…”
“I do.” His sister said. “Why did you hide that from us?”
“Because you would have prevented me from doing so.” The young man replied
“And rightfully so.”
 
She sat by her husband’s side.
 
“For what it is worth, I am proud of you. Going there, facing the man that hurt you, ignoring your mother who still hurts you, to forgive his deeds, to forgive his life, just so that woman doesn’t suffer, it is possibly the most selfless thing you did after taking the regency on your own to protect our son. Forgiving him instead of claiming his life is powerful. And you’ve shown them both just how resilient, brave, strong and better than them you are. I am not sure I would have asked Rhaenyra to send him to the Wall.”
 
Aemond’s jaw tightened.
 
“You asking Cole to take you, that was a good idea. You weren’t completely on your own. Aemond and I told you so, we stand by you. If this is what you want, we want it too. But to go, without telling us, behind our backs, after having lied about how you felt standing up… That stings, Aegon. Don’t you trust us?”
“Of course I do!”
“Then why?”
“It was something I had to do on my own, for myself. Should I have waited? Possibly. It was haunting my mind though.”
“We could have arranged something.”
“I had to face him standing.”
“We could have had you taken there discreetly, seated, and then you would have walked to him. Sure, the nobles now know that you are indeed alive and recovering. But you’ve hurt yourself”
“I wouldn’t have taken you there.” Their brother said
 
His eye was filled with ire and hurt.
 
“You give them too much importance and you have allowed them to hurt you again, all while they didn’t have to raise a finger on you this time. No matter how free you feel, you’re still tied to them.”
“I’m sorry.” Aegon sighed. “I should have told you.”
“You’re damn right! What if you had worsened your injury? Do you care so little about your life?”
“I didn’t think…”
“You never do.”
 
Helaena raised her hands.
 
“Alright, enough, the two of you! Aegon shouldn’t have done what he did without at least telling us. He’s sorry. Maester Orwyle is coming to check on him. We gave him an earful.”
 
She smiled at her brother.
 
“What’s happening with you? You do not snap that easily, even when Aegon pushes you too far.”
 
Facing his silence, she added that he didn’t have to tell her if he didn’t feel like it but her ear was always ready to listen.
 
“The Velaryon Boys came to see me this morning.” He confessed
“What about?” Aegon inquired.
 
He tried to sit but this mere movement made him sick. It was unpleasant, feeling the effects of a hungover when he hadn’t touched a single drop of alcohol in a week. He didn’t really miss it. He had been so busy trying to hold everything together that the thought never really crossed his mind. He had refused to drink during the regency so his mind would be clear and his image slightly better. Then, after being injured, the maesters had advised him not to consume any wine, beer, or liquors so that the medicine would be more efficient. He realized that it wasn’t the taste that he liked : it was the warmth. It felt like being hugged. It numbed any negative feelings he didn’t want to feel, it sedated any fears. He drank when bored or stressed out… and while the Regency had stressed him out, he had remained sober because, for once, he wanted to do something right in his life. He wondered if some of his uneasiness was due to this lack of drink.
 
“Perhaps I could endure both so both could stop at the same time…” He thought
 
His children deserved someone healthy, not a drunken father.
“They apologized to me.” The prince said. “It wasn’t much of a surprise : Rhaenyra apologized to me for wanting me questioned after I claimed Vhagar. She told me she’d ask her boys to do the same. You and she shared your fears about us living all together.”
“I see…”
“They apologized for the taunts. For the Pink Dread. For my eye…”
 
Helaena immediately extended her hand to him. Aemond took it.
 
“I don’t know… what I should do.”
“Nothing?” Aegon offered
 
Seeing his confusion, he added :
 
“This week taught me something : sometimes, to achieve your goals or to avoid something, the best way to do it is not by fighting back, it’s by going with the flow of events. There is nothing to be done right now. They apologized. You, you just need time to digest all of this and when your mind is clearer, you’ll have the answer you are looking for.”
“How did you forgive Otto for what he did to you?”
 
He was shaken, no doubt about it, if he opened up this much and sought his advice on top of anyone else’s.
 
“I didn’t forgive him for him. I forgave him for myself. Because that way, I can move on and focus on what’s important. But don’t take my advice too soundly : my issues with Mother aren’t resolved and I am not sure my lifetime will be long enough to entangle all of those knots.”
“So I should just forgive them, move on and forget I never got Justice?”
“Sometimes, the worst thing you can do to your enemy is forgive them, Aemond. You are free. They are suddenly burdened. They never expected this grace and now, they have to live knowing they did you wrong and wondering if they are worthy of such kindness.”
 
The prince sighed.
 
“Again, you don’t have to do it now. You don’t have to do it ever.”
“Do you think that wretched woman lives with guilt after you forgave her father?” Helaena asked him
“I did it partly for her. She knows what she did to me. She knows I was within my rights to ask for his head. Instead, I let him go, I offered him a future with basically no worries about his basic needs and protecting her family’s honour. I’ve shown her more kindness than she showed me. Considering how pious she is, she must be mortified.”
 
He stared at the ceiling.
 
“I gave her an ultimatum.” He admitted
“What?!”
“She called me her son when I forgave her father. I told her I was no son of hers and especially not only when she needed me for her interests. Either she was my mother now and always, or she walked out and left me an orphan. But it would be her pick, not mine.”
 
Helaena was beaming.
 
“Aegon, I’m so proud of you!”
“You still went out without telling us, lying to us and hurting yourself.” Aemond said
“Seriously?!” Aegon whined
“But I’m proud of you too.”
 
The door opened, Maester Orwyle entered and bowed to them.
 
“I applaud you, My Prince, for testing yourself but you do not want to rush things, especially with an injury like yours.” He smiled
“Do not fret. My good wife and my brother already scolded me.”
 
 

 
“Are you sure you are not upset, my love?”
 
Daemon caressed his wife’s cheek. The fact that she cared was already enough for him. True, not being named her Hand stung. He needed a purpose, to be useful. But he also understood she needed to secure her reign and his reputation wasn’t a great one. He was Maegor come again for them. She was the first ruling queen, naming him Hand would be firing an arrow in her foot.
 
“I wish I could have been your Hand.” He admitted. “But I see your reasons. You envisioned it. It’s enough for me. Rhaenys will make a great Hand. She has the respect of the nobles and some voted for her during the Council. She will bring you stability.”
“Is there any post you would like? Did you like leading the Gold Cloaks?”
“I was deemed too violent. Do not worry yourself out for me. I will find a way to occupy my days. And you do consult me in private. We’ll make do and find a way. Did your brother accept to be on the council?”
 
Rhaenyra served herself a cup of water.
 
“Surprisingly, he did.”
 
Rhaenys was to be Hand of the Queen. The council remained the one her father had before he died. She wanted to adapt to her role and this would make the transition smoother. She didn’t ask her brother to be a cupbearer, it could have appeared insulting. Instead, he’d have the chair his mother used to have. Not a proper role yet but he would participate, help her and with time, the perfect role for him would appear. She wondered if Aegon would accept being there too if she created a post. He genuinely cared for the smallfolk and while she had never particularly considered them, they were a force to be reckoned with. They too could be a support.
 
“Are you still friends with Mysaria?” She asked
“Yes, why?”
“I promised Aegon I would help him find out if he had any dragon seeds running around the city. There was a boy he spotted in a child fighting pit…”
“Rhaenyra, a silver-haired child doesn’t mean a Targaryen child. They could descend from any kings before you. Or they simply have Lysene blood.”
“I know, Aegon had his doubts too when he saw how old the child was but he was… an early student in that regard. He started looking for them shortly after his twins were born but Otto and Alicent limited access to informations and tried to dissuade him.”
“You do realize that many girls will pretend their children are his just so they get favours from our coffers?”
“Which is why I require Mysaria’s help. She’s discrete. She knows her girls, who lies, who doesn’t. And I shall close those pits.”
 
He nodded.
 
“How is it going? The Lords’ vow renewal?”
“I am as happy as I am pissed.”
 
She sat.
 
“Many, if not all, agreed. They confirmed coming to the ceremony. Aegon did right by asking them to send a written reply with their vow on top of responding to his call. It serves as proof for later. They won’t be able to back down from it. However…”
“However?”
“I know he did this to help me and I’m so very grateful he did. I never thought of this issue : for me, the sons would necessarily obey their fathers’ oaths. Thinking of the new generation not taking the vow themselves because too young or unborn, avoided quite a loophole. But… I have the feeling they aren’t obeying me. They’re obeying him. Because he’s a man.”
 
Daemon sat by her side.
 
“Who cares why they do it? That man, as you say, proved that he is on your side. You told Rhaenys years ago that once you would be queen, you would create a new order. That takes time. Do not be too prideful to accept what Aegon’s cock can do for you.”
“You’re gross.” She laughed. “He’s my baby brother, I saw him as a newborn.”
“Your words and mind, my love, not mine.” He joked
 
He kissed her.
 

 
Aemond had to leave them. The twins wanted to go see their dragons. He offered to take them. Helaena remained with him, to keep him company.
 
“We’ll kiss and hug Sunfyre for you, Daddy!” Jaehaerys promised
 
Aegon quietly remained abed, enjoying the relief of the painkiller he was given. The maesters had suggested some exercises he could try in a few days to regain some independence and strengthen his internal ear, getting it used to normality again.
 
“Aegon… There is something I’d like to ask you.”
“Sure.”
 
She looked worried. He turned carefully, trying not to trigger a new attack.
 
“Did you have a vision again?”
“No. I haven’t. I haven’t had a vision or a dream in a long time. I spoke to Aemond, he told me he’d look for books and records so we could find a way for me to channel this and communicate. He’s certain there are old scrolls with Daenys the Dreamer and how she managed to exchange with her father.”
“Then what is it? Is there something wrong with the children?”
“They are okay.”
“Then what?”
 
She was blushing.
 
“Err… How can I phrase it? If… If you need some milk of the poppy for your flower pains, just take some? That’s what women take when it hurts too bad?” He tried
“We take a toned-down Moon Tea.” His wife replied
“Oh… Then, what is it?”
 
Her eyes were focused on her embroidery.
 
“When you are up and able… the next time you visit the Street of Silk… I want to come with you.”
 
His eyes widened and he felt his face burning. Gods, if their mother knew! She’d die on the spot!
 
“Helaena… Why do you…”
“I don’t want to hire a sex worker…”
“That’s usually what you do when you go there… Why would you want to go there?”
 
Her cheeks were completely red.
 
“I… I want to learn about sex…” She whispered
“That’s… that’s it?”
 
She nodded.
 
“When we laid together, you tried your best to make it bearable for me. I’m grateful. It didn’t hurt.”
“But it wasn’t pleasant.”
“Your touch usually triggered visions, so I tried dissociating from the moment. Now that I am free, I want to… to know if I… if I could like it.”
 
And she had been way too young. She wasn’t ready. He also realized that when he took Aemond to “make it wet”, he wasn’t ready either. Aegon regretted forcing him.
 
When he thought of it, all three of them didn’t really have a normal view of the thing. He didn’t just like it more than most men, like alcohol, he saw it as a way to escape his hurt, to have physical connexions with someone and because pleasure, even if brief, tasted like love. He had started young, too young perhaps. He knew deep down that he loved the act regardless, he enjoyed the aspects of it and it was a need more developed for him. Maybe it wouldn’t have been that huge had he started later.
 
Aemond was the same age and he was afraid it had stunned any natural development. His brother was shyer than him, introverted even. This should have happened on its own, with someone he had a bond with, not someone paid to care.
 
And Helaena… poor poor Helaena who, like them, started at three and ten but because people kept expecting to see her belly swelling moons after moons. Men were lustful, women were broodmares as soon as they bled, no matter how childlike they still looked…
 
They were all fucked up.
 
“If someone sees you there, your reputation will be tarnished.” He told her. “Mine is overall okay, I’m known for my activities and I am a man. It’s more forgivable for me. But, I can think of a way.”
“Really?”
“I can smuggle someone in so you get to learn. You’ll be able to talk with them. If someone sees the person, they’ll just assume it’s for me.”
“They won’t touch me, I promise you.”
 
This was a moment when he wished he could drink. To forget that they were brother and sister on top of being husband and wife.
 
“Are you asking me that because you want a new baby? Has Mother bothered you again?”
“I told her we would have more children whenever the Gods would provide. And that they blessed me with a husband who never imposed himself on me. But… I’m scared, it’s true. Very scared. Of the act, of the birth… However, we’re at peace now. The rats are away, they’ll never come for us. And… it would be nice, another child for us to love, wouldn’t it?”
 
A child they chose to have instead of a child only conceived to make people quiet.
 
In the man’s mind, it would make no difference : no matter the circumstances, the baby would be just as loved and adored as his eldests. Aegon could imagine it : Jaehaerys and Jaehaera cooing at the infant in his bassinet. For some reason, he saw a boy.
 
“With our luck, I’ll give you twins again…” He joked
“Then, the children would be like us. They’d be four.”
 
He smiled.
 
 

 
Kneeling in the Sept, Alicent was praying to the Mother and the Father to thank them for sparing her father. For giving Aegon the idea of sparing him. She prayed to the Crone, begging for advice. His forgiveness troubled her. She was grateful, of course, so very grateful… But her son was slowly changing.
 
He who wanted her attention so much, her affection, now rejected her touch like Helaena did once.
 
It was understandable, the last time she had put her hands on him, it had caused him to faint after she slapped and shook him. She had expected the worst of him, as always, believing he would condemn his grandfather. And yet, he had forgiven him. He had given him a way out.
 
And he had done that for her.
 
He said so.
 
A mother who didn’t love him but for whom he cared nonetheless.
 
A mother who made him feel like an orphan.
 
She thought back on the last conversation they had before he got injured. She hated to admit it but he was right : everything she went through, she made him suffer through it too. Perhaps worse : for all of his faults, and while it was hard for him sometimes to show it, she never doubted that her father loved her. Aegon doubted it with every fibre of his being, took all he received from them and did the exact opposite with his own children.
 
“I am no son of yours, Mother. And I cannot be your son only when it suits your interests. You have to choose : either I’m your son now and forever. Or I am an orphan. Which I’ve felt like for years. Your pick. Not mine.”
 
When had he stopped being her precious boy ? She had loved him once, so deeply, despite everything. He had been her consolation after the marriage, Rhaenyra’s abandonment. A glance at him and she had felt her heart swell with adoration. The way Viserys doted on him too… It had made her feel like it had been worth it.
 
Then, Rhaenyra lied to her.
 
She got her father sent away.
 
And Viserys, believing his child rather than his old friend despite having the truth under his eyes, turned away from her, from their babies, all while she was pregnant with Aemond. He never was violent with her. But his neglect stung more than any hit he could have given her. Aegon was turning three, needed her more while she could barely hold it together. Growing up, he looked more and more like her. The maids found it adorable : the little prince, Hightower in the face, Targaryen by color, the perfect mix, a true incarnation of the two branches of his family.
 
She hated it.
 
Looking at him, it was looking at herself, how miserable she was, how lonely and it made her feel inadequate. Helaena was her only daughter, the connexion was closer and Aemond was a dragon through and through. By the time Daeron arrived, this way of thinking had completely taken its roots.
 
It hurt to think her own child believed she didn’t love him, that she never would.
 
But as horrible as it sounded, she wasn’t sure if she could ever love him the way he wanted to be loved, the way he deserved to be loved. It was wrong, she was wrong, she knew all of that. Could she still be the mother he wanted her to be, the mother he needed? Did she even want to?
 
Tightening her hands together, she felt tears rolling down her cheeks.
 
She wished he had said he hated her.
 
It would have been easier to bear.
 
He had left her fighting against her soul, her conscience and the feeling that she had indeed lost everything.
 
She had lost what mattered the most.
 
And maybe it was too late to be worthy of the name Mother by now.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

The walls were spinning around him. Again. Aegon hated it, hated himself and tried to ignore it, to push forward. He needed to make progress, he needed to be better. The exercises given by Maester Orwyle helped him, he couldn’t argue about it : he could stand up and stay on his feet for longer, walk for a few minutes without feeling dizzy and if there was a seat nearby. The joy he had felt when he was able to get up from his bed by himself to join his children ! But while appreciated, his steps were just too small, too slow. As he tried to push his limits, he felt his footing failing him. He managed to grab onto a table. A small hand tugged at his breeches. He carefully turned his neck. His daughter was looking at him. She had his eyes, he realized—his big expressive eyes. The princess offered him her hand. He gladly took it : she was getting more and more comfortable with being touched, and sought it more often and he wondered if it was because of the fear she might have felt when his condition was deemed dire. Helaena, Aemond, and even his mother, tried to protect them from a truth too horrible for their young age. The prince let himself be led by his precious girl, believing she wanted to play with him. Instead, she brought him to a pile of cushions.

“I don’t want rubies on silver and porcelain anymore.”

He swore he heard his heart-shattering. Children were more perceptive than anyone gave them credit for.

“I don’t want that either.” He said as he sat

Relief was sweet. Jaehaera fetched a book and came to sit on her father’s lap. The one book he used to read again and again when he wasn’t much older than her, the one his mother and grandsire told him was too childish, unfit for a prince of the realm, that he needed to be more grown.

At six years old.

“Do you see more things like rubies, my sweet one?”

She nodded.

“What do you see?”

“Onyx and emeralds next to each other.”

That seemed like a good omen. He hoped. The door opened, Helaena arriving with Jaehaerys.

“Daddy!” He exclaimed

“My sweet boy!”

The child ran, and sat next to his sister, enjoying their father’s warm arms.

“Daddy’s head hurt.” The little girl told her mother

“Oh, did it?” She replied

“And our clever girl made me sit down.” Aegon smiled

She joined them.

“Have you been pushing yourself again?” His spouse worried. “Aegon we have talked about this…”

The ceremony for the Lords’ renewal vows was arriving quickly. And the queen’s brother was adamant : he would attend it, on his feet, standing up during all of it. As much as he hated it, he was the head of his father’s second family now. Even if Rhaenyra hated the idea of their family being cut in half. He wanted to walk to her, to bend the knee, to kiss her ring and to swear his allegiance to her, putting an end, once and for all, to possible rumours or schemers trying to overthrow her in his name. He knew some people out there wanted it. To make such a move during this event would kill any possible plot in the egg.

“Rhaenyra won’t mind if you have to say your vow while sitting. Everyone knows what happened to you. Please, don’t be prideful.”

He nodded but she knew he’d do as he pleased. She hated that he could be so stubborn.

“How was your talk with my lady friend?”

He had managed to smuggle inside a young prostitute. One he had never slept with : he was adamant on this, not wanting to make his wife feel humiliated. But he had talked with her sometimes, she had actually helped him once or twice at the brothel as he had misadventures, she was kind.

“It was… informative.”

Helaena looked away and he swore she was blushing. He didn’t want to hear the rest of it.

“She was nice. You picked her well.”

“Glad to know.”

“Daeron!”

Alicent’s cry of joy echoed in the courtyard as she forgot herself, her rank, and ran as fast as she could to embrace her youngest child. Hugging him close, she looked at him. Not a child anymore, not quite a grown man yet. How many years had they lost because she had listened to her father? Oh, she knew her son was doing fine in Oldtown, that he loved being there but her heart had longed for his return.

“Lady Mother.” He smiled

She kissed his forehead. Daeron stood aside to let his uncle greet his mother.

“Your Grace.” He smiled. “Sister. You haven’t aged a day.”

He kissed her hand.

“Gwayne. Oh, how I have missed you!”

“So did I!”

“How long are you staying?”

“I am staying up until the Queen’s coronation. As for Daeron…”

The teenager beamed.

“I am to stay! The Queen asked me to stay here so she can get to know me!”

“The Seven answered my prayers!”

Finally some good things after those trying days!

“You must be dying to see your siblings. But, perhaps we could break our fast together tomorrow morning?”

“I would be delighted, Mother!”

He hugged her and ran off to find his brothers and sister. Gwayne smirked.

“If I had a son, I’d want one like one of yours.” He told her

“Every single one of them?”

The knight looked at her, confused.

“Of course! Daeron is charming, sweet, kind. Aemond is clever, dutiful, loyal. And Aegon is resourceful, brave and sensitive. I don’t think the last one to be bad thing.”

They walked together inside.

“I have to go and pay my respect to the Queen. May I visit you later?”

“We could have dinner together tonight.”

“I would be delighted.”

“Daeron!” Aegon exclaimed

How he wished he could jump on his feet, run to him, embrace him! He knew doing that would definitely make him faint or fall. The last time he saw his brother, he was eight. He was now four and ten, by the looks of it he’d be as tall as Aemond, condemning him to be the smallest of the boys while being the eldest. He didn’t mind, he believed to be of good height and wasn’t self-conscious about his appearance. Except for that scar but time would heal and mend things. Helaena hugged him tight.

“I see you like hugs, now.” He joked

“I’m getting better.”

“I am so sorry to have missed your wedding! And the birth!”

His eyes sparkled as he saw the twins.

“Children, this is your uncle Daeron.” Their father explained. “He lived in Oldtown for six years, fostering for your grandmother’s cousin. Go and say hello.”

They left their sire’s lap and walked to the young prince, bowing perfectly.

“Hello, Uncle!” Jaehaerys cheered

“Hello.” Jaehaera simply said, looking at her feet

Their uncle knelt.

“Hello, young prince, young princess. I am so pleased to finally meet you!”

“Do you ride a dragon?” The boy asked

“I do! Her name is Tessarion!”

“Wow! Our eggs haven’t hatched yet! But Daddy and Mommy say it’s okay. Even if they don’t hatch, we are real Targaryens!”

“They are right!”

Daeron got up, walked to his brother and embraced him tightly.

“You scared us, you know.”

“Us?” Aegon wondered

“Ormund was horrified by Grandsire’s actions. And Uncle Gwayne… He was worried sick. He prayed the Seven several times a day, begging them to spare you and heal you. We received the news of the attack first, the news of your health came shortly after.”

Gwayne had always been good and kind to him. Patient. Encouraging. In his much younger years, he had prayed to the Seven to have him exchange families, to have him be his son for he knew he’d be truly loved. The door opened suddenly. A rare sight : Aemond was out of breath, his hair slightly off.

“Daeron!”

He had a soft, genuine smile as he took his younger brother into his arms.

“Don’t tell me you ran me for me!” Daeron joked

“I ran. And Cole pretended to have a muscle ache to shorten our sparring session. He’ll come and greet you soon.”

“It feels so strange to finally be here… I loved Oldtown but… I miss you all so much.”

“How long are you staying?” Helaena inquired

“That’s the best part! I’m staying for good!”

Helaena and Aegon could swear they had never seen Aemond smiling so brightly.

“My princes, my princess.”

Elinda, Rhaenyra’s handmaiden, had arrived.

“Queen Rhaenyra knows you are reuniting and cheering. But she wondered if you would like to dine with her tonight. So she can get to know Prince Daeron.”

They all exchanged a look.

“Tell my sister we’d be delighted. And we thank her : returning Daeron to us is the greatest gift possible.” Aegon replied

Night fell quickly and swiftly on the city. Gwayne had joined his sister for dinner, as he had promised. She had asked for his favourite meal to be prepared.

“Tomorrow morning, I shall go and see my nephews and niece.” He told her. “I wanted to leave Daeron reuniting with them properly.”

Alicent nodded.

“How he has grown… Father robbed me from raising him…”

The knight sympathized.

“He wanted at least one Targaryen prince with the Hightower’s education… Aemond was full Targaryen and Aegon wasn’t the brightest.”

“His results improved after his eye issue was settled, did they not?”

“Barely. He became lazy.”

The man loved his sister, he really did. But he could not understand, for the life of him, how she rejected his nephew. Aegon had been a sweet boy. Demanding, true but loving, afraid of failure, perhaps sensing the pressure on his tiny shoulders. He had needed more care, more guidance. The dowager queen’s brother refused to blame her : he wasn’t there. He didn’t know how she felt, especially after the hardships she had suffered. Even with her formal letters, he could feel when something was amiss. He wondered if she didn’t reject her eldest because he was her twin, with valyrian colors, but a mirror that didn’t reflect her perfectly.

“Alicent… I know what Father did to Aegon.”

She stiffened.

“It was an accident! He didn’t mean it!” She immediately replied

“I know everything. We know everything. House Hightower won’t help him.”

She paled.

“Is… is he to die?”

His voice had trembled.

“No…” The queen whispered. “No, he won’t. Aegon forgave his life. He asked Rhaenyra to spare him and to send him to the Wall.”

Gwayne stared at the bottom of his cup.

“My nephew is kinder than anyone in Oldtown. Ormund was willing to let Father rot.”

“Why?! Father was…”

“It’s not because of your husband, Alicent. It’s because of what he did to Aegon.”

He drank.

“Don’t be mistaken, our house wants to maintain good relationships with the new queen. I am here to represent House Hightower during the vows. We are to bow to her. However, had Father not hurt Aegon as he did, we might have tried to get him back home. He tried to kill your son, Alicent! How can this seem so normal to you?”

“The boy is not my son, he has never been my son.”

The boy had been the realms’. He had been Viserys’. Had he looked like his father, she might have overlooked that fact. He was hers, from the way his hair curled to the way his fingernails grew. To see herself in him reminded her that he wasn’t hers. She wasn’t even herself.

“You loved him once. What happened?”

Life.

Betrayal.

Anger.

“You can love him again.”

“It’s too late, Gwayne. He told me to choose : either I was his mother entirely or he was an orphan.”

The Hightower sighed.

“Alicent. It’s Aemond who lost an eye, not you. How can you be so blind and deaf? This is a cry. That’s your last chance. Take it.”

Her eyes were filled with tears.

“I… I don’t know if I want to take it… I don’t know if I could even be what he wants me to be. If I take the chance and fail him…”

Gwayne left his chair, got close to her and embraced her, letting her sob. How he wished he could have stayed by her side as she was so young! He could have helped her, listened to her, cared for the oldest as she rested during her pregnancies. The realms had cared for the queen but who had cared for the woman under the crown?

Rhaenyra admitted it easily : Daeron lived up to his reputation. He was said to be kind, sweet, charming, the most likeable of his brothers and she believed it now. He was so full of life, energetic, and just so happy to be home and to finally be with his siblings! In a way, he reminded her of Jace.

“I’m so glad I am getting to know you better.” The queen said.

“I feel the same way, Your Grace.”

She smiled.

“Please, call me Rhaenyra. We’re family. I know it hasn’t always been easy. But Father wanted us to be united, in peace.”

He nodded.

“Father was a good man.” He agreed. “I just wished he tried to mend ways before he passed. He tried some ways but…”

“You’re thinking of the wet nurse.”

“Yes.”

She turned her attention to Aemond.

“How are you feeling, Aemond? You seemed a bit off these days.”

It hurt to see his surprise. From what Helaena told her, as she spent time with her, her brother, despite being the youngest present at court, was often seen as an adult despite being seven and ten. It started early, perhaps on that wretched night on Driftmark. To protect his mother, his siblings, he strived to be the perfect child, to be the one no one needed to worry about, thus building walls around him, his heart, his emotions.

“I am alright. These days have just been challenging.”

“True. I hope you can get some rest. And know I’d be delighted to chat with you if you ever feel like it.”

“How is the ceremony going along?” Aegon asked

“It’s coming together pretty well.” She told him. “You did right to ask for a written vow on top of coming.”

“And the coronation? I’m surprised it hasn’t been done yet. Unless it is because of the mourning, for Father.”

“I am waiting for you to be healed.”

The prince froze.

“You don’t have to wait… Actually, you shouldn’t wait. The sooner the better.”

“I want you to crown me.”

His jaw dropped. For a moment, Rhaenyra wondered if he was still with them.

“Me?” He uttered

“I said that to the council on the day you were still unconscious and we didn’t know if you would be alright. I told them it had to be you. No one else would suit better.”

She looked at him in the eyes.

“Despite the differences between Father and you, as soon as you realized I would be usurped, you took it upon yourself to prevent it. You did this to protect your son. But by protecting your son, you also protected my crown. You protected it until I arrived. You literally protected it with your blood. You took it and wore it so no one could steal it. Only you can crown me.”

This, on top of the vows.

Every symbol of legitimacy would be hers.

“I’d be honoured, Rhaenyra.”

“I’ve also asked one of Daemon’s friends to start her investigations regarding your worries. If there are indeed innocents out there, you will know of them.”

“Thank you. How can I repay you?”

“Just live and be happy.”

“Daddy, your head is hurting again.” Jaehaera said

He definitely could not hide anything from his daughter.

“I’m fine, my love. I’m finishing and I sit, I promise.”

If he could finish it… why couldn’t he finish it? He could yesterday! Why… He felt himself losing his footing.

“Not in front of Jaehaera, not in front of her…” He mentally begged

He didn’t want to scare her. But as he feared he was going to fall, two strong arms rescued him. One wrapped around his shoulder, the other securing his hand, they led him to a chair.

“Careful now. You wouldn’t want to break your lovely face.”

Aegon beamed.

“Uncle Gwayne!”

Gwayne embraced him tightly.

“It’s been so long!” The prince said

“Far too long. How I wish I could stay in King’s Landing!”

The adult looked at Jaehaera.

“Is this your daughter?”

“Yes. Jaehaera, come.”

The little girl walked to her father, and took his hand.

“Jaehaera, my darling girl, this is my uncle Gwayne. He is your grandmother’s brother.”

“Hello.” She greeted him with a perfect bow

Amused, the knight bowed in return.

“It is an honour to meet you, Princess Jaehaera. You certainly are the most beautiful of all the lands!”

“Mommy’s the most beautiful.”

Aegon smirked.

“Sit with me, Uncle.”

He obeyed.

“Aegon… Your mother told me you spared our father’s life.” He told him once Jaehaera was busy playing pretend. “I cannot thank you enough for it… What he did to you… There are no words, it’s despicable. But…”

“But he’s your father. I know. I partly spared him because of you, of Oldtown. I’m half Tower.”

“Nephew… On behalf of House Hightower, I apologize for everything my father has put you through. I’ll admit it : we did consider you a possible king. The laws of succession have never been truly set under your father’s reign, we naturally believed that, as you were born male and legitimate, you would ascend.”

Aegon was mad at his father for many things. This was one of them : he neglected him but left his mess for him to clean up.

“When your siblings’ letters came, we were horrified. To know that our blood was treated this way by one of our own…”

“I know. I know my mother’s house loves us.”

He smiled at him.

“We support you.”

“You should support the queen.”

“You support her, then we support her through you.”

They shared a laugh. Oh yes, how Gwayne wished he could have stayed in King’s Landing! He would have loved nothing more than to help his sister raise her children.

The throne room was filled. It was oppressing for Aegon. The words shouted, the weight of the air, how stifling the temperature was. His head ached. The walk had been a torture. However, he had noticed that he had felt overall okay for half of it. That was a miracle in itself and the work Orwyle gave him had effects.

One by one, the lords, the ladies, came to pay tribute to their new queen and solemnly swear their loyalty, their allegiance to her. Alicent was there, by Daeron’s side, watching as Gwayne walked to the Iron Throne.

“I, Gwayne, son of Otto, on behalf of House Hightower, swear our allegiance and loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra, the first of her name, our one true queen. May the Seven keep her safe.”

It was time for him. He could feel Helaena’s eyes on him, worried. Aemond spared him a glance, he nodded at him. He’d be okay. He had to be. He walked to his sister, his head high. He was a prince. He was Aegon Targaryen, he had been the Regent, he was as fearsome as any of them. But as he started to bow, Rhaenyra suddenly got up, walked down the stairs and stopped him.

“Not you, Brother.” She said loud and clear. “You, of all people, don’t have to bow to me. I am queen thanks to you. You protected my birthright, my crown, your blood was spilt in its defence. Your loyalty will never be questioned.”

The prince smiled at her.

“Death to the Whore Prince!”

People gasped, turned around : among the nobles, a man rushed, a dagger in hand. Others unsheathed their weapons. Immediately, the knights drew their swords, running to stop the intruders. One of them, however, ran too fast for them, his blade facing him, reading to pierce Aegon’s body.

“Aegon!”

The pain never came. The blood did. But not his own. A green wave had flown before his eyes before falling at his feet. Screams of horrors echoed as the young man realized what happened :

Bleeding, lifeless on the floor, his mother, who resented him so much, had shielded him with her body.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Alicent!” Rhaenyra cried out

Aemond rushed to Aegon’s side, putting him behind him, Gwayne and Criston ran to defend the injured dowager queen while Daemon stood on his wife’s left, ready to protect her. Daeron was shielding Helaena. The White Cloaks were apprehending all of the intruders. The stabber had been restrained by Harrold Westerling.

“Keep them alive!” The queen ordered. “Have them sharply questioned!”

“Death to the Whore Prince!” The attacker spat again. “Prince Aegon is a plague to the realms! He condemned them by letting a woman sit on the Iron Throne! A woman whose sons are bastards! The Targaryen dynasty is doomed!”

Rhaenyra looked at them : they were peasants. How could they know of her three boys’ parentage? They hardly went to the city. This would be something she’d have to address later. The priority was Alicent.

Alicent who lay at her feet, the son she seemed to resent so much but whom she had saved nonetheless kneeling and applying pressure on her wound, trying to subdue the bleeding.

“Take them away! And call the maesters!”

This was a nightmare, a complete nightmare… and she wondered, for the first time, if it would ever end.

He had barely felt Helaena washing his hands for him. Truth be told, he couldn’t feel anything, from the air around him to Gwayne’s hand stroking his arm, his eyes stuck on his mother’s unconscious form as the maesters were trying their very best to stop the haemorrhage and save her life. The knife had struck a bit under the diaphragm, worrying them : what if the damages went as far as the lungs? Daeron was in tears, trying his best to remain silent, as Aemond had passed an arm around his shoulders.

“The Princes Jacaerys and Lucerys.” Someone announced

Jace paled when he saw the condition of his step-grandmother.

“How is she?” He asked

“We don’t know yet.” Helaena replied

Lucerys turned to Aemond.

“If there is anything I can do, let me know.”

The prince saw how sincere he was. Perhaps he pictured his own mother on this bed. He was only four and ten.

“Pray to the Seven, Nephew.” He told him, his voice shaking

The screams of the figurehead of the assailants were echoing inside of the Black Cells.

“Why did you want Prince Aegon to die?” Daemon repeated

Facing the man’s silence, he ordered the rack to be activated. The men turned the wheel, stretching violently the prisoner’s limbs.

“He has doomed the realms! He let his whorish sister ascend the throne!”

Another scream of pain escaped him.

“Where did you hear the rumours of my stepsons being illegitimate?”

A hot iron rod, orange at the tip, was applied to his foot.

“Just look at them! The people remember Harwin Strong! Prince Aegon betrayed the realm, giving them to a harlot! He betrayed us first!”

“My nephew is working with your queen to improve the smallfolk’s condition. He’s the only one who has ever given a fuck about your lot ever since my grandmother, Queen Alysanne. He avoided a civil war that would have impacted everyone of you. You should be either kissing his feet or sucking his cock!”

The king consort broke the man’s knee with a hammer.

“And my stepsons are legitimate. You attacked a prince of the realm and injured your dowager queen for nothing! Who hired you?”

A new cry on pain.

“I don’t know his name!” He sobbed. “I promise you I do not know!”

“Then, what does he go by?!”

“The Shepherd… He says Queen Rhaenyra is a whore, that Prince Aegon is even worse, that the Targaryens are abominations and the dragons are signs of the doom of our world!”

“Where can we find him?”

“He usually preaches by Cobbler’s Square…”

“Enough.”

Finally, the torture was brought to an end.

“Jail him.”

Daemon washed his hands and face. As he walked towards the exit, a voice called out to him.

“Daemon! Daemon, wait!”

The Targaryen turned. His hands gripping his cell’s bars, Otto was a mere shadow of his former self. Emaciated, tired, stripped of all of his fineries. But what struck him was the desperation on his face.

“Alicent… My Alicent…”

The news had reached him, guards did talk between them. He was trying to hold back his tears. For the first time in his entire existence, the dragon rider pitied the former Hand, even had compassion for him.

“Your daughter still lives. Her fate is uncertain.”

The noble gulped.

“The queen will keep you informed.”

And no doubt she’d allow him to attend his child’s funerals should she pass away. Rhaenyra was too soft-hearted sometimes but he loved that about her.

“Aegon, you should rest.” Gwayne told his nephew

Sitting by his mother’s side, Aegon barely heard his uncle. The hour was late. He was exhausted. But like everything since the attack, he didn’t feel it. Nothing touched him or reached him : Helaena’s kindness, Aemond and Daeron trying to convince him to go to bed, hunger, pain… His body didn’t exist anymore. Just his soul and spirit.

“Aegon, please…”

“I can’t leave her…”

His voice was raspy. He hadn’t uttered a word since the ceremony.

“I have to stay for her…”

Why did she save him? The question haunted his mind. She hated him. She had rejected him so early on! The moments where she had been supportive, kind, or even tried to, he could count them with his ten fingers. He was no son of hers. She told him so. He was nothing but a disappointment to her, a fool, and he didn’t doubt she often wished she had lost him in the womb or taken moon tea when she was expecting him, had she known how he’d turn out to be. She expected the worst of him, she abused him, she neglected him, all of this he realized as soon as he became a father : the thought of doing even the tiniest of her actions to his children broke him inside. And yet…

She had saved him.

How could she save someone she despised?

How could she run faster than anyone else in the room, reaching him, pushing him behind her, taking a blade for him?

They said love and hatred danced together on a thin line. He wondered if that was the case for her : did she save him because, no matter what, she birthed him? Losing him wouldn’t be a loss for her happiness but a loss of a part of her body?

His eyes were locked on her, afraid to turn away, even for a second, in case it was her last.

“Aegon… Please. I can have a bed arranged for you here. But you need to rest. Your siblings will need you. Your children too.”

It was only when his uncle gently caressed his cheek that the spell was broken.

“What if she dies…”

He sounded broken, a little boy scared to lose his anchor, his light in the night. Aemond was right : no matter how he felt, how he believed he was winning, he was still a prisoner of hers.

“I’ll keep watch. I’ll wake you if anything happens. But go to bed. I cannot lose my sister and my nephew at the same time.”

He nodded. Gwayne immediately ordered bedding.

Aegon fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillows.

The Sept always had a special place in Aemond’s heart. Like his mother, he believed in the Seven Gods. They brought him peace and comfort, maybe not as much as her. But he remembered how often she’d take him there, explaining to him patiently all the prayers, the meaning of the candle rituals, how to pray a specific one. He remembered her praying for him, asking them to help him find a dragon. He knew just how scared she was of them and yet, she wanted him to have one, feeling the lack of being a dragon rider in his bones. She had prayed to the Mother daily for a year after he had lost his eye. When he caught an infection after the loss, she remained by his side, crafted a wheel for the Mother as she watched over him.

And tonight, his feet automatically lead him there.

But someone was already inside.

Kneeling by the altar, hands joined, Lucerys was praying aloud, enjoying being alone.

“Please, Mother above. Spare Queen Alicent. She isn’t a bad woman. She served the realms loyally. She made my grandsire happy. She used to be friends with my own mother. Don’t take her away from my uncles and my aunt. They need her still. Her youngest is my age. They need their mother.”

The prince couldn’t lie : he was touched. Genuinely moved by this somewhat childish but well-meaning prayer.

“My uncle Aemond already suffered too much. My brother and I, we mocked him. Later, I took his eye. It was an accident but I didn’t do anything to make it better. I had never considered his side until recently. Please, let him have his mother longer. Take my eye in exchange if you must.”

Bile rose in his throat. Silently, he walked to him, knelt and lit up a candle.

“Uncle!” He tried not to shout. “Is Queen Alicent…”

“No change.”

“I see…”

“Don’t stop on my account.”

The teenager nodded, closed his eyes, resumed his prayer, now quiet, soon joined by Aemond.

“Please...don’t take my mother away from me…” was all that echoed in his head.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera had left two of their plushies on their grandmother’s bedside table so she would not feel lonely. Aegon was napping, on her and Gwayne’s insistence. Daeron by her side, they watched as their mother breathed. She seemed so peaceful.

“The last thing I told her was that if she hurt Aegon again, I’d hurt her worse.”

The prince looked at his sister.

“It got worse after you left. And… it wasn’t written in our letters. But merely a few hours after Aegon woke up, not even a day after his head was injured, she slapped him, causing him to be sick and faint. I slapped her in return.”

“You two grew closer.”

“We exchanged more in this week than in our four years of marriage.”

She’d have to let him in on her visions, her dreams. But today felt like too much.

“I cannot forgive her for what she did to Aegon. But I want her to wake up. I want her to be there for you, for Aemond, for my babies. And…”

She looked at her sleeping husband. He hadn’t left the room even once ever since their mother was brought here.

“If she dies, I don’t think Aegon would ever forgive himself.”

“That would not be his fault!”

“His mind is a tortured one. She is one of the executioners. Ironically, she’s also the cure.”

“Will you forgive her? If Aegon forgives her? If she betters herself?”

Helaena had no answers for this one.

Rhaenyra had visited as often as she could and when she couldn’t, she sent words, asked for reports. Aegon was still there. Gwayne had long given up on trying to make him leave : he wouldn’t budge and he was just as stubborn as his mother. The prince was alone, holding on to any signs. The maesters seemed optimistic : there were no indications of damage to the lungs, the breathing was normal, she hadn’t coughed up blood, the wound wasn’t infected and her vitals were slowly bettering. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her eyelids slightly moving.

“Mother!”

He immediately reached her hand, held it tight.

“Maesters!” He shouted

Orwyle, who was the closest, almost ran.

“She’s waking up.”

Slowly, the dowager queen came to her senses after two days of lingering.

“Mother…” Aegon smiled

“Take your time, Your Grace.” The maester softly said. “You are returning to us.”

The maesters had deemed Alicent’s life to be out of danger. She still needed rest and a close watch would be kept to avoid any complications. Aegon had ordered for his entire family to know of the news. But in the meantime, he was alone with her. The dowager queen could see his tiredness, the bags under his eyes, the bed near hers. The child she had abused, she had rejected, she had cursed, had stayed by her side when he was the one who could have abandoned her.

Helaena did.

“Mother…”

“That man…” She said. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No. You took the full hit. He and his accomplices were taken to the Black Cells. Daemon must have taken the truth out of their mouths by now.”

“You stayed…”

“You saved me. You hate me and yet, you saved me. Why?”

She sighed.

“I don’t know why.”

She could see his heart breaking.

“My body moved on its own. Something came over me. It screamed at me. I just could not let you be slain.”

The prince nodded.

“Your words are stuck in my head. I have hurt you. For many years. I have hurt you, rejected you, for things that weren’t your fault. I know that. Yet, I couldn’t prevent myself from doing so. And yet, you are showing me more kindness than I deserve.”

He didn’t reply. Her lips quivered.

“I’d like to be the mother you want me to be… But I don’t know if I can be that woman. That woman you seek so desperately. I don’t know if I can become her. If I tried but failed…”

“Mother.” Aegon interrupted her. “I do not want a perfect mother. I do not need a perfect mother. I want and need a mother who loves me. A mother whose love I will never ever doubt of. A mother who supports me, who accepts me for who I am. A mother who tries her best and while she can fail, her love will never be questioned. That’s all I want.”

His hand squeezed her tighter.

“What I have done to you is…” She started

“I forgive you.”

She gasped.

“Aegon…”

“I forgive you for my peace of mind. I forgive you for my uncle Gwayne. I forgive you for my siblings. I forgive you because you are a wonderful grandmother to my children. I forgive you because you had me too young. I forgive you because… because I know I’d never be able to stop loving you and wanting your love, even if it hurts me, even if it kills me.”

Alicent started to weep.

“What if I fail you again?”

“We can see when we get there. It’s not going to be easy. But this regency taught me that nothing ever worthwhile is. And baby steps are better than no steps at all. Besides… you can count on Helaena to keep you in check.”

The woman laughed.

“Sister!”

Gwayne had entered, Helaena, Aemond and Daeron by his side. The man rushed, knelt by her bedside and kissed her hand.

“The Seven be blessed! They saved your life!”

The princess noticed her husband’s fingers intertwined with their mother’s. She stiffened and Aemond took notice. She disagreed. But this was what Aegon wanted. He deserved a mother too. If he could grant her one last chance, she could too, she assumed.

However, she’d be true to herself and her vow.

Anytime she’d hurt him, she’d hurt her in return.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Jaehaerys was crying in the next room. The soft whimpers immediately took Aegon out of the small slumber he had fallen in. Opening his eyes, he turned in his bed and rushed to get on his feet. But as soon as he got up, a heatwave invaded him, the world was spinning faster than it had ever spinned, perhaps only matched by the first time it occurred. It suddenly got dark.

"Fuck, no..."

He hated feeling so powerless and cursed himself as he felt himself falling.

"Aegon!"

Instead of meeting the cold hard floors, his body collapsed on his younger brother's. Aemond prevented his fall. His reflexes never ceased to amaze his sibling.

"I'll go check on Jaehaerys." Daeron offered

The twins had taken an instant liking to their new uncle and their grandmother's brother. Without a word, Vhagar's rider helped his sibling sitting on his bed.

"I hate feeling this way..." The eldest whispered. "Why is it taking so long?"
"Because you keep overworking yourself." Aemond instantly replied

Aegon glared.

"I had to stay by Mother's side." He justified himself
"I'm not saying you were wrong."

Witnessing the nausea that started to take root, he immediately handed him a pot for him to heave in.

"Now, I guess I know how Helaena felt when she was pregnant in the beginning..."

His poor sister had been plagued by morning sickness and it had become so severe she could barely eat anything. It was he who had found a solution for it : ginger. It was what he usually had, in a hot drink, when his hangovers were too bad. Their mother had scolded him, thinking only about the aphrodisiac side of the root. Orwyle had proved himself to be the Seven's envoy on this Earth, ensuring the teenager didn't waste away and the rest of the pregnancy had been smoother.

"Head injuries take time to heal. And you barely had time to rest properly." His sibling tried
"What if I make a fool of myself during the coronation?" He confessed

The event terrified him. Rhaenyra wanted him to crown her. And the memory of the vows plagued him. What if someone tried to kill him again? Not that he was particularly scared of dying : his relationship with life was a strange one, waltzing between utter joy and complete sadness. But what if someone wanted him gone again? What if someone protected him again? What if his loved ones died?

"The security will be maxed out. And Daemon is already investigating to find and arrest the Shepherd. Criston teamed up with him."
"Criston? They hate each other."

Aegon could see why though. Cole adored them, saw them as his family. He was already feeling guilty about what had happened to him. So, to see something happening again, to Alicent on top of it all, was certainly eating him alive. She saved him, they knew. From what, they were unsure, but he had sworn his life to her and he was feeling like a failure after mother and son got attacked under his watch. Not that they blamed him : Aegon had talked him out of giving him a bodyguard and his mother's actions had been unplanned.

"Helaena is with Mother, along with Jaehaera. She told me you gave her one last chance."
"You think I'm wrong."
"I think you're kinder than most in this place."
"But you think it's bad."
"Kindness doesn't do well in the Red Keep. But she's our mother."

He smiled. Daeron soon joined them, Jaehaerys in his arms, the boy's eyes still filled with tears.

"What happened?" His father worried
"A bad dream..."

Aegon immediately extended his arms and took his son, hugging him tight.

"What was that bad dream about?"
"A dragon was burning you... and you fell from Sunfyre."
"No dragon is going to burn me, my sweet boy. They are all in the pit, enjoying each other's company. And Sunfyre would never let me fall."

Sunfyre would rather break his back than let him fall to his death. He really didn't deserve such a mount.

Jaehaera was playing by their side, pretending to make pine cone soup. She had told her grandmother it was her father's favourite soup, he always complimented how yummy it was, it would make her feel better. Sitting by her bed, Helaena was embroidering.

"How is Aegon doing?" The dowager queen asked

It was risky, she knew. Her daughter had grown so defensive of her brother! Almost like the roles were reversed. She didn't understand how or why. However, deep down, she was... content. They had each other's back, which was far more than Viserys and her shared.

"He's exhausted." The princess replied, not looking away from her stitches. "Maester Orwyle told him he needed to rest as much as he could and to refrain from doing his exercises for a few days."

Her son had hurt himself further by straining his already fragile state because he kept watch over her, certainly pushing himself to move around in case she needed anything. The son she had rejected away, judged, mistreated... the more she thought about it, the more ashamed she grew. He was her child, her firstborn, a boy who had simply needed her a bit more, who only sought her love. She had suffered, yes. But she took it out on him, an innocent. Would he have turned to his cups, had she been better?

"He's scared too. About the coronation."

She nodded and could not blame him.

"Is it true, what they say? That he is searching for his bastards?"
"What if he does?"

Her walls were up. Alicent blamed herself. She caused this.

"How do you feel about it?" She tried
"Aegon and I never wanted this marriage." The dragon dreamer told her. "I never expected him to be faithful, especially when I could not follow his needs."
"Helaena..."
"I'm okay with this. He never forced himself on me, never forced me into doing something I wasn't comfortable with. Some people need more food, more water. He just needs more intimacy."

She stopped her thread, took out her needle, trimmed the excess, before settling in a new golden floss.

"If he has other children, he deserves to know as they deserve to have a father. He's a wonderful one to the ones we have. I told him : if he has bastards, they belong here with him. With their siblings. I'd love them as my own."
"You are kinder than me... Helaena... do you resent me? For this marriage?"

Helaena finally put down her hoop.

"I understand why it was needed. And you could have chosen worse : Aegon is a good husband to me. He doesn't hit me, he doesn't scream at me, he tries to understand me, he doesn't pressure me for children. I just wish he was around more, and ever since he took the regency, he has been. It was out of necessity. But now that he's safer, he still keeps me company. But Mother... I was only three and ten. I had flowered only once. Aegon didn't want this... I didn't want it either. We were two children forced to speak vows they recanted in their hearts. It wasn't a marriage for us, it was a funeral. The funeral for our sacrificed youth. We were together only thrice and each time because everyone around us pushed us to. Not because we wanted to. Love could have grown between us, I think. But you rushed it. I am content with what I have. But I mourn also what could have been. It wouldn't have been the great love Father shared with his first wife, the one shared between our grandsires or our great grandsires. But it could have been something."

The woman bit her lip, realizing just how she had messed them up : Viserys had been overall good to her. He didn't hit her, he tried to care about her, he spent time with her, but she didn't enjoy their marriage bed. Her children were born out of duty, because everyone kept looking at her belly... and she had done the same thing to her daughter. She had done the same thing to her son. Forcing them to repeat this horrible cycle.

"I was only four and ten when I gave birth. I was terrified, Mother. They had to cut me, to stitch me. I was still too small, not developed enough. I thought I was going to die. Aegon did too. He was convinced he'd have to choose, like Father did so long ago. It scarred us."
"Is this... why you didn't try again?"
"Yes. The mere memory of it freezes me."
"I am so sorry, my dearest love..."
"What are you sorry for?"

Tears burnt her eyes.

"I'm sorry for everything I put you and your brother through."
"I'm not sorry for my marriage. I wouldn't have had my babes if I hadn't married Aegon. And they are a gift from the Gods."
"You are still angry with me."
"You did hurt my husband and made him feel worse. But he loves you. Despite everything, he loves you, and still tries to make you love him. The boy in him needs it more than flowers need sun and water. I stand by him. As you taught me, a good wife stands by her husbands and supports him. He deserves better than to feel like an orphan when he still has a parent alive. "

Alicent nodded.

"I understand, my sweet girl. I want to try to be better to him."

The princess finally allowed her mother to see her smile.

"Trying is already more than you did in years for him."
"Grandmother." Jaehaera's voice cut in. "Pine cone soup is ready!"

And like the girl's father, the imaginary dish indeed made her feel better.

The smallfolk adored Queen Alicent. Criston knew that. Daemon did not. In the streets, people were whispering, some praying, even crying, as they shared the story of a mother throwing herself in front of her son to take a blow instead of him. She had tried her best to ease their lives, opening kitchens, providing orphanages with clothes and food.

"Do you know what I have heard?" A peasant told another
"No?"
"Prince Aegon told the new queen about the child fighting pits, she wants to stop it!"
"No way! He used to look at those things!"
"Maybe he was investigating. Or he had a change of heart. He's also looking for his potential bastards. He wants to care for them!"

A woman put her hand on her heart.

"The Seven bless him! Not many nobles care about the children they sire on us!"
"He's weird, Prince Aegon. Not taking the crown for him, letting a woman take it..."
"His father wanted it! He's a good son, Prince Aegon! Imagine, if he had taken it! We could have had war!"
"Prince Aegon the Magnanimous!"
"Look, a White Cloak!"

Several men and women rushed to them, speaking on top of each other, dying to finally learn if their beloved sovereign was still among them or if her soul had flown to the Seven Heavens.

"Silence!" Daemon barked. "Your dowager queen has woken up."

Tears of joy were shed.

"The Seven be blessed!" A woman said
"The dowager queen's health is bettering everyday." Criston added. "She's surrounded with the love and care of her children. I will personally tell her of your worries and prayers for her. I have no doubt it will warm her heart to know how much you care."
"We care, of course we do! Thanks to her, my girl had a dowry and could marry right!" A tavern maid intervened
"She had the streets cleaned!"  A butcher declared

The king consort looked at his ally, bewildered. Was that indeed the bitch he always assumed she was? The whore her father sent into his brother's lap, weakened by grief?

"Your Queen, Queen Rhaenyra, has ordered the man who dared attack her stepmother and her half-brother to be brought to Justice."
"Justice for Good Queen Alicent!"
"One of the attackers designated a man known as The Shepherd, who preaches on Cobbler's Square. Anyone who can give us informations about him will be rewarded!"

An old beggar came forward.

"King Daemon..."
"Speak, old man."
"The man you seek. He has lost a limb. He's missing his left hand. He's always dirty, he looks like a corpse."

A young prostitute shyly made her way to them, her bow was clumsy but filled with respect and fear.

"Speak up."
"That man indeed preaches on Cobbler's Square. He wears a hair shirt and roughspun breeches, and he has a begging bowl about his neck. He said the people should sack the dragons' pit and kill them all!"

Others added details.

"We thank you, good people of King's Landing." Criston told them. "Thanks to you, we will find that man and bring him to Justice."

He turned to one of the knights accompanying them and ordered him to distribute some gold to everyone for their words.

"The castle gates are opened to anyone who has more to say on the matter!"

"Gwayne!"
"Father!"

In her mercy, Rhaenyra had allowed the guards to briefly open the cell so father and son could at least share a hug before the prisoner would be put back behind bars. The knight was grateful. The more time he spent at court, the more he understood that the queen's ill repute was far more exaggerated than what it truly was. She wasn't as violent as depicted, she seemed interested in being fair. Yes, her first three sons were bastards, that was as clear as day. This would be her mess to solve. In the meantime, those "Strong boys" had shown nothing but kindness to his nephews and niece. Jacaerys visited Aegon every few days, if not everyday, even just for an hour, to keep him company, to play cards. He always had a sweet word for Helaena and the twins. Lucerys, the one responsible for Aemond's handicap, prayed daily for Alicent. He was often joined by the man he had hurt previously and from what he had learnt, the boy had apologized to him for what he did. Gwayne didn't know what was in his nephew's heart but he knew him enough to know that the excuses and the praying were enough to unsettle him and make him consider things anew. The youngest of the three, Joffrey, was still too young to know exactly what he was as a person but with such brothers as examples, he would turn out fine, he knew.

"Gwayne... Alicent, is she..."

The last thing Otto learnt about his daughter was that she had woken up but nothing more. His son smiled.

"Getting better and better. Her children watch over her. Queen Rhaenyra visits daily."
"Queen Rhaenyra..."

Gwayne's smile didn't falter.

"House Hightower has sworn its loyalty to the queen."

The former Hand smirked.

"Oldtown needs to remain in the royal family's good grace. If they hadn't, it would have fallen back onto your sister and her children."
"Aren't you going to ask me how Aegon is?"

The noble looked away.

"You loved him once." The dowager queen's brother continued. "He was your precious boy. Your first grandchild, your first grandson. He filled you with pride. Even when he was too stubborn to eat his porridge with a spoon, preferring his hand instead."
"The boy is neither Targaryen nor Hightower, he's a mistake."
"The mistake he is prevented war. He forgave your life. He currently suffers setbacks in his recovery because he exhausted himself while watching over his mother until she came back to us. He lit the way, Father. The way to peace, to healing for the royal family. Even if Rhaenyra had ascended without Aegon's help, what do you think would have happened to him, to them all, with all the hatred between them?"

He looked at his sire in the eyes.

"How could you hurt your own blood like this?"
"His head was an accident."
"But not the rest. Not the hits, not trying to imprison him inside his own apartments without the bare minimum. Aemond told me you too used to slap his brother, kick him in the ribs. Aegon needed your help and you turned your back on him."
"You've always had a soft spot for him."
"I wish he was my son, it's true."
"He was a sweet child..." The old man relented

Aegon indeed was a cute little boy. Willing to try, to please, charming like his father. But he lacked the determination, the brains. He grew into a waste.

"But if only Aemond had been born first... Aegon would have fared better as a second son."
"Aegon would have fared better, no matter when he was born, if he had true and loving support. Our entire house is appalled by your actions."

This shook Otto to the core.

"Father. Make no mistake : we are all so grateful for everything you did for us. You made our house enter into History. As a man, you proved that a second son could go as far as being Hand. Your daughter, daughter of a second son, is queen and a mother to princes and princesses. You held the realms for decades. You maintained the peace. And you were one of the first to suggest a woman could rule after the great Council. You too lit the way for another future. But what you did to Aegon... to your own grandson... to our house's child. Because he is ours too. He's the blood of the dragon but we cherish him all the same. We cherish all of them. Did we share your views? At some point, yes, because the laws were unclear. But as soon as Aegon spoke up, sharing his father's wish, you should have sided with him. Instead, at barely one and twenty, unprepared, and inexperienced, he faced everything almost alone and had to fight his own kin. How could you?"
"I wish he had been your son too, Gwayne. I could have loved him for who he is..."

Gwayne sighed.

"When am I to leave for the Wall?"
"Queen Rhaenyra wants Alicent to be well enough to be able to say goodbye to you. It could take some time. With enough luck, you might still be here to hear the bells of the coronation."
"Time's up." A guard announced

The knight took his father's hand.

"I love you, Father. No matter what."
"I love you too. You too, my boy, have made me proud."

Lucerys was there again, kneeling in the Sept, hands joined, praying. He barely moved as he heard his uncle joining him, lighting up a candle.

"Maester Orwyle says my mother's life is no longer threatened." Aemond whispered
"The Seven be blessed... I don't want you to lose your mother. I can't imagine losing mine... when I think of Baela and Rhaena who lost theirs..."

Alicent and Rhaenyra who had lost their own so young too.

"Thank you. For your prayers."
"You told me I needed to pray. I wanted to as well."

The prince briefly thought of his brother. Aegon who had spared their grandfather's life despite everything he did to him. Aegon who had forgiven him even. Aegon who did the same to their mother. He realized that forgiving wasn't weakness : it was the opposite. Mistakes were human, forgiveness divine and it took more bravery to forgive the other and move on, to grant yourself peace, than to remain in hatred. The path to it was just as hard.

Did he like Lucerys better? 

Not really. 

But he didn't hate him as much as he thought he'd hate him.

"I don't know if I can ever forgive you for what you did to me." He confessed
"It's alright. I don't expect to be forgiven."
"But I don't want to destroy you."

The teenager smiled.

"Well, that's a start. Perhaps, one day, you could even think of me with indifference."
"I doubt it. But for once in his life, my foolish brother is right : living in hatred is tiring."
"We can call it a truce. And one day, maybe peace."
"Maybe."

Aemond finished first. When he got out, Criston was there, having returned from Flea Bottom.

"My prince, are you alright?" He worried

Without warning, without a care in the world, without even thinking of what people could see or say, the young man sought his arms. They already were open, ready to receive him, to welcome any tear that would come out, to offer him all the comfort he needed.  For a moment, he wondered if that was how it felt, to be held by a father who adored you.

Chapter Text

"I am sorry, Aegon. Truly. I know it is not what you had imagined." Rhaenyra said, a soft smile on her lips
"Is... is your Mysaria certain? Is she trustworthy?"
"She is sure and she is loyal to Daemon. We are certain."

Aegon didn't know how to feel or what to feel.

Relief?

Sadness?

Grief even?

After a thorough investigation, and much to everyone's shock and surprise, the prince didn't have illegitimate children. Some women, who could have carried their child but with no certainty due to their profession, or who didn't want to go to term, drank moon tea to prevent pregnancies. Others,  who could have carried his child, who had been certain that he had sired a babe on them, who had desired to carry the pregnancy to term, miscarried early on due to the living and working conditions. It felt... surreal. So surreal. A man like him, known for his nocturnal activities, known for starting early on in that regard, didn't have even one natural child out there.

"And the kid? The one I saw in the fighting pit?" He tried
"At first, his mother claimed you were the father." His half-sister explained. "She was adamant on it but things weren't adding up. Mysaria investigated further and the prostitute had lied, hoping to get favours from the court. The boy's father is a Lysene sailor. She confessed shortly before she passed away. The poor woman was sick beyond help."

He silently nodded. The queen took his hand.

"I know it isn't what you had hoped for."
"It's just... surprising, to say the least."
 
Was it wrong to feel sad for children who either never existed or departed way before they could even have a chance at life? Was it wrong to be... disappointed, even? He had been convinced he had other children out there.

"The pit... it has to be closed." He said
"We're working on it. The practice will also be forbidden. But we have to think of something to replace it."
"Maybe a kitchen for the needy? Or a bathhouse? Something useful or fun for the people. With the children taken out, we'll certainly need at least one new orphanage. But it has to be built elsewhere. I don't want those children to be raised on the same ground where they were forced to fight and to be mutilated..."
"A bathhouse would be ideal. We're also studying how to better the sewage system and to add more water access for the people."
"What about the rents?"
"The landlords are being investigated by the master of coins. What you told us about the state of the streets is precious to us."

He smirked.

"I see you coming from a mile."
"You'd do great."
"Maybe. But not at the council. I've tasted it once, I don't like it. Besides, it would clash : I'd have all those ideas to better the lives of the smallfolk and the master of coin would always reply just how costly my ideas would be."
"You can't finance everything out of your own pocket. Even if you are surprisingly moderate in your spending..."

He hardly bought new clothes for himself, whores weren't what drained his treasury and usually, he'd get his wine from the royal cellars.

"But is it something you'd like doing? Helping the people?"
"Yes."

Though the young man knew it didn't come from a complete place of generosity. He cared, of course. But he also loved the idea of being useful, needed. He needed to be needed. True kindness wasn't tainted by such thoughts, even if Aemond would tell him that it'd be a good kind of selfishness : it helped everyone around.

"We'll find a way. If this is your calling, I'll make sure it happens."
"My calling is being a father to my children."
"And from what I see, you are a loving one."

Their chat cut short as he noticed the wince of pain on his sibling's face.

"Rhaenyra, are you okay? Is it the baby?"
"I'm in labour."
"Wh...what?! Since when?"
"It started during the night."
"What are you even doing here?! You should be in your apartments, you should..."

She laughed.

"Aegon. I've done this before. It's my sixth time. I'm used to it. I can still move a bit around, in fact, it helps."

And now, he felt stupid on top of it all.

"But I'm touched you care."

He had done this only once before and from what she knew, it had been traumatic : he was six and ten, Helaena four and ten, the birth had been difficult.

"At least, let me call a maester..."
"If it makes you feel better about it, why not."
"Marigold?" He called

The servant came and bowed.

"Please fetch Maester Orwyle. The queen is in labour."

She smiled brightly.

"At once, My Prince, Your Grace!"

Orwyle arrived a few minutes after, Aegon looking away as the professional examined his sister's intimacy.

"Your Grace, Prince Aegon did well by insisting. You are four fingers dilated already."

"So, it's certain? There are no children of yours out there?" Helaena asked him

The twins were there, napping after a full morning of lessons. Aegon shook his head.

"No. No children of mine out there..."

Surprising him, his wife climbed onto his bed and embraced him. It was still strange for him, having been used to a spouse that did not like touch. He didn't complain : he knew now what it had triggered for her, how she had suffered for it. The fact that she could finally enjoy it, on her terms, was something he was grateful for. And her hugs felt like a ray of sunshine on his skin.

"I'm sorry. I know it meant a lot to you."
"You're the only wife to be disappointed that her husband doesn't have bastards..." He managed to joke
"I'm disappointed because you searched for years in vain. Because you wanted to make things right for them. Because you wanted to save them after you too had been saved."

He bit his lip. She always knew where to hit the spot.

"The boy you saw. The one that didn't fight yet. He's not yours either?"
"No..."
"And he's all alone?"
"His father won't come back to the city or if he does, he doesn't know he has a son. The mother is dead."
"We could take him in. Make him our ward. But raise him like our son."
"Hel..."
"I meant it. You started to look for your children after the twins were born. You were stopped. That boy, he ignited your desire once more."
"And I stopped again..."
"You were stopped."
"Is it bad? That I'm..."
"No. No, it isn't bad to feel sad, Aegon. You can mourn the idea of your children being out there and mourn those who never even had the chance to be born."

She hugged him tighter when she felt his tears on her shoulder.

"Aegon?"
"Yes?"
"When you feel better, when you're completely healed and if you agree... Do you think we could... try to have a new baby?"

The prince froze.

"Are... are you sure?"

His sister nodded.

"I'm sure."
"Has Mother..."
"It wasn't her. It's me. The twins are growing. We're doing rather well, you and I. I'm scared but... I know this pregnancy wouldn't be like the previous one. And, I do miss feeling tiny feet kicking inside."
"You do realize that trying for a baby means we have to lay together?"
"Maybe I want to."

Despite his red cheeks, Aegon laughed, trying not to wake their children.

"Are you really soliciting me for sex?"
"I don't know how you tell your spouse you want to..."
"Helaena. I'm teasing you. You did it perfectly. There's no real way to say it."
"But it'll be once you are perfectly safe!"
"Okay, okay, so not right now."
"I mean, your lady friend told me there are ways so it can happen without conceiving, without even moving, but I don't want to hurt you and..."

His face was on fire.

"What on Earth did she tell you?"
"Things you certainly already did with other women but never with me."
"Oh Gods..."

Jaehaera slightly snored.

"For fuck sake!" Daemon hissed between his teeth

For once, Criston shared his frustration. No matter when they went to Cobbler's Square, the Shepherd remained unseen. They went early in the morning, late at night, during the afternoon, and at midday, the man was elusive, despite their best efforts to spot him. They went once in their armour. Then, they assumed someone told him they were looking for him, so they went dressed as part of the smallfolk.

"He must have spies." The knight stated
"No shit!"

The White Cloak wondered who could side with him. He knew it couldn't be an act against Queen Alicent : she had always been beloved. They saw her as the woman who brought happiness to their grieving king, the one who gave him sons to love after poor Queen Aemma lost so many, the one who gave birth to Helaena who was known for her charity work. For the time being, Aegon was quite popular among the people. He had always been rather liked to be honest. If some servants considered him a spoilt brat, that could not be a motive fleshed out enough. Hearing his ally grumbling again, a new possibility hit him.

The Shepherd considered the Targaryens a danger for mankind, dragons a sign of doom and Aegon one of the worst because he didn't take the crown he could have been entitled to due to his gender.

But what if his allies weren't protecting him because of something Aegon did to them?

According to the preacher, Rhaenyra was a whore. And Daemon had a reputation that still followed him everywhere. His time leading the Golds Cloaks certainly diminished greatly the criminality rate, but he also was violent. He punished too quickly, too rashly and many who had committed a small illegal act or were completely innocent still got as maimed as if they had been bandits. It was now easy to see :

That man protesting against the royal family, using the claims of illegitimacy the queen's eldest sons had against her. Then, he nurtured this by adding her husband into the mix, reminding everyone of everything horrible he did when he was a Gold Cloak, maybe even the rumour he had murdered his first wife. Finally, Aegon taking the regency and not becoming king had been the match to light everything on fire :

The Targaryens were sinners, they were mad, they were impure, they didn't belong here : they were valyrians who invaded their lands, conquered it by force, to establish a new Valyria and thus bring yet another doom. Look at that vixen on the throne, her bloodthirsty husband, and that weakling brother who bows to her. Perhaps she even fucks him too for all we know...

"Do you still have contact with some of your former Gold Cloaks?" He asked the king consort
"Maybe. Why?"
"I might have a lead."

The bells suddenly rang.

"Queen Rhaenyra has started her labours!" A street crier shouted. "Let us all pray the Mother to grant her a safe birth!"

A wide smile lit up the Targaryen's face.

"It'll have to wait, Crispin."
"My name is Criston, Your Grace. But yes, it will have to wait."

Because no matter how he disliked him, he would not deprive a father of being by his spouse's side as she brought another child into this world.

Alicent had asked permission to join them, to keep them company as they waited for Rhaenyra's baby to be born. The fact that she even requested it surprised Aegon before remembering his half-sister forbade her from approaching him. Rhaenyra hadn't said anything about it when he stayed by her side as they believed she could die and considering the recent events, he doubted she'd even be against it anymore.

"If she's here, I'm staying with you." Helaena had told him

He agreed. Carefully led by Daeron, their mother had arrived, clearly in pain due to her stitches, relieved when she could finally sit down.

"Where's Aemond?" She inquired
"Sparring with Lucerys and Jacaerys." Her daughter replied as she embroidered a new jacket for her husband. "Ser Harrold is watching over them."
"With Lucerys?" The dowager queen repeated
"The sapphire isle is calm. The dragons won't dance."

Aegon gently took his sister's hand. It stopped her trance.

"What did I say?" She worried
"The sapphire isle is calm. The dragons won't dance. That sounds like a pretty good thing."

If she noticed that her child didn't reject her brother's touch, Alicent didn't comment.

"I was told you were searching for your bastards." She tried

Her son's face fell.

"The search is over, Mother. According to our investigations, I don't have any. I could have had some but they were lost before being born."

The woman couldn't lie to herself : she was relieved it was the case and she thanked the Gods. No matter how Helaena said she felt about it, she thought of the shame of having them under the same roof. A constant reminder of her marriage, of his adultery. Still, it had mattered to her child. Back when he was six and ten, he had already cared. He had wanted to take responsibility for his actions, for them, all while being so young and one of the few to want to act. He didn't have any duty to an illegitimate child and yet, he had wanted to take it upon himself to provide for them.

"I'm sorry, Aegon. And I'm proud of you."

Dumbstruck, he was unable to answer.

"Proud?" He finally managed to say
"Yes. Bastards don't have much rights, if any. You didn't have to care. You didn't have to take them on. But you wanted to. You were ready to. That's more than most men would do. That's what an honorable man would do. So yes, I am proud of you. Even if there is no child to take on."

The soft smile that spread on his lips, the way his eyes sparkled, it was clear he had yearned to hear these words at least once in his lifetime for years.

"Rhaenyra wants me to join her council." He revealed
"Really? For what post?"
"One she'd create for me. But I'm unsure of my decision yet. I love the idea of the responsibility she'd give me. However, you have seen it firsthand:  I do not do well in councils."
"You did rather good during the regency. I was against you. But you held on."
"Maybe. But I'm not the most dutiful man. So, just one responsibility at a time."
"This sounds wise."

She was trying, Helaena knew. She really was. No matter how clumsy or unnatural it felt.

The bells rang across the city shortly before the hour of the bat to announce the happy news :

Queen Rhaenyra had been safely delivered of a healthy baby girl she had proudly named Visenya.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

"Quit that frowning, Corlys. You'll wrinkle." Rhaenys joked
 
The Lord of the Tides smiled as he approached his wife, the Hand of the Queen pin tightened to her dress, shining brightly under the sun. He took her hands.
 
"My own dear wife." He said, kissing her knuckles. "I am so proud of you."
"You do not scold me for the gamble I took?"
 
Trusting Aegon had been a bet, one with odds so low that people would have never bet on it out of fear of coming out as losers and paying a great price.
 
"The boy was a surprise for us all. Why did you listen to him?"
"Because when I saw him, I saw Laenor."
 
He caressed her cheek.
 
"He was so afraid, Corlys! So desperate! I saw a frightened child and for a moment, saw our boy when he was scared of storms. I saw him when Jacaerys fell dangerously sick and he felt so powerless to help him."
"A father safe kept the crown and a mother saved it."
"Aegon saved it. His blood was spilt."
 
The memory of his body lying on the floor, of her hand bloodied by the wound he had received, still haunted her.
 
A man, just leaving childhood and his teenage years, almost had been killed under his own roof, by his own blood.
 
"He wanted to protect his son from plots. He caused everything that happened afterwards. He saved the realms. I'm surprised Rhaenyra didn't ask him to be Hand instead of me."
"Would it be prideful to admit I am glad she chose you?"
 
She smirked.
 
"The Queen who never was is becoming the Queen that almost was?"
 
He kissed her.
 
"In my heart, you'll always be the Queen that should have been."
 

 
"Daddy! Daddy, come quick!"
 
Jaehaerys was almost jumping under the excitement.
 
"Jaehaerys, sweet boy, your father has to be careful when he's up." Helaena reminded him
"I know but quick!"
 
Aegon and her exchanged a glance. Aemond and her helped him on his feet : today wasn't a good day. He felt like he had jumped out of Sunfyre's back while flying in the sky. The world didn't spin as much but the side effects remained. Orwyle didn't appear too concerned, so he assumed things were going as they should. They walked towards the corridor where Jaehaera was running, her egg in her arms...
 
Her egg was hatching, a tiny dragon's head coming out of the shell.
 
"By the Seven!" Her mother beamed
"My dragon's born!" The girl exclaimed
 
The beast was as black as the night with bright emerald eyes.
 
"Congratulations!" Her uncle smiled
 
The hatchling cooed.
 
"Well done, my girl!" Aegon said
 
His eyes were filled with pride.
 
"His name is Morghul!"
 
The siblings all looked at each other. Morghul meant Death in High Valyrian.  Was it one of her visions, like her mother?
 
"What a lovely name!" The prince ended up saying. "How did you come up with it?"
"I've read it in a book, I find it cute!"
 
They all tended to forget that while being a dragon dreamer, the little girl was only four years old.
 
"He's so cute!" Her brother said
"What about your egg, Jaehaerys?" Aemond asked him
"Not a crack."
 
Aegon carefully knelt, and patted his shoulder.
 
"Your egg will soon hatch, my sweet."
"I know." The boy smiled. "And it doesn't, it's okay, there are lots of dragons out there! And if I don't have a dragon, that's okay too! I'm still me!"
 
He kissed his forehead and offered his girl the finger bump on the shoulder she liked so much. Surprising him, she came closer and kissed his cheek, Morghul licking his fingers.
 

 
"By order of Queen Rhaenyra, the child fighting pits are to be closed and destroyed!" The street crier shouted. "The children shall be entrusted to the Faith's care until they are of age!"
 
The people started to whisper between them.
 
"It is her brother, Prince Aegon's pleasure, to offer the people a new bathhouse, open to anyone, no matter the social class, the work, the money!"
 
Women smiled : some of them were homeless. It was hard enough as it was, but when they flowered, it was even harder to maintain some dignity and cleanliness.
 
"A brand new orphanage is to be built! It is also the queen's wish for the sewers to be bettered and for new water wells to be installed everywhere, from the richest part of the city to the dirtiest areas of Flea Bottom!"
"Long live the queen!" The crowd shouted
"It's not only the queen!" A woman intervened. "It's Prince Aegon!"
"Hear, hear!" A man replied. "Prince Aegon's the only one to come to us regularly! He doesn't spit on us!"
"The prince of the smallfolk!"
 
The crier asked for silence.
 
"To celebrate the birth of her daughter, it is the Queen's wish to have food given to the poorest and for feasts to be organized throughout the city!"
"Long live the queen!"
 

 
Aegon believed he would never sit on the council again. Yet, Rhaenyra had called for him and he could hardly refuse her.
 
"How are you feeling, My Prince?" Criston worried as they stood near the doors
 
The prince gulped. He had never returned ever since his grandfather almost killed him inside and while he knew he was safe, somehow, he was scared and he swore his head was suddenly hurting more than it had ever hurt. His breath got stuck in his throat. The White Cloak put a hand on his shoulder, warm, kind, caring.
 
"The walk was fine."
 
It had surprisingly been okay. If he walked slowly, he didn't feel much discomfort. The noises didn't affect him as much. The exercices given by Orwyle were really starting to bear their fruits. The man was a saint and deserved a raise : after everything he did for their family, that was the least they could do for him.
 
"I'm not only talking about the walk." The knight said
"You're with me. I'm safe."
"I failed you..."
"I failed myself, Cole. You protected me, saved me and you care for me beyond the crown."
 
The prince took a deep breath and asked to enter. He did his best to enter with his head high, his fear down at the sole of his feet, and to not stare at the corner that he hit his head on. The lords got up to greet him.
 
"My Prince." Lord Beesbury told him. "On behalf of the council, we congratulate you on your recovery. We are delighted to see you up and about."
"Thank you, Lord Beesbury, My Lords. You are all too kind."
"No, they're not." His half-sister smiled
 
He started to bow but she stopped him from afar with a sign of her hand.
 
"I meant what I said, Brother, during the vows. You, of all people, don't have to bow to me. You saved the realms from war and my crown from being usurped. Come and sit."
 
A chair had been placed for him near Aemond, in case he felt unwell or needed assistance. The young man was surprised to see his mother attending too despite her own injuries. It wasn't stupid, however, to have kept her : the lords respected her advice, what she had to offer and she did rule while her husband was decaying. Was it Rhaenyra's wish and way to prove to her that she wanted peace and unity?
 
"I've asked you to come and sit with us because something occurred today in Flea Bottom." The queen told him
"No casualties, I hope?"
"None at all. When the crier explained all of the changes that were to be made, the people were thrilled. They wished you good health. But they also gave you a new moniker."
 
Why was she smiling?
 
"They called you "The Prince of the Smallfolk"."
 
Thank the Gods they hadn't called him king!
 
"I'm sorry about it, I certainly do not want to undermine your authority and..."
"Brother. I'm not mad. If anything, it proves to me just how right you are regarding the smallfolk and their woes. I wanted us all to discuss the creation of a new ministry for them."
 
He felt trapped. She was going to make him Master of something and he'd have to sit councils, he'd have to attend, he'd have to... he wasn't built for this. He didn't have the talent, the skills, he was an idiot, he had always been dumb... He had never been as good as Aemond, his studies weren't brilliant, he wasn't smart, he was an idiot, he was unteachable, no matter how hard he tried...
 
"The peace of a ruler's reign vastly depends on the happiness of his people." He admitted
"The recent events made me see it. The way they cheered for us, for you! The number of people coming to give us new pieces of information regarding the Shepherd. The people owe us but we owe them just as much. You made me realize it."
 
He felt his mother's eyes on him, the soft smile she had. It was a strange feeling, knowing she could be proud of him after disappointing her for so long.
 
"Creating the new ministry will take time. But the people need care right now. I wanted to open petitions to the public so our people could come to us, so we could hear their grievances. If you agree, I'd like the petitions to be held by you."
"Me?" He stuttered
 
He hated himself for it. Long were gone the effects of Criston's pep talk. But back then, he had power. He was the Regent. Now, he just was the queen's brother, which was absolutely fine by him. Still, he felt as if he was surrounded by wolves. And that bloody room didn't help.
 
"They love you. And you genuinely care for them. You have a way with them. We could start once a month, perhaps then open them to once a fortnight."
 
He nodded.
 
"If it helps the crown and its people, I'd be delighted, Sister."
"You'd sit on the Iron Throne for this."
 
Silence fell in the room and he swore he heard Alicent gasping.
 
"You would represent me, the crown. Your mother and the former Hand sat on the throne for our father. I don't see why you shouldn't be allowed to do the same."
"Sister... Some may use it against you. You ascended and I do not want to be king. But for some, seeing me here, they'd say it's my natural habitat. It could generate tensions and..."
"And if they rebel, we'll crush them. I understand your caution. But I do not want to live in fear nor do I want to deprive you when you were willing to offer your life protecting my rule. You're my blood. If I cannot trust you, if I cannot trust my family, I am doomed."
 

 
“Rhaenyra wants you to hear the petitions and to sit on the Iron Throne? Aegon, I’m so proud of you!” Helaena smiled
“That’s a poisoned gift…”
“Oh?”
 
Aemond didn’t say anything but he had noticed how tense his brother was when the subject was approached. He knew his sibling had no wish to rule, always stated he wasn’t suited, that he had no taste for duty. Yet, when he mattered the most, he had been able to rise to the challenge.
 
“Why?” Daeron intervened. “That’s great news!”
“Rhaenyra wants to create a ministry for the smallfolk.”
“And I don’t see why you are so unhappy about it.”
“I’m not unhappy about it!” Aegon argued back. “That’s great news! The people have often felt pushed to the side, they have a voice that no one wanted to hear!”
“You’re scared.” Aemond concluded
 
The oldest looked at him.
 
“I’m terrified.” He admitted
 
He wished he had wine nearby. He hadn’t drunk a drop of it for weeks but this would dull his senses…
 
“Rhaenyra didn’t choose me out of the blue. She knows that’s something I care about. And apparently, I’m the prince of the smallfolk now, according to the people… If anything, that’s a boost in her popularity. Imagine this : you’re a peasant and you hear that not only the new queen opened petitions for people like you, meaning you are to be received in the castle by royalty, you are to be received by the man your lot adores… When the ministry is created, she’s going to put me at its head, another choice would be surprising…”
“And you don’t want to sit council because?”
“Because I’m lazy, because it’s tiring, because I cannot concentrate on something for more than a few minutes?”
“Aegon, you took the regency and held it until Rhaenyra arrived and until she arrived, you didn’t simply keep the throne warm for her. You actively took part in politics. You went above and beyond to secure her position when it could and should have been her job. The lords’ vows possible loophole? Even I didn’t think of it. So no, when it counts, you aren’t lazy. So, why?”
 
Gods, he loved Aemond, he genuinely did but in times like this, he was insufferable!
 
“Come on. Why? And don’t tell me it’s because you’re not like me. You don’t care about it.”
“I do…”
 
That came as a surprise to them all.
 
“Unlike you, unlike all of you, I am completely stupid.”
 
Helaena scoffed.
 
“Not ill-equipped.” He added. “This is on me and me alone. But I am an idiot. As dumb as soup.”
“Your lips are moving and Alicent’s voice comes out.” His wife said
“Ask any teacher we had. I’ve always come last.”
“Being a good ruler or master isn’t measured by how well you did in your studies.” Daeron intervened. “Ormund always said so. True, your studies are important, they give you a base, but you also have to adapt to the events. Which you did. Don’t you realize all that you’ve changed? You are smart, Brother. Smarter than anyone believes, smarter than anyone gives you credit for.”
“I have no taste for long hours sitting behind a desk.”
“And? You can be among the people and hire a secretary for the writing parts.”
“Please, stop…”
 
They decided to drop the subject. It clearly was too touchy and too soon for him and the last thing they wanted was to make him feel uncomfortable among them. Helaena was boiling deep down : their parents really messed him up. To know your limitations was good but to consider yourself the way her husband did? All of this because studying was harder for him? Because the usual methods didn’t suit him?
 
“I don’t think you are stupid.” Aemond told him
“You always call me a fool.”
“Fools have brains. Were you a good student? Maybe not.”
“I gave up you mean.”
“Did you give up or were you made to give up?”
“…”
“You can be pretty clever. When you force yourself.”
“Hey!”
 
The one-eyed prince smirked, making Aegon smile in return.
 
He’d think about all of that later.
 
As of right now, he simply wanted to enjoy the rest of his day with his family.

 
To Be Continued

Chapter Text

It was time. Alicent's health was bettering everyday, despite some care she still required, she was up and about, cautious about her moves but overall, she was considered almost healed. A part of her regretted being alright : now, her father truly had to leave. She had spent so many years by his side in King's Landing, she suddenly felt like a little girl again. Like the young woman who had been left alone, pregnant with her third child, with a toddler and a baby to care for, her only friend despising her. Then, the reasonable side of the dowager queen berated her : she was lucky.

Lucky to have survived.

Lucky her youngest son was home at last.

Lucky that her father was spared, sent to the Wall instead of executed.

Lucky that her eldest son, whom she had rejected, neglected, abused even, spared him out of love for her.

Lucky her eldest son was willing to give her another chance.

In the courtyard, free at last, the former Hand of the King smiled at his two children.

"Do not cry, daughter." He dried her cheek. "I shall write to you."

He looked at his son.

"To you both."
"I shall take care of Alicent, Father." Gwayne promised
"I know you will, my son."
"Queen Rhaenyra offered me to stay in King's Landing."

His sister gasped.

"She saw how close we are. How close I am to her siblings. Besides, it's an honour to offer her my sword."

Rhaenyra who was trying too.

"I am proud of you both." Their father told them. "No father could have been more fulfilled or blessed than me."

From the balcony, Aegon was discretely watching the scene, ensuring he wasn't seen, Aemond and Daeron by his side. Aemond had disagreed on this but still went with him. His brother needed to see that man gone, just as it was his way to perhaps heal: Otto would never abuse him again. Some footsteps were heard, someone was running. Passing the courtyard’s gates, Helaena was rushing to her grandfather, some strands of her hair falling out of her intricate bun. The man's eyes betrayed how moved he was : ever since Aegon had taken the regency, his granddaughter had been distant, even more when he almost killed her brother and husband.

"Helaena..."

The princess quickly caught her breath.

"Grandfather."

She approached him.

"I don't know if I can truly get over everything you did to Aegon." She told him. "But if he taught me anything, it's that living in hatred or resentment is no way to live. I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye."

She initiated the hug. His arms warmly welcomed his favourite grandchild.

"You are the best part of House Targaryen and House Hightower combined." He said

The wagon for the Wall was getting impatient. Otto embraced his children one last time, kissed Helaena's cheek.

"Can you do something for me?" He asked her
"Tell me."
"Tell Aegon I am sorry. He is a fool. But he is one because I didn't give him the chance of being anything else than that. He didn't deserve everything I did to him."

She nodded, unaware her spouse had heard. Daeron patted his shoulder. Their eyes took off the horizon when the horses were too far for them to see.

Asking Daemon to stay behind was the greatest idea Criston had had during this investigation. Even disguised, his features were too valyrian to go unnoticed. It was a wonder how Aegon escaped so many times without being caught when he dressed as a humble urchin from Flea Bottom. Besides, the king deserved to spend time with his newborn daughter. The knight had managed to mingle among the populace and after a few white lies for which he'd repent later, he had been led to the Shepherd's den. Underground, surrounded by animal bones, a small village below the great city, the man ruled over his faithful men like a king despite his ghastly appearance.

However, he lost his touch.

"That's not true!" A woman argued. "Queen Rhaenyra is opening petitions to hear us! Prince Aegon himself will meet with us!"
"The wells are starting to be built!" Another claimed
"My house doesn't smell like shit anymore now that the sewers are being restored and cleaned!" A breastfeeding mother exclaimed. "How can they bring doom when they are bringing us comfort?"
"It is a trap!" The Shepherd replied

He held a worn-out seven-pointed star book.

"Remember the words of the Crone! The rarest treasures of life are found in The Seven's truth. That’s why their words are prized like others prize the finest gold. Sweeter also than honey are his living words, sweet words dripping from the honeycomb! The Targaryens' promises are like raspberries : lovely on the outside, hollow on the inside. They will lead you astray, corrupt your children, setting them away from the rightful path! This land shall become the new Valyria, lazy and decadent, before it burns like its predecessor! We are Andals, we are the true people of these realms, they are outsiders who raped our kingdoms to prosper after they had set their own home ablaze!"

The people whispered between them.

"Look at King Maegor! None of his andal wives could bear him a child! And our poor Queen Alicent! Corrupted to the point of caring of the dragon spawn forced upon her by a Targaryen man who cut open his first wife for a dead child! They marry each other, nourishing the madness in their blood!"
"But then, Queen Alicent's blood is saving the Targaryens!" A man argued. "Her children are half andals!"
"True, my son." the Shepherd replied. "But it is not her son who rules! He, the half-Hightower prince, refused the crown and let his Targaryen sister take it, she who married a murderer the day her own husband was killed! She who birthed bastards to rule over us after she's gone! Prince Aegon succumbed to the madness of his predecessors and condemned the realms to tyranny and decay! He's worse than the others : he knew it and still, he offered you all to the demons of the Seven Hells! He's buying your love, he doesn't care! His blood should be spilt, he should be burnt alive, death is the only salvation that awaits his perverted soul!"

Criston had heard enough. It took time to discretely study the area, all while rejoicing when he heard so many actually defending the prince. The arrest had to be swift, a surprise. But then what? Killing him would make a martyr out of him, banishing him was too dangerous... He'd have to ask the Lord Commander to strengthen the security. Rhaenyra was holding off her coronation until Aegon was healthy enough but she could not and would not hold if off until that threat was dealt with.

And on a personal level, he didn't want any member of his family of heart to be hurt ever again.

"It feels so nice..."

Helaena smiled as she held Aegon's arm. Maester Orwyle had deemed him fit enough to try and have a small walk in the gardens, without having to be carried there first, as long as he didn’t wander too far away and that there were benches or chairs nearby for him to rest along the way.

"I've arranged for a table to be set for us." She said. "With your favourite cakes."
"You're the best."

The young prince enjoyed every ray of the sun, the feeling of the faint breeze on his skin. His pace was slow, maybe even slower than a snail but he didn't care : he was outside, on his two feet and right now, while it was tiring, he felt good. His head wasn't hurting at all, though he knew it'd come soon enough and he didn't feel as light-headed as he usually felt.

"Jaehaerys swore he felt his egg moving."
"Maybe his dragon will be born soon."

It was strange, being together, alone, so intimate, when they usually avoided each other : they loved each other, but the way a brother and sister loved each other, never really as lovers. 

Until now. 

This whole ordeal, leaving them feeling so weird, so out of time, ethereal even, had changed their whole perspective. Helaena was free at last from her visions being triggered by touch : she still had some but now, instead of being the cause, her husband's touch was the cure. It calmed her down, helped her walk through what she saw, trying to understand it. Aemond found few records but kept looking.

Now, they enjoyed each other's company, even if they just stood together in silence, and they felt a fondness for the other they could not really explain or detail to anyone. It wasn’t love, they were sure of it. Maybe it was habit? Comfort? Whatever it was, they were grateful : for the first time, they managed to forget for a moment that they were siblings on top of being married.

"I didn't know if you wanted wine." She told him. "You haven't drunk as much lately."
"I'm trying to quit..." He admitted
"All while recovering?"
"Well, I'm hurting already so might as well have all the hurt at once."
"Aegon."

She was smiling nonetheless.

"I'm proud of you."
"Thank you. I'm proud of you too."
"For what?"
"For everything."

While delighted by being able to stroll, sitting down under the pergola was a welcomed relief.

"The children will join us after their lessons. We could have a snack together outside."

He nodded.

"Helaena, I've been thinking..." Aegon told her
"Yes?"
"Ever since it all started, we've basically lived every day in the same apartments. At first yours, then mine. And while the circumstances weren't the happiest, I enjoyed it. I enjoy being able to reunite with you, the kids, after our days. To share our meals, to play. I... I was wondering if you'd be against us living together this way, permanently. We'd keep our rooms, of course, just in case : should one of us be sick or something. And only if you want to, of course, but..."
"I'd be delighted." His wife replied "I like it too. You know, during Father's last dinner... I said it the wrong way. But when I said you ignored me unless drunk, I didn't mean to insult you. I meant that I missed you. I wanted you to be around more."
"You had a vision before that speech. The beast beneath the boards. Maybe you were still in the clouds."
"Maybe..."
"I'm not mad at you, you know. I mean, yes, that was embarrassing but I simply thought you wanted to get back at me for how crude I've been to Baela. Gosh, I still haven't apologized to her yet about it..."
"I doubt she's upset."

They took a bite of their lemon cakes. There were orange ones on the side for their daughter.

"Can I ask you something?" Helaena asked him
"Sure."
"Can I kiss you?"

Surprised, the prince replied she didn't have to ask him, she could just kiss his cheek or whatever.

"I'd like to kiss you the way a wife kisses her husband."

Their only kiss on the lips had been during their wedding, to seal the vows. They had never dared doing it again.

"Is it part of what my lady friend told you about?"
"Can I?"
"I'm your husband."
"You don't force me to have children, I do not get to force kisses on you."

He sighed.

"Fine. I, Aegon Targaryen, solemnly allow my wife, Helaena Targaryen, to kiss my lips."

Helaena got closer and gently kissed him. It was brief, soft, delicate, just like her but somehow… it felt… not only okay. It felt right. Their eyes locked up. Not another word was spoken or even needed. Aegon captured her lips, his wife melting into his arms, holding on to him as he relied on her. 

“Yuck!”

Startled, the couple broke the embrace, only to smile at their son scrunching up his nose.

“One day, you’ll enjoy kissing girls.” His father laughed. “But you’ll enjoy kissing your wife more.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Aegon wasn’t scared, he was terrified. Not for his safety: Ser Harrold had planned the entire security and many queensguards were present. The throne room was filled with men, women, even children, who gasped when they saw him.

“Keep your head tall.” He reminded himself. “You are a Targaryen. You are as fearsome as any of them.”

As he walked towards the throne, one of his guards announced :

“All hail Prince Aegon Targaryen, Former Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm, Queen Rhaenyra’s beloved brother!”

That wasn’t part of the plan but he enjoyed the attention nonetheless. Near the seat, Rhaenys stood there, no doubt legitimising a bit more those petitions as she was now Hand of the Queen.

“Princess Rhaenys, My Lady Hand.” He bowed
“No need to bow before me, My Prince.” She gently told him

Carefully turning around, making sure not to hurt his head by spinning too fast and to avoid tripping on his cloak, the young man sat on the Iron Throne. Higher than anyone, he felt out of place : this wasn’t his place.

At all.

A young woman came forwards. She couldn’t have been older than Rhaena.

“My Prince.” She anxiously bowed
“There is no need to be afraid.” He said, his voice soft. “What is your name?”
“My name is Tansy, My Prince.”
“Good Morrow, Tansy.” He smiled. “What can I do for you today?”
“My Prince, I come for my father. He was a farmer. Every farmer offers some sheep to keep the dragons fed and we were happy to…”
“But?” He encouraged her
“Last year, many sheep died because of an illness. When my father couldn’t afford to give sheep because it would have deprived us of yarn to sell, the late king’s collectors beat my father to death and stole the rest of the sheep.”

Aegon froze and whispers were heard. He turned to Rhaenys.

“Did you hear of this?” He inquired
“No, My Prince.”
“Ser Harrold?” He turned to the White Cloak
“It had been reported to the previous Lord Hand, My Prince. But nothing has been done.”

He sighed.

“I am appalled by your story, Tansy.” He said. “I offer you my sincere condolences for the death of your father, which I won’t hesitate to call murder.”

The peasants gasped.

“Do you have the names of the men that killed him?”
“No, My Prince. But I remember their faces.”
“Good. You will describe them to Ser Harrold and we will see that your father, an honest worker, gets Justice, even in death. Who takes care of your farm, now?”
“No one. I’m alone, I have been forced to sell.”
“Do you have a job?”
“Some, here and there.”
“Do you have any family?”
“No, it was just me and my father, My Prince.”

He nodded.

“I cannot restore your farm nor bring your father back. But I will talk to Queen Rhaenyra about what happened, we will see together what can be done to alleviate the burden on the farmers’ shoulders. I will try my best so your father can rest in peace. And to ensure your livelihood, I offer you a place in my household.”

Tansy looked like she was about to faint.

“One of my daughters’ servants is leaving service, with my wife and I’s blessing, as she is getting married. I would be glad to offer you her position.”

The teenager’s eyes were shining with unshed tears.

“A thousand blessings, My Prince!”

She bowed, walked to the side, leaving a young boy, maybe about Jaehaerys’ age or slightly older in front of him. This was going to be long but worth it. The people deserved to be heard. He knew what it felt like to be ignored, misunderstood, mistreated…

At the end of the petitions, as he got up, Aegon realized something :

The Iron Throne hadn’t cut him.

“Please, install this here, in this high cupboard.”

Helaena’s apartments were buzzing like a hive, with servants and maids entering and exiting the rooms, chests being brought. The princess was radiant, more than she had ever been. Daeron and Aemond looked at that waltz, surprised.

“What’s going on?” The youngest asked his sister
“Aegon and I have decided to live together.” She explained as she indicated to a woman where to store the linens. “We kinda did during his regency, more for his safety than anything else but we both enjoyed it. Besides, the children love seeing their father more.”
“That’s great news!” Her brother exclaimed. “I didn’t know you had issues with your marriage, though…”

She kindly smiled at him.

“We didn’t have issues per say. We were just married too young and too fast. We both needed our space. Aegon still keeps his room, we might turn it into a playroom for the children or a sick room in case one of us falls sick and it could be contagious.”
“Or if it fails.” Aemond thought

He didn’t know how to feel about this. Was he happy his beloved sister finally got the marriage she wanted and deserved? Absolutely! But this was Aegon. And with all the love and care he had for him, he knew how his brother was. Filled with good intentions, and goodwill, at the start of a project but then, quit as it got too hard or he returned to his old habits. True, the regency proved him wrong in that regard, his love for his family carried him through and he still had to see him drink since everything started.

“If you want, I’ll keep the children occupied after their studies.” Daeron offered. “They wanted to see my Tessarion.”
“Thank you.”

The teenager kissed his sister’s cheek and left.

“Now, can you tell me what’s that frown about?” The young woman asked her sibling
“What frown?”
“You disapprove of Aegon moving here.”
“I don’t!”

He sat on a nearby chair, crossing his legs.

“It’s just… I don’t want him to disappoint you again. What if he cheats on you again?”

The small laughter that came out of her mouth startled him.

“I hardly count soliciting sex workers cheating on your spouse, Aemond.”
“Helaena!”

She sat near him after instructing another maid.

“Aemond. Aegon didn’t want this marriage. I didn’t want it either. We were too young, I was plagued by my dreams and he unwillingly and unknowingly triggered them by touching me. He has needs.”
“You do too.”
“Different ones. Instead of forcing himself upon me, he respected my fear of touch. He went elsewhere to have his needs met. You call it adultery, I call it respect. He could have taken me, no matter who I felt, it would have been his right and everyone would have called it marital duty and faithfulness.”

Helaena took his hand.

“By taking control of his fate, he freed me of mine. I am not the touchiest person still, but now, all of you can hug me without me rejecting you. I am not saying Aegon and I are going to be the next Viserys and Aemma or Jaehaerys and Alysanne. But I respect him, he respects me and things changed. We want to try.”
“I… I just don’t want you getting hurt.” Aemond confessed. “I don’t want him to be hurt either, mind you. But breaking hearts, that’s more his thing than yours.”
“We’ll see where it goes.”

A man entered with a small bed.

“Place this here, please.”
“Helaena… is there a good news I have missed?”

She smiled.

“I am not with child. Not yet, though we are talking about it. We… we are taking in a child.”
“The one he believed was his but isn’t?”
“I do not know if that woman told the boy’s father was a lysene sailor to get her torture to stop. Rhaenyra and Mysaria say the math didn’t add up. But I am not taking any chance: if she lied, my husband’s son belongs with us. If she didn’t lie, that boy is all alone and he reignited Aegon’s wish to discover the truth.”
“People will talk. Why him and not the others?”
“The others are also taken care of. I gave Rhaenyra money. One orphanage is built by the crown. The other is from me. I feel like I haven’t done enough before.”
“You did more than the others.”
“Maybe. But now that I am more myself, I want to do more.”

The moon was high in the sky and most of the city was asleep. The tension in the air was thick as they all walked quietly through the streets. That was the plan : separate the group in three so they could corner the Shepherd while preaching. One of the group would secure him, the others taking care of his allies. Rhaenyra had been adamant on it : his followers weren’t to be hurt. They had been brainwashed, they were attracted to his ideas because of the misery they suffered from. They would be jailed but treated correctly, released once their leader would be properly dealt with. Slowly but surely, they managed to reach the underground area.

“That’s not true!” A teenager exclaimed. “Prince Aegon was kind to me when he received me! He denounced my father’s death for what it was : murder! He promised to talk to the queen about the farmers! He offered me a job!”
“Tansy’s right!” An elderly woman intervened. “Prince Aegon had the pits closed, he has the queen’s ears! His kindness is real! When his own grandsire almost killed him, he spared his life and asked for him to be sent to the Wall instead! Not all the Targaryens are bad!”
“Princess Helaena offered her own coin to have another orphanage built along the one the queen planned!”
“Princess Helaena is a saint! It’s thanks to her that any leftovers from the royal kitchens are distributed to the poor!”

The Shepherd paled.

“You are far beyond saving…”

He moved his limb, ordering two armed goons to restrain and kill the protesters. Criston immediately gestured to the other group. They all rushed inside, unsheathing their swords.

“By the Seven Gods!” The preacher exclaimed
“Shepherd!” The White Cloak said. “By order of Queen Rhaenyra, you are under arrest for the planned murder attempt on her brother, Prince Aegon, Former Regent of the Seven Kingdoms!”

The man was brought to his knees and tied while his guards were disarmed and stopped. Some of the man’s devoted followers tried to free him, however they were easily contained by the soldiers.

“It is the Queen’s wish that anyone who spoke against that man be allowed to walk free of this place! We welcome you to the castle where you can tell us about his machinations! To the others, Queen Rhaenyra forgives you. But for your own safety, you shall be kept in the cells, well treated, until this settles down.”

The mob was slowly removed. Tansy approached Criston.

“Ser.”

“Miss.”
“The Shepherd. He was planning something. Something about the pit and killing the dragons… all of the dragons. So the royal family would be powerless and easily killed.”
“You turned on him. Why?”
“I was at the petitions this morning. I wanted to see if the Targaryens were as bad as he said. But Prince Aegon, he was kind to me. Truly kind. He did what everyone didn’t want to do : he said just how sorry he was for me.”

Criston smiled.

“I thank you, Tansy. Your words will be of great help.”

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were asleep. Morghul was snoring near the young girl, nestled against her. Her twin’s egg was on his bedside, warm to the touch. Aegon adjusted their sheets before joining his wife, in the other room. Helaena was already in bed.

“Soon, they’ll be grown enough to have their own apartments.” He smiled
“Why do they have to grow up so fast?” She lamented
“Because their job is to make us go grey or bald before our time, and feel old.” Her spouse joked
“I saw Rhaenys earlier. She told me how good you were during the petitions.”
“I… I enjoyed it. Truly.”
“You hired a new maid for Jaehaera.”
“I should have consulted you about it. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I would have hired her too. If Rhaenyra does create a seat for a master or mistress of the people, if she asks you to be that master, would you agree?”

He sighed.

“I’ve already told you all, I am not clever enough to hold such a post, I’m too lazy and…”
“And you could do things your way.”

She kissed his cheek.

“You are smart, Aegon. Smarter than you believe. You don’t believe it because you were always told you were an idiot. When you simply needed more time and help.”
“Hel…”
“I meant it. You taught Sunfyre the common language! You avoided a loophole with the lords. You even managed to teach Jaehaera some sign language for days when she didn’t feel like speaking! Aemond doesn’t even know sign language! Besides, being a scholar doesn’t mean you are clever.”
“You’re just being kind, Hel. I taught Sunfyre the common language because I can barely align two words in valyrian…”
“Valyrian that you perfectly understand despite not being able to speak it.”
“The loophole was a lucky guess.”
“And no one thought of it except you.”
“Sign language, that was just me being the father our daughter deserves, she needed help, I provided…”
“And you were the only one to even think of sign language. Aegon, no matter how many times you say you’re stupid, I’ll debunk that just as much.”

She embraced him.

“Aegon…”
“Yes?”

She was blushing and he could feel some wetness against his leg.

“Do you want me to take care of it?”
“You’re not healed enough.”

He smirked.

“But as my lady friend said, there are things that don’t require too much moving.”
“I can go to your old room and…”

He kissed her.

“I’d be happy to make you happy. Unless you don’t want me to.”

She lowered her head, almost ashamed when she whispered she wanted him to.

“Don’t be ashamed. If the Seven didn’t want women to enjoy this, they wouldn’t have given them the feeling of pleasure.” He reassured her

He gently kissed her lips.

“May I?”

Helaena nodded, shivering slightly as she felt his hand going under her nightdress. A shiver of longing. Her head rested on his chest as she felt his fingers caressing her inner tights before a moan escaped her lips.

“You’re okay?”

She nodded.

“It feels nice… please continue.”

He smirked, delighted to oblige. His expertise allowed him to quickly find her most sensitive area, gently teasing it, playing with it, causing his wife to grip his shirt, her legs spreading wider without her realizing it.

“Aegon…”

A familiar warmth spread in his lower belly. But tonight was for Helaena, Helaena only. His hand was getting drenched.

“Aegon… what about you?” She worried
“Tonight’s your night, Hel.”
“I want to share it with you. But…”
“You have full permission to do whatever you want.”
“What if I do wrong?”
“You’ll be perfect. And if not, practice makes perfect.” He said, kissing her again

The young woman shyly reached for his breeches, not daring to go behind the fabric.

“Can I…”
“You can.”

He bit his lips as she touched his erection, gradually taking it in her hand, stroking it so carefully it was almost painful.

“Go ahead, truly.”
“Won’t I hurt you?”
“Never.”

Their lips met as she started to completely caress it. Soon enough, without any words, their bodies resonated with each other, matching the other’s rhythm, the two dancers finally on the same pace.

“Aegon…”
“Helaena…”

She saw the stars first, the sheets wet.

He saw them even clearer not long after.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

When they woke up in the morning, nestled against each other, his breeches on his ankles and her nightgown above her waist, the young couple understood that what happened the previous night wasn’t a dream : it had happened.

They got carnally intimate, though no children would come from their activities.

They got intimate by desire, by choice, not out of duty to procreate and bring new heirs into the royal family.

They didn’t know how to process this : they had wanted it, they had enjoyed it, but too many questions were waltzing in their heads, at the moment, to make sense. Would they finally be able to be one without feeling disgusted about it? They were husband and wife, true but they also were brother and sister. And for Aegon, who had tried to reject so much of his Targaryen inheritance out of shame, out of hurt, to be able to love Helaena in any other way was somehow scary.

Maybe he was a true Targaryen after all…

His wife said nothing, simply hugging him close to her chest.

It didn’t matter, he realized, the why or the how.

What mattered was how they felt.

It had felt good.

It had felt right.

“Your Grace, there is the question of strengthening your rule.”

Rhaenyra managed to suppress the sigh she wanted to let go of.

“My rule is quite secure, Lord Lannister.” She replied

“Of course, Your Grace. But there are still people out there who believe Prince Aegon should rule as he is your father’s first legitimate son.”

She scoffed.

“My brother, from the moment our father died, claimed the throne was mine by right!” She exclaimed. “He refused to even entertain the idea of being king! If he was crowned, it was only so he could safely announce his regency without anyone preventing him from doing so! My brother, the one who could have claimed our father’s crown as his own, the only one who could have claimed it on the base of precedence, didn’t! Instead, he protected my rights, and always said he was not to be king. For Heavens’ sake, he was willing to bow before me and pledge his allegiance to me!”

She theatrically gestured to the right-end corner of their table.

“Do I have to remind you his blood was spilt in my defence?! My brother has been abused for days, he has been attacked and almost killed by his own grandfather because he refused to usurp me! He’s the only man in the land who could challenge me and yet, he never posed any threat, instead he steadily strengthened my position! He has written personally to all of the lords, reaffirming his temporary position as head of the state, asking them to bow to me! What more can he do? We have asked enough of him!”

The master of ships nodded.

“It wasn’t my intention to upset you, Your Grace. All of us, gathered here around this table, know all the sacrifices Prince Aegon made, especially the attempt on his life. Your brother can be called a hero as he prevented a terrible war of succession. I am merely saying that while his efforts are rewarded with peace, there will always be people out there to contest it.”

“The Master of Ships is right, My Queen.” Lord Wylde intervened. “Prince Aegon served and protected the realms with bravery and we owe him a great debt. The loophole he managed to avoid, none of us had thought about it. However, if he had to take upon a regency, it’s because the laws of succession for the royal family aren’t clear. The Great Council of King Jaehaerys determined who would succeed him, your father, the Seven keep him in their glory, ascended the throne because the lords wanted it. However, for his own succession, while he named you heir, the moment Prince Aegon was born, people started to look at him as the next ruler. It is difficult to hear but that is the sad truth.”

“What would you have me do, then?”

“Creating clear laws would be ideals.” Aemond spoke up. “We were blessed by having a prince who put his father’s wish above tradition. There is no uglier war than a war between siblings. But later, who can say that another prince shall look up to his ancestor and be inspired by his selflessness? It is in human nature to crave more.”

“Do you have a suggestion, Brother?”

“A pragmatic sanction.”

“Enlighten me.”

“Our brother, Daeron, talked to me about it. The principle is easy : the throne passes from a father to the eldest of his legitimate sons. Should he have no legitimate sons but a legitimate daughter, the throne goes to her, so she can pass it to her son. If she has no sons but a daughter, it passes to her daughter up until there is a legitimate male offspring. Of course, should the king have no legitimate child at all, it passes to the next of his male kin : brother, nephew, cousin…”

“And if he has no brother, nephew, cousin…”

“To the next of the female kin.”

“This is… simple but revolutionary.” The masters of laws said. “This would have to be voted with a council.”

“Not necessarily.” The prince replied. “Having it voted by a great council would mean the law would become mandatory for every house. We can start slow, saying it applies only to House Targaryen. Should other houses want to apply it, they’d have to petition the crown to get full permission. Maybe one day it would become the overall custom but for now, we must keep the realm somehow stable.”

“There is also a way to show the unity of your house, Your Grace.” Tyland added

“No!”

It had been loud, clear and what startled Rhaenyra was the desperation in Aegon’s voice. He had almost jumped from his chair, Helaena taking him by the arm out of reflex, worried he might get dizzy. While his internal ear was getting less sensitive, while his life was getting back to normal, Maester Orwyle still considered him convalescent.

“I’d rather be burnt by Vhagar! Never!”

“I didn’t agree to this, Aegon.” His half-sister told him, getting closer but he withdrew

“I will not let my four-year-old daughter be sold off! Jaehaera will marry whoever she wants! If she even wants to marry! I will not put her through what I’ve been through! What her mother has been through! No! Over my dead body!”

“Aegon, please.” The queen insisted. “Settle down. I haven’t agreed to any of it. Tyland merely suggested it. Nothing is set, nothing is done, nothing is acted. I told him only my niece’s parents would be the judge of her marital prospects.”

“Aegon.” His wife said. “Please, sit down. You’re getting pale.”

For the first time in a few days, the spinning had returned to full force. He obeyed his spouse, sitting carefully, taking his head between his hands. Rhaenyra sat in front of him. She knew he wouldn’t like the master of ships’ idea but she had never imagined such a violent reaction to it. But then again, he was married young. He was five and ten when he married, six and ten when he became a father, all in a union he had been vocally against. Helaena, her poor sweet sister, had been younger than her own mother for her wedding, for becoming a woman, for bearing a child. On paper, yes, marrying Jaehaera to one of her sons was a good thing : the little girl was close in age to Joffrey, her Aegon and little Viserys. They had considered Jaehaerys marrying Visenya, however as he was a boy, some could say he had a claim from his father.

“I will not let Jaehaera be used as a pawn in political games…” He whispered. “Do I have to renounce my rights to the throne? Do I have to sign anything, to swear anything?”

His mind was working fast, too fast and she realized he was having a panic attack.

“Aegon.”

She put her hand on his knee.

“You do not have to do anything. I give you my word, I swear it on the lives of my children, nothing is decided. Nothing is done. Jaehaera is just as she was when she got up this morning. The idea was merely mentioned.”

“Yes, and a mention turns into a decree… That’s how Helaena and I got married…”

“If it makes you feel any better, Aemond immediately objected. He said Jaehaera was too young, that my sons were too young and that only you and Helaena should decide.”

“What else do they want from me?”

He sounded so broken she wondered how he hadn’t collapsed already. He was right : he had done everything and so much more and yet, it might not have been enough…

“Your Grace.” Ser Harrold entered the room

“Ser Harrold?”

“Ser Criston has successfully arrested The Shepherd.”

Restrained by chains and shackles, The Shepherd looked at Rhaenyra with hatred.

“So, the Great Whore herself comes to visit me!”

Daemon slapped the man.

“We were told you were planning to sack the Dragon Pit and kill our dragons.”

“Your dragons are unholy creatures from Hell! You destroyed your Valyria and are doing the same to these realms! We are the true kings of the Seven Kingdoms and you are mere invaders.”

Tall and straight, she looked at him from above.

“We gave order to the Seven Kingdoms.” She replied. “We unified the lands, and the people now live under one banner, when your former realm was divided, always warring against each other.”

She got closer.

“Why did you order my brother’s murder? Why not me directly?”

He smirked, his eyes filled with madness.

“Oh, we would have killed you afterwards. But Prince Aegon, the Whore Prince, had to pay first. He shields you. He sold the realms to a woman, a woman who would put bastards on the throne after her, a woman who would disrupt the peace! His Andal blood allowed him to see it and yet, he chose the madness of his incestuous ancestors. You must have fucked him too to twist his mind so badly! Maybe he is the real sire of your last babe!”

“Mind your words!” The king consort kicked him in the ribs

“My brother saved the realms from war. He cares about the people. By attacking him, you turned everyone against you. Thank the Seven he’s alive, unhurt : had he died, he would have made a martyr out of him.” The sovereign explained

“You cannot understand! You are the devil incarnate, you are a curse!”

He spat on her.

“My brother, as you said, is half Hightower. He honoured both of his roots : he remained faithful to our father’s wish. Can you remind me of House Hightower’s motto? Oh, yes. We light the way. And lighting the way, he did. The Whore Prince is the saviour you saw in him. It’s too bad you are blinded by your prejudices.”

She turned to the prisoners.

“People of King’s Landing. You have been moved to this man’s side because of the sufferings you have been through.” She told them. “My family has been blind and deaf to your cause. In the name of my father, I apologize to you from the bottom of my heart and if you give me a chance, I will try and make things right for you. My brother is already helping me, trying to ease whatever hails you. The people owe their queen. But what is a queen with no subjects? I owe you too. My duty to you is to provide for you, to care for you, the way a mother cares for her children, the way family cares for each other. I do not blame you for siding with The Shepherd. He made you feel heard, he made you feel seen, he acknowledged your anger.”

She walked to them.

“I promise you, on the lives of my children, that you will all walk away from here, safe, sound, with no punishment.”

“Long live the Queen!” A woman shouted from the back

Her words were cried out thrice more.

“Love live Prince Aegon! The Prince of the Smallfolk!”

“Long live Queen Rhaenyra and Prince Aegon!”

The preacher paled.

He had lost.

“If you repent, I will allow you to take the Black.” Rhaenyra offered him

“You are no queen of mine and I pray the Seven Gods to make you suffer as much as possible! May you rot in Hell and may Prince Aegon lose everyone he ever loved!”

He was immediately insulted by the crowd.

“Shepherd. I find you guilty of trying to murder my brother Aegon, your attempt hurting my stepmother, Dowager Queen Alicent. I find you guilty of trying to disrupt the peace of the realms by igniting a rebellion. I find you guilty of high treason against the realms. For these crimes, you shall be executed by dragon fire.”

“No… That is the most unworthy of death!”

“But before that, you shall walk through the streets, under heavy security, and be denounced as the fraud you are.”

“Are you feeling better?” Helaena asked him gently

His breathing was calmer, back to normal, but his head hurt him a lot.

“Do you want to lie down?”

“Yeah…”

She got up, helped him to his feet and started to walk towards their beds as Alicent entered their room. At this hour, she usually shared a cup of tea with her daughter, embroidering with her. Their latest sessions had been quiet, mostly focused on the twins, as the princess was trying to forgive her for what she had done to her brother and husband.

“Aegon!” She exclaimed, rushing towards him despite her stitches hurting her still. “Are you sick?”

She assisted her child. Aegon let a sigh of relief as he felt his head landing on the pillow.

“It is just a small setback, Mother.” He tried to reassure her

“You were doing good these days… what happened?”

She had missed the last council session as Maester Orwyle was checking on her wounds. Helaena didn’t answer.

“Something upset me, I got worked up and got up too fast.” Her child told her

“What was it? Is this anything I can help you with?”

She was trying. She really was.

“The council told Rhaenyra Jaehaera should marry one of her sons. Apparently, despite everything I did and said, some people out there still believe I should be king and thus, I am still a challenge to my sister…”

The dowager queen took his hand, her thumb caressing his knuckles.

“I refused. My daughter will not be sold off. She’ll marry whoever she wants, if she even wants to get married. Same for my son. None of our children will be married against their will.”

Alicent nodded.

“This is uncommon.” She admitted. “But it is nice. Having a choice is important.”

“I’m not unhappy with my marriage.” Helaena said. “But I would have liked Aegon and I to have a choice as well.”

“Who would you have picked?” He smirked. “Jacaerys?”

Her eyes widened, she was clearly shocked.

“He’s a better dancer than me.” He joked

“I would have chosen you. In every universe, I’d choose you.” She replied, sounding offended by the idea she could even entertain marrying someone else

Their mother hid her smile when she noticed her eldest was blushing. Things seemed to get better in their marriage. Them trying to live together, their banter, the care… And they were being better parents than she ever was. Gwayne told her she had tried her best. She wondered if that was true.

“Is Daddy sick?” Jaehaera worried as she returned from her lessons with Jaehaerys

Aegon smiled at his daughter.

“It is just my head. Mommy and Grandmother helped me.”

“Can I make you pine cone soup?”

“This is exactly what I need.”

Everything had started with him vowing to be his son’s shield, to protect him from schemes. He’d be his daughter’s shield too. He’d be their sword, their protector.

In his eyes, there was no greater honour.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Despite his earlier pains, Aegon had refused for their family dinner to be rescheduled. They had so much to catch up on with Gwayne, it was also good for his mother to be with them all, especially Daeron. As for him, he was just happy to be surrounded by his maternal family. As his youngest brother entered, embracing Alicent, he briefly thought of his grandfather. Otto could have been part of this. He could have sat around this table, chatting away with his grandchildren, spending more time with a son he loved but was estranged from as he always was in the capital with his daughter. Helaena would have told him everything about the new bug she had for her collections. He would have listened carefully. He could have been there and a part of him wished he was. However, the former Hand had made his bed, refused to undo his sheets when offered the chance and now, he had to lie in it. What a shame...
 
"Aegon, are you with us?" His wife softly said
"Yes, I am." He smiled. "So, what's going on in the Seven Realms?"
"The Shepherd has been arrested." His uncle answered as he took a sip from his wine. "The queen won the people's hearts. They also cheered for you."
 
The prince nodded as he ate a piece of his fish.
 
"He is to be burnt by a dragon."
"My sister doesn't lack a sense of humor."
"He's also to be paraded in the city, humiliated."
"Did they speak of Jaehaera again?"
 
That was a fear that stuck with him.
 
"No." Aemond replied. "I shut this down as soon as it was mentioned."
"Thanks..."
"Aemond also suggested a law." Daeron excitedly said
"Oh?"
 
The One-Eyed Prince briefly explained the suggestion he had made, nor did he omit to say it was their brother's idea in the first place.
 
"You disapprove?" He asked as he saw his older sibling rather confused
"Not quite." Aegon declared. "But I have no seat in the council, it doesn't matter what I think."
"On the contrary. Tell us." Helaena encouraged him
"I am no politician, it is not my place to criticize."
"Aegon, you have been Regent and you were a politician, even if for a short time." Vhagar's rider intervened.  "Tell us. Even if just for the sake of your demonstration."
 
He drank a bit of water before speaking.
 
"The idea of a pragmatic sanction is a nice one." He started. "But it's a little too late."
"How come?"
"This is something Father should have implemented as soon as he decided to make Rhaenyra his heir and then, he should have refrained from marrying again or from siring children. If this is implemented, I won't be crowned. I publicly said and repeated that I wasn't to be king. According to this law, either my son is king if I don't sign away his rights, or you, Aemond. A pragmatic sanction ensures a daughter can inherit, yes. In the absence of a male heir. You, Daeron, Jaehaerys, me, we are male. Even if you say it's retroactive, our existence kind of disinherits Rhaenyra. It passes over her, despite Father's wish, in favour of one of us just because of what's between our thighs."
 
Alicent looked at her son, rather stunned.
 
"If you truly want Rhaenyra's claim to be absolute, it isn't a pragmatic sanction you need. It's a new law based on absolute primogeniture. That way, it doesn't matter if the firstborn legitimate child is a boy or a girl. What matters is that they are born first. With, perhaps, a clause regarding the king, or the queen, being able to pass over the firstborn in favour of another child, should the firstborn prove to be unworthy, a traitor, or not in the right state of mind to govern. If a woman is to ascend, when she ascends, she ascends as a Targaryen. Pretty much like how Jace's name changed from Velaryon to Targaryen when Father passed away. That way, the family name is preserved and the children will be Targaryens. You will also prevent future wars of succession this way. You will not have a situation like ours again."
 
And this way, when Rhaenyra would declare that Jacaerys was her heir, she'd have the law backing her up : he was her eldest, while he was illegitimate and everyone knew, no one could prove it and if she supported him, his own claim would be strengthened. Then, when he and Baela would have children, her blood would legitimize his.
 
Feeling all eyes on him, he felt uneasy.
 
"What?"
"And then, you dare tell us you are as dumb as soup!" His spouse beamed. "If this is being dumb, I wish I was dumb!"
"I..."
"Aegon." Aemond told him. "That... was brilliant. I'm ashamed to say I didn't think of it."
"Well, it's just because we are used to seeing a man ascending the throne, it doesn't mean you..."
"It means I was short-sighted and you, despite your belief that you aren't as clever as us, me as you used me for reference, just cleaned up my mess."
"It doesn't mean it's going to be accepted, a pragmatic sanction, it's already going to be tough, so..."
"Aegon, being logical and having common sense are signs of intelligence"
"What's that story about Aegon being dumb about?" Gwayne asked
 
The young man smiled at his uncle.
 
"It's just the truth, Uncle. I am an idiot. Always have been. It's been revealed quite early, when my lessons started."
 
His mother bowed her head in shame : she had never realized just how much her words had affected her son. Aegon had difficulties with his studies, yes. When he was six or seven, he still had issues reading, even if he enjoyed books. Maester Mellos had diagnosed him with a small issue with his eyes, something corrected in a few moons. But she didn't hear this. In her mind, if he had troubles, it was his fault. Everything had always been his fault. How sad it was, to hear him say, now as a young adult, that he wasn't smart while he had just proved them how capable he was. She hated her past self for hurting him this way.
 
"Your stupidity might have saved your sister once again, Nephew." The knight joked
"I'll talk to Rhaenyra about this first thing in the morning." Aemond vowed
"Say it comes from you. I don't want anyone believing I'm interfering with affairs of state."
"You could soon interfere, Brother."
"Don't even start on this path."
 

 
"My Prince, with all due respect, the pragmatic sanction was already a challenge, but this... this is a revolution!" Lord Wylde exclaimed
 
The small council room was buzzing ever since Aemond had mentioned “his overnight thoughts” and how he believed his first idea to not be the solution the realm needed.
 
"I support Prince Aemond's suggestion." Rhaenys said. "It protects our queen more and secures the future. As he proposed yesterday, this could be implemented for the royal family only and any houses wishing to do the same could petition us."
"This is madness..." Tyland uttered
"Careful, My Lord." Rhaenyra intervened. "You can express your worries and questions but I will not have you insult my brother's mind."
"What will the people think?"
 
Aemond looked at the Lannister.
 
"Our queen is popular among the smallfolk. Her forgiving the Shepherd's allies granted her quite some sympathy. Should my brother, Prince Aegon, who’s adored right now, publicly support this law, as I suspect he would if asked, the smallfolk would accept the situation, no questions asked. What feels better for them? Knowing that the rules of succession are set and clear, giving them peace and security? Or wondering when the ruling queen or the queen consort will birth a boy?"
 
The man was unable to reply.
 
"Besides, Queen Rhaenyra has been blessed with five boys and one girl. Her heir, Prince Jacaerys, is a man. Should his future union with Princess Baela be fruitful, as I pray it will be, they could have a boy first. The next ruler is a man, and his heir isn't determined yet. It will give time for everyone to get used to the idea that a princess is equal to a prince when it comes to inheriting the Iron Throne."
"It is quite a novelty." Larys admitted. "However, this is the first time in History that a woman sits on the throne, the first time that she sits it while she has legitimate brothers, and the first time that we have a queen and a woman as Hand. We are at the start of a new age. A new era. Nothing can remain the way it was under King Viserys' rule."
"Lord Larys is right." Lord Beesbury approved. "This is indeed quite daring. But we have to be if we want our queen's rule to be successful. We owe it to her, to the late king Viserys, and to Prince Aegon whose blood was spilt, in this very room, in the defence of the queen's rights. No prince should ever bleed again because he refused to steal his sister's birthright."
"You are disinheriting yourself, Prince Aemond." The master of ships told him
 
The prince smirked.
 
"If it is to protect what my brother bled for, it is a price I am willing to pay."
 

 
"Hel... You don't have to come." Aegon told her as she was climbing inside the carriage.
 
He still helped her inside.
 
"I want to come." His wife said
"You don't do well in crowds."
"And so do you right now. You're only going because Maester Orwyle asked one of his colleagues to come with you in case the sounds trigger a new attack."
 
She sat next to him.
 
“Jaehaerys said he’ll share his toys with the little boy until he has some of his own. Even after. And Jaehaera wants to play pretend with him.”
 
The prince smiled. How did a man like him fathered two perfect little angels, he still didn’t know.
 
“If it is too much, you can stay in the carriage…”
“I want to do this with you. I… I’m not truly at peace. But you are with me. And I want to get better with this.”
 
She gently kissed his lips. About half an hour later, the couple arrived at the orphanage that welcomed the children who were used in the pits. When he thought of it, the former Regent was ashamed to have watched the fights.
 
“I put an end to this.” He thought. “I took the children out of this. No other child will go through this.”
“Look! It’s Prince Aegon! And Princess Helaena!”

A young girl couldn’t help exclaiming : “Look how pretty the princess is!”. Soon, the coach was surrounded by the crowd. Instinctively, Helaena tensed, searched for her husband’s hand, and found it immediately.

“You don’t have to go down.” He whispered
“I have to. It’d be insulting if I didn’t. Just… Stay close to me.”
“You can hold my arm if it helps.”
 
And for anyone looking at them, they’d simply see a couple in love. Aegon went down first, helping his spouse.
 
“Long live Prince Aegon!”
“The Seven bless you, my prince!”
 
He waved at them, soon imitated by his sister. A septa walked to them and bowed.
 
“My prince, my princess, I am Septa Leane. It is an honour to welcome you to our modest establishment. The children have been excited to see you.”
 
They walked through the corridors, noticing that repairs were being made thanks to the money Helaena had donated with Rhaenyra. The young woman looked around, searching for anything the little ones could miss. Then, her eyes spotted him:
 
The boy Aegon believed was his.
 
How could he not, when his locks had the same shade of silver as his?
 
“We do not have much to offer but it would be an honour to offer you a cup of tea.”
“My wife and I will be delighted.”
 
The princess agreed.
 
As long as her brother was by her side, she didn’t feel as scared as she thought she would feel.
 

 
Septa Leane had isolated the boy so they could speak to him peacefully after they had spent some time with the other kids. The sight of this child broke his heart. And while Mysaria had assured Rhaenyra he wasn’t his, Aegon wished he was. At least, he could have offered him what every child deserved : a father.
 
“Do you know who I am?” He asked
 
The boy didn’t reply but nodded.
 
“What’s your name?”
“Gaemon… Gaemon Palehair.”
“It is a lovely name. Do you know why we have asked to see you?”
“Because my mommy said you were my daddy.”
 
He looked down, tears filling his eyes.
 
“Everyone says she lied. That she lied to get money because she was a whore.”
 
The prince knelt.
 
“I do not know if your mother lied or not.” He told him
 
He was unsure himself. Had she renounced her claims so her torture would stop? Or did she break and confess?
 
“But it doesn’t matter. Because I would like to take care of you.”
“Even if you aren’t my daddy? Even if Mommy might have lied?”
 
He smiled softly.
 
“Even so. My wife and I would like to take care of you. You’d live with us, with our children. You’d learn lots of new things, you’d make friends…”
“Will I have food? And sheets?”
 
His heart wasn’t broken, it was shattered. Why did no one in their position care about the children? The smallfolk’s children?
 
“You’ll never go hungry again. You will have your own bed, with sheets. You’ll never be cold.”
“But I am not your son… Mommy said I was but then she said she lied...”
“It doesn’t matter. You could be my son. And that’s enough for me.”
 
Gaemon embraced him, startling him but his fatherly instincts kicked in. Aegon hugged him in return, took him in his arms securely as he got up. Helaena watched, teary-eyed, a hand on her belly.
 
Their family just gained a new member.
 
Blood wasn’t always what made a family.

She couldn't wait to love their new little boy.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Aegon and Helaena had always been proud of their children. So very proud. But at this moment, their pride grew even bigger, to the point they both wondered how they were granted such adorable little ones when they had so many unresolved issues themselves. Patiently waiting in the courtyard, each holding one of their grandmother's hands, they grew excited as they saw their parents' carriage coming closer. Jaehaerys was softly swinging back and forth, reminding Alicent of Aegon at the same age : if her grandson tended to favour his mother, his spirit was his father's while his twin was a mix of both. Her son came down first, holding his hand so his wife could lean on it as she exited the coach. Nestled against her, his arms around her neck, little Gaemon didn't dare look around.  However, when the dowager queen spotted his face, she knew.

Was the child Aegon's despite the investigation saying it wasn't the case? She didn't know

But she knew a Targaryen when she saw one : she had married one, she had cared for many, she had birthed four of them.

Her daughter carefully let the child down and walked together towards the entrance. When the orphan finally looked at Viserys' widow, his eyes widened in awe.

"You're pretty!" He immediately said, without even realizing who he was talking to

Aegon smirked.

"Why, thank you, little one." Alicent replied, smiling softly. "You must be Gaemon."

He nodded.

"I am Alicent."

The boy's attitude completely switched, afraid he had misbehaved and instantly bowed the best he could.

"It's alright, Gaemon. No harm done."

Jaehaerys came closer.

"Hello! I'm Jaehaerys and this is my sister Jaehaera."

Gaemon bowed again.

"You don't bow to us!" The small prince said. "You're our brother! Mommy and Daddy said you were going to be our brother, and brothers don't bow to each other!"

Helaena felt it again, the twist in her core, the yearning to be with child again. The more time passed, the bigger it grew, and her fear of pregnancy, while it remained, didn't plague her as much. If a child would be born, it would be out of choice or a happy surprise. Aegon would be there, like he tried to be when she was expecting for the first time. She was stronger now. All that remained was being his wife completely, this time her heart and soul into it. She still had some apprehensions. Her husband and her were still trying to discover themselves, their dynamic as spouses and not only as siblings. Rushing things would destroy everything. The doors behind Alicent opened, Rhaenyra appeared.

"I've heard little Gaemon has arrived." She said

The child bowed to her.

"Hello, Gaemon. I am Rhaenyra. I hope you'll like it here."
"I'll be good, Your Grace. I promise."
"I have no doubt you will be. I have young sons too, I am sure you could all be friends."

She turned to her brother.

"You have an adorable little ward, Aegon."

Aegon smiled.

"Not a ward, Sister. Gaemon is to be my son."

Alicent respected the members of the council, she really did. While she didn't always agree with them, they were men devoted to the realms, to the peace of the lands, loyal to the Crown. But this was ridiculous. Gaemon's adoption by Aegon and Helaena shouldn't have triggered such a debate among them : they complained about not being told before the act was done, as the lives of the royal family were of the utmost importance. Safety was paramount. The dowager queen resented that : what harm could this do? Gaemon was a little boy, barely older than Jaehaerys, an orphan on top of it. Nobles often took common children in, to raise them to become knights, members of their household. Some did it out of fear of the Gods. Others because it was tradition, expected of them.

Aegon did it because the boy could have been his son.

The boy could be his son. 

There was a chance Mysaria was wrong.

"It sets a precedent. It's not simply taking a child as a ward. How will it affect the precedence? Is this bastard boy to be elevated to the same rank as Prince Jaehaerys, a legitimate child? Above? What of his rank compared to Princess Jaehaera?"
"This will be decided by my brother and my sister." Aemond said. "It is a personal matter that doesn't affect the realm."
"My Prince, with all due respect, this is being naïve." Lord Lannister intervened

The prince's jaw tightened.

"My brother has several bastard daughters." He explained. "He loves them with all my heart and gladly provides for them. In his heart, he makes no distinction between them and his legitimate children. But he would not raise his girls to the same level as his heirs. Not because of a fear for his succession. But because of the mess it will necessarily create after he passes."
"Gaemon Palehair is not my brother's bastard son, My Lord." The teenager told him
"It is unsure, My Prince." Lord Larys intervened. "Lady Mysaria assured the queen he wasn't but the rack can get you any confession you want so the pain stops."
"That is enough."

Rhaenyra turned her head to her stepmother. She hadn't shouted but her voice was firm.

"My Lords. I hear your worries, I know they come from a place of concern and care for which I am eternally grateful. Should the status of Gaemon be discussed beforehand? Perhaps."

At that moment, she looked regal, every inch a queen.

"But I will not hear that Prince Aegon did wrong."
"My queen..." Lord Beesbury tried
"No. We do not know if Gaemon is indeed my grandson or not. This will always be up for debate. But my son and my daughter did a wonderful thing by taking in this poor child. A child that has been abandoned by his mother, sold to the child fighting pits, where he wasn't able to fight due to his young age but saw things a child should never see. My son wants to care, to provide and to love this child as his own. My daughter wants to do the same. Whatever he is to have later in life will be at their discretion. Their reasons don't matter. It will not impact the realms. If anything, the people will only love them more. For my part, I am proud that my two children, a prince and a princess of the realm, did such a selfless act, which is one the Gods will surely smile upon."

This seemed to calm everyone down.

"You are right, Your Grace." Lord Beesbury declared. "It is a marvellous thing, a great kindness, Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena did for this poor child. It proves, once again, how much they are considerate of the smallfolk's plight. However, Lord Lannister is right, we will have to discuss little Gaemon's status and place. It is quite a novelty in the history of this court."

Aemond only had one thought : he regretted Aegon's absence at this table.

How happy he would have been to see their mother defending him and saying out loud that she was proud of him.

"So?" Helaena asked worriedly as Aegon joined her

The children were already in bed, tucked in.

"Maester Orwyle deems me healed." He smiled at her
"Officially healed?" She beamed
"At last, you mean!"

He sat and served himself a glass of water.

"I have to continue the exercices he gave me. It'll help decrease the sensitivity and strengthen the inner ear. I might still feel sensitive to noises for a while but I can resume having a normal life as long as I don't overdo it."
"Does that mean you can ride Sunfyre again?"
"If I don't race, yes."
"I'm happy for you. I know you missed him. The children told him all about you but it's not the same."
"We should fly together. You, me, the kids, Sunfyre and Dreamfyre."

She stopped her thread and cut the excess.

"That would be nice. Speaking of dragon..."
"Has Jaehaerys' egg hatched?"

His excitement was lovely to see.

"Not yet. But our boy has a strong sense of equity."
"How so?"
"He was adamant Gaemon should get an egg. It didn't matter how I explained it : in his mind, even if he is adopted, Gaemon is his brother and his brother should have an egg, or else he would be set aside."

If the prince smirked, his mind wandered off.

"It's not such a bad idea..."
"Aegon."

His wife placed her hand on his knee.

"Even if Gaemon was given an egg and it hatched... or should he claim a dragon... it wouldn't mean he is your natural son. It'd just mean he has Targaryen blood. His father was a lysene sailor. What if that sailor is a son or a grandson of Saera Targaryen?"
"Who's Saera?"

She sighed.

"Aegon, seriously..."
"Wait... I know! She's the brothel queen!"
"Close enough. She is, or was, I don't know if she lives, a daughter of King Jaehaerys. He exiled her and gave her to the Faith because she loved men that she wasn't married to. She escaped to Essos, then Lys and soon became a rich Madam."
"How do you know what a Madam is?"
"Your lady friend."
"Seriously, what did she teach you?"
"It doesn't matter. Aegon, if Gaemon gets to bond with a dragon, it could mean he has Targaryen blood but not necessarily your own. I don't want you to get your hopes up and then be hurt."

Witnessing his silence, she also added that he could be a dragon seed and yet not be able to claim a dragon. Rhaena was a Targaryen by blood and she had never been able to claim one, nor did her egg hatch. Yet, she was the blood of the dragon just as much as they were.

"I know all of that, Hel. I do, it's just... I mean, look at him. He has to be, if not mine, one of us."
"And should he be someone else's child and of no dragon blood?"
"He's our son either way."

The crowd was so thick it was hard to move around. The White Cloaks had managed to create a path for The Shepherd to walk on. The security had been set to the maximum amount, Ser Harrold and Ser Criston sharing the same fear : what if one of his allies tried to free him? What if they attacked a member of the family? What if there was a riot?

"Look! Queen Alicent is here!" A man exclaimed as the dowager queen appeared on the balcony.
"Long Live Queen Alicent!"
"The Seven bless you!"

Despite knowing how loved she was, to receive such adoration always made her feel blessed and humble. They cheered even harder when Aegon and Helaena arrived. Both of them were mindful of giving Rheanyra the deepest of bows. She trusted them but they didn't want her to think the love the public had for them could be one day used against her, even worse, against her on their behalf.

"People of King's Landing!" Ser Harrold shouted out. "Behold the walk of a fraud and regicide!"

Far away, the Shepherd appeared, looking even ghastlier. The marks on his skin appeared deeper than they were due to his thinness. Shackled and chained behind a horse personally led by Daemon, the man was forced to advance whenever the mount would move.

"This man, who calls himself The Shepherd, tried to corrupt people's minds against our rightful queen: Queen Rhaenyra!"

The masses started to boo the prisoner.

"In his folly, he planned to murder Queen Rhaenyra's beloved brother, Prince Aegon!"

He seemed so little against the vengeful cries of many.

"In this attempt, Queen Dowager Alicent got hurt, her life in jeopardy, as she shielded her son with her own body!"

Insults were heard, while some people praised Viserys' widow.

"Then, his goal was to murder our queen and the dragons!"

A man threw a rotten tomato at the preacher, soon followed by eggs, fruits, and vegetables, all spoilt and reeking. The king consort made his horse walk at a trotting pace. The words got meaner, to the point stones hit the man in the forehead. Lucerys, at some point, briefly looked away.

"Keep looking." Aemond whispered to him
"I can't..." He replied
"You have to. You are to be the Lord of the Tides."

The One-Eyed Prince discreetly pointed Helaena to him : a soft soul, the princess was known for hating violence. It shook her to the core, making her sick. Aegon had taken her hand in comfort and for anyone who noticed, they would just think they were being a couple in love. However, to those who knew her, she was dissociating. Her body was there, facing bravely, her face unreadable as her gaze followed the condemned. Her eyes, though, lost their spark.

"Retreat inside."

The teenager took a short breath, and forced himself to look at the Shepherd but his mind went elsewhere. He thought back on his last sparring session with his uncle, on the fact that while they weren't friends, at least, they could speak together a little, they were getting used to living under the same roof on good terms. The small compliment Aemond the previous had given him made him so happy : his swordsmanship was getting better. The prince wasn't known to hand out praise easily, unless you were Jaehaerys or Jaehaera due to their young age.

"I curse you!" The Shepherd screamed as he looked over. "I curse House Targaryen down to its last descendant! May you choke on your own blood!"

Soon, it was over. The man was to be taken to a nearby hill, away from prying eyes.

"Thank you." Lucerys told Aemond
"Don't get used to it."

Despite his words, there were no hints of harshness.

"Are you okay?" Aegon asked his wife

Helaena was pale.

"I will be." She said
"You don't have to come to the execution."
"That man wanted to murder you, to murder our sister, he hurt our mother and insulted our entire house. I will be there. Even if it makes me ill."

Alicent felt a wave of happiness and warmth in her belly : her daughter was calling her "mother" once again.

Rhaenyra had a twisted sense of humour, they all realized. It was no wonder why Daemon loved her so much. Not only was The Shepherd to die by dragon fire, Vhagar had been chosen to set him aflame. For a man who hated House Targaryen so much, to be burnt alive by the oldest dragon on Earth, the mount of Visenya, sister-wife to the first king of their dynasty, had to be the greatest insult and the most infamous of demises.

"I have to thank you." She told him. "Ironically, by trying to murder my brother, you allowed him and his mother to mend their relationship. How does it feel to know you served our best interests?"
"I curse you! You are nothing but the devil incarnate!"
"In many centuries, people will remember me. In 2024AC, they will still talk of Queen Rhaenyra, the first woman to reign in her own right. They will still talk of Prince Aegon, the first prince to renounce what could have been his to honour his father's wish, thus shaping the kingdoms a bit more into what they are. They will still talk of House Targaryen, of the Conqueror, of the dragons. You will be nothing but a mark on the bottom of a page, your name lost in History. The Seven you love so much will not welcome you into their heavens."

She turned to Aemond.

"Whenever you wish, Brother."

Behind him, Vhagar was getting impatient.

"Vhagar."

She spread her wings, ready to listen to her dragon rider.

"Dracarys."

The Shepherd's screams of agony were drowned in the roars of the other dragons as Justice was delivered.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

"Mommy! Mommy, Daddy!"

Helaena looked from her embroidery : she was making a doublet for Gaemon. As for Aegon, he was simply enjoying her company, looking sometimes as the pattern revealed itself. When he didn't, he tried to focus on something else and not pour himself wine, liquor, or any alcoholic beverage as he used to for many reasons, boredom being one of them. He realized that he didn't have any hobbies : reading had been tainted for him, though a part of him wanted to try again and knew that, this time, no one from his family would mock him for his tastes. He kind of liked drawing but he didn't know what to draw. Riding Sunfyre would also be an option but while he didn't want to neglect his beloved dragon, he also didn't want to fall back into that horrible habit he had : avoiding being with his wife. He liked being with her, with their children. He could also start training again: slowly at first, of course, but his swordsmanship could use some help. He'd be able to protect Helaena, the children, his family a bit more, he'd spend time with Aemond and his nephews, with Cole as well... After years of hearing that whatever he did was wrong, that whatever he liked was unworthy, at almost one and twenty, it was hard to rediscover himself.

"What is it, my darling?"

Jaehaera had run so fast that loose strands were coming out of her braid. The little girl took both her parents by the hand, leading them to the nursery where Jaehaerys was beaming so brightly the sun seemed pale in comparison. His egg was hatching and a small dragon was emerging, his scales emerald and his eyes as black as coal.

"My goodness!" Helaena exclaimed
"Well done, my sweet boy!" Aegon smiled
"I have a dragon! She's finally born!" The boy told them
"She?" His father wondered
"She's a girl! I know she is!"
"And what is her name?" His mother asked
"Shrykos."
"A lovely name for a lovely dragon." She approved

Gaemon was looking at the small creature from far away, a mixture of wariness but also curiosity in his eyes.

"It is a baby dragon, Gaemon." The princess said softly. "You can come and see her, she won't hurt you."

He shyly walked to them, observed the animal.

"She's pretty. Like Morghul. It's funny : Morghul has black scales and green eyes and Shrykos has black eyes and green scales."
"That's true. That's because they are brother and sister."
"You'll have a dragon one day!" Jaehaerys told him
"I can't. I'm not the dragon blood."

He didn't seem upset about it.

"Now, how can we celebrate such happy news?" Aegon wondered
"Orange cakes?" His daughter tried
"I could not have thought of something better!"

"Your Grace, a raven has arrived from the North. Otto Hightower has arrived, safely, at the Wall." Larys told Rhaenyra

The queen saw the relief on her friend's face : despite his mistakes, he was still her father, a man she loved with all of her heart.

"I am glad to hear it." She replied. "Otto Hightower will serve the Wall with the same skills he served the realms with."
"I might also have found a way for the Gaemon issue."
"It surprises me. I didn't know you were fond of succession resolutions."
"I am a man of many interests, Your Grace."

And a dangerous man. She was glad he was, for now, not working against her.

"The idea is quite simple in fact : Gaemon could bear the name Targaryen as Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena took him in as their son. He could hold the same privileges and rank as Prince Jaehaerys, Princess Jaehaera and any other children the couple could be blessed with. The only exception would be regarding the succession : he can be called the son of the prince and princess, be called a prince, be treated as such but he will not be in the line of succession, as he does not have the blood of the dragon in his veins."
"This would create a new branch of our family."
"A cousin branch, Your Grace."
"And what if the boy happens to have Targaryen blood?" Rhaenys intervened

His parentage was dubious and his mother's words put to debate. Rhaenyra was grateful that Mysaria conducted her investigation so quickly, however she had left her with quite the mystery to unravel when it came to that little boy.

"If it is proven with no doubt that the child is Prince Aegon's bastard son or that he has Targaryen blood, then he could enter the succession. But after any legitimate princes and princesses, as to not disturb the line too much."
"This sounds reasonable." Tyland admitted. "But how do you prove Targaryen blood? Claiming a dragon isn't enough : Princess Rhaena, our Hand's granddaughter, is a legitimate Targaryen princess. She is the daughter of Prince Daemon and of the late Laena Velaryon. She has not claimed a dragon yet nor did an egg hatch for her. However, I doubt anyone around this table would put her blood into question."
"I could have a new investigation opened regarding Gaemon." The master of whispers offered. "If the boy indeed has Targaryen blood, it'd be in the realms' best interests to know of it. He could be a new dragon rider or an important member of this family, acting alongside the queen."
"I agree." Rhaenyra said. "I entrust you with this task, Lord Larys. You can be joined by Lady Mysaria, who conducted the first search. Her expertise could be helpful. However, I don't want any of this to get to my brother's ears. Not until we know the truth."

She didn't want to raise his hopes in vain.

"Your Grace." Lord Beesbury intervened. "I think it would be wise to now speak and think about your coronation."
"Can we?" She asked
"I'm happy to report that Prince Aegon is officially healed." Maester Orwyle declared
"The Seven be blessed." The queen replied
"Of course, I advised him carefulness for the moment but I do not see any contraindication regarding the role you wanted him to play during the ceremony."
"What about you, Alicent?" She turned to her stepmother. "Are you well enough?"
"I feel almost no pain these days and my wounds are healed. You do not have to worry for me."
"Prince Aegon's health is now restored." The master of coins spoke. "Our dowager queen is healed. And the threat of the Shepherd has been dealt with. His allies are no more either. Nothing is stopping you, Your Grace, from finally being crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms."

It felt so surreal. How everything had changed in so little time made Rhaenyra dizzy but it also reminded her how lucky she had been : without Aegon, she wouldn't be here. He had done it to protect his son but by protecting Jaehaerys, he had protected the realms. A father's love had prevented war.

"Yes, I guess it is finally time."

The clash of swords echoed in the training yard. Lucerys dodged Aemond's thrust and, stepping to the side, he managed to disarm him, his blade falling on the ground.

"Not bad!" The One-Eyed Prince smirked

It felt weird. Definitely weird. It was strange, training with the boy who had rendered him crippled, taking his eye. Yet, the teenager wouldn't deny it : he enjoyed the sessions. Mainly because they didn't have to speak. Or if they did, it was regarding Lucerys' betterment, it was hearing Cole's advice, it was focused on sparring, not on what he wanted to avoid: the apologies. How he felt. He had spent so long hiding everything under a cover of coldness and confidence that today, he wasn't truly able to express whatever he was feeling. He could not put words on it either. It was easier with his siblings : they had known each other since forever, they were on his side, they understood him. His nephew didn't and truth be told, he wasn't sure he wanted to open up to him.

"Mother's coronation is on the way." The future lord of the tides said
"I am aware. I sit on the council."
"If you can, avoid Borros Baratheon."
"Why?"
"He has five unmarried daughters. He might try to marry one of them to you."
"I am a second son from a second marriage and I am to be eleventh in the line of succession on top of being one-eyed, I doubt I am that great of a catch." He joked
"You are one of the best swords our generation has to offer, you ride the oldest and largest dragon in the world, and you are known for being clever and cultivated."

This was taking a direction he was not comfortable with. Lucerys wiped his brow.

"What's your point?" His uncle asked
"Look. I am engaged to be married to Rhaena." The teenager started. "I am happy she's to be my bride. She's a beautiful, smart, brave lady and I like her a lot. But... while I'm glad I am to marry her, while I would have chosen her, at the end of the day, I didn't get to choose who I marry."

Aemond sat.

"That's the way it works for princes." He said. "We do not get to choose our brides. I know for a fact that I will either remain celibate or marry someone chosen for me. Our lives aren't our own : they are the realms'. Marriages for us are ways to better them, to strengthen them."
"My parents loved each other. Mother chose to marry Daemon."

He scoffed.

"Uncle Aegon and Aunt Helaena seem happy with each other."

That was oddly true. Aegon was trying. It killed him to admit it, but his brother was trying the best he could and Helaena, as angelic as ever, welcomed his efforts and tried to walk towards him too.

"Why are you so suddenly interested in the subject of my possible marriage?"
"Because I want you to be happy."

He felt he knew why : seeing him contented might ease any conscience ache he was feeling. It was a way of absolution : he did him wrong but he was now happy, so it evened it out, didn't it? Or it was just Luke, still being more boy than man, as he was in that weird part of life : too old to be considered a child, too young to be considered an adult.

"Serving the realms makes me happy, Nephew." He eluded. "My marriage will serve the realms."
"Well, then I hope love will come into it. It did between my parents. It did between my aunt and uncle. It already grows between Rhaena and me, between Jace and Baela. You deserve no less."

He hated how vulnerable he felt right now. He took his sword, pointed it at his sparring partner.

"Enough chit-chat. Your muscles will grow cold."

Away from them, Criston watched, making sure no one got truly hurt but mainly watching over the prince. He knew how he dreaded these kinds of talks. Aemond rarely opened up. When he did, it was usually with him, something the knight cherished and felt proud of. But even then, it was too little and often, he wondered how it would hurt his protégé in the end : it was bound to explode, it always was bound to explode, he knew it all too well. He was the same. He wished it was someone else than the queen's second son to slightly crack open the armour the prince had forged around himself, around his heart, but he was grateful someone closer in age tried.

"Do you think I'll be able to protect Mother, this time? If anyone attacks her again..."
"No."
"Oh..."
"But you'll die trying anyway so it's best to build your survival chances."

Criston smiled : Aemond was having fun.

"Are you sure, Mother?" Aegon worried. "You aren't comfortable around dragons."

Alicent smiled at her son.

"I have realized I've never seen you fly on Sunfyre. Nor did I even accompany you once in the dragon pit. I should have. I gave birth and raised four dragon riders."
"I never blamed you for it. I know you are scared of them."

But the effort made him feel warm inside. It was shaky, it was clumsy but his mother was trying to mend some bridges, to make up for past mistakes.

"I was told Sunfyre and Dreamfyre were among the gentlest of the dragons inside the pit."

When Jaehaerys and Jaehaera saw their grandmother, they beamed, the little boy rushing to hug her.

"Grandmother! Will you fly with us?" He asked
"Slow down, Jaehaerys." His father replied. "You know your grandmother is a bit scared of dragons. We have to make her comfortable."
"I'm sorry, Grandmother."
"It's quite alright, my little love." The dowager queen said as she kissed her grandson's brow

When Sunfyre saw his rider, the dragon keepers had to let go of the chains or else, they would have been thrown into the walls. The creature cooed in excitement and ran towards the prince. It sounded like laughter. With its muzzle, it playfully bumped the Targaryen in the chest, his wings spread. Aegon never seemed happier.

"I missed you too." He told his dear mount as he caressed his scales
"We told him you were sick." Jaehaera told her father. "He was sad."
"Jaehaera and I, we tried to cheer Sunny up!" Her twin added
"I know you did. Thank you so much! If Sunfyre is so happy, it's because you took care of him!"

The dragon gently roared in agreement.

"Soon, new dragons will join you. My hatchlings' eggs hatched." He told his winged friend

It cooed again.

"And Helaena and I have a new hatchling too."

The dragon looked towards Gaemon and walked carefully towards him. It smelt him gently before he poked his head with its nose.

"Sunny likes you." The little princess told her new brother
"He's beautiful!"

Sunfyre's attention was drawn to Alicent who couldn't help but tense. It lowered its head, allowing her to pet him. Like the twins, her scent was Aegon's and the beast could only love anything related to him, anything he loved, he loved it too. Not far away, Dreamfyre was looking at them, her tail swinging back and forth, sensing Helaena's freedom and happiness.

"Are you okay, Helaena?" Alicent worried

Though her smile hadn't left her, her eyes were dazed.

"Silver threads entwining..."

Her husband approached her, took her hand. It broke the trance immediately.

"It happened again, didn't it?" She sorrowfully said
"I like your gibberish, so it's fine." He joked

He would remember her words, though.

Helaena kissed him, Jaehaerys frowned. Adults kissing on the lips were yucky! But if it meant his father and mother were happy, then it was fine, he guessed.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

The soft cries took Aegon away from the readings he was doing : he had asked Rhaenyra if it was possible for him to have feedback regarding the petitions he held, how the promises were going, and more about the progress of the construction of the new public bathhouse and orphanages. He hadn’t liked her smirk, feeling what it implied. 

He loved holding the petitions for the people.

He loved helping them. 

For selfish reasons, perhaps : helping them also helped him and their love for him healed some parts of his soul.

But to go ahead and take the post his sister was trying to create?

He didn’t think he was up to it : he wasn’t born for this, he wasn’t that dutiful creature they wanted him to be and… he was terrified. Terrified to fail if he was to take a chance, to let them down, to prove to the face of the earth his idiocy and incompetence. 

The door from the nursery opened slightly. Gaemon appeared, his eyes teary, his thumb in his mouth, his bare feet of the cold stones as he walked out, clearly in need of comfort but not confident enough to ask for one. As much as it pained the prince, he understood : not so long ago, this poor child was just meat on which people bet for their sick amusement. He was alone, didn’t have any family. No matter how gently they tried to make it for him, the transition was frightening. 

“Gaemon?” He softly asked. “What is it?”

Too busy caring for his new son, he didn’t hear Alicent entering the room, nor did she make herself heard.

“Did you have a bad dream?” He tried as the boy sniffled and hiccuped 

Gaemon nodded. The young man knelt, and wiped away his tears all while inquiring about that horrid nightmare. 
“The pits… The princess and you left me there… because there was a new baby, a real baby…”

Aegon took him in his arms, held him close as he got up, feeling tiny arms wrapping around his neck.

“You will never go back to those pits.” He vowed. “The queen had them closed, they don’t exist anymore. And even if they still existed, you would not go back. Helaena and I would never leave you there.”

He did once.

He saw him there, felt something, believed something and yet, he left him there nonetheless and he would never forgive himself for it. He should have fought harder. Back when he was six and ten, back when he started to look for his bastards… he should have fought back more.

“And you are our baby, Gaemon. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t arrive here like Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. You are our true son. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are liars. And you tell me who said that because lying is wrong.”
“Even if you have a new baby with the princess?”
“Even if I have a new baby with the princess.”

The child finally calmed down. Noticing Alicent, he waved at her. The dowager queen smiled, and waved back.

“Mother!” Aegon exclaimed. “I didn’t hear you.”
“You were busy with Gaemon, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Completely settled down, the little boy asked if he could play with the elephant toy Jaehaerys had lent him : a new chest filled with toys just for him had been commissioned and was on its way. Aegon let him down and sat with his mother near the window, watching over his protégé.

“You are good with him.” Alicent said. “You always had a way with children.”
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Mother?”
“I have come to realize that I have never really spent any alone time with you. The only times we were alone, I usually berated you or hit you. We never really talked.”

The last time they were alone, he was by her side as she woke up, having watched over her tirelessly despite the harm she had caused him prior. The child she had hurt the most had been the one that still came back, hoping for her to become the mom he needed. She had had him too young, she knew. But it wasn’t his fault, she saw it now. He too was a child, a child who needed her and she had failed him.

“Gaemon mentioned a baby?” She tried

Her son’s smile seemed to drop.

“Mother…”
“Aegon, it is just a question. I mean nothing by it. Your hands are already quite full.”
“There is no new baby, Mother.”

He refused to tell her about Helaena’s wish for a new pregnancy. His mother tried her best, he was amazed her efforts were continuous but he didn’t feel ready to open up to her on those matters, especially when it didn’t concern him only.

“The Gods provide.” She said. “And they provided you with two of your blood and one of your heart. How is your bath house coming along?”
“It’s going well.”
“And your petitions?”
“Jaehaera’s new maid got Justice for her father. Rhaenyra found out who killed him and she sentenced them to the Wall. She compensated her with a small sum of money. And she will talk of the sheep kept for the dragons with the council. There was this man, Ulf. I managed to get him the payment he was denied and I sent a maester for his daughter. The sewers’ renovation is almost complete and the wells are almost ready.
“I’m proud of you.”

He froze, mouth agape. She seemed sincere too.

“You… you are?”
“I am. You are trying your best to be a better husband for your wife. You took in little Gaemon and love him just as much as you love the twins. You are a good father : you care, you pay attention, you are patient. And look at your work for the smallfolk : you are bettering their lives. You avoided war. Because you knew I was mistaken and you immediately saw through my mistake. I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you.”

He had waited for those words for years but now that he heard them, Aegon didn’t know what to make of them. He wasn’t used to not being her constant disappointment. 

“You’d make a great master of the smallfolk.”
“There it goes…” He bitterly thought

She caressed his cheek.

“I mean it. You say you don’t have the discipline : it can be acquired. Or you can run this chair the way you see fit. But you would make a great member of the council. The first of your kind. You care about your sister’s subjects, you genuinely do. Anytime they come to you with a problem, you find a way to help them. When Aemond was wrong about the pragmatic sanction, you came up with a betterment. You could do this because you are equipped for it. I’ve often told you you were stupid. That you didn’t try. I was wrong. I was the idiot. You were a child trying your hardest, needing a hand to guide you and I denied you my own. You are smart. You prove it everyday. And I am sorry I made you believe otherwise.”

Alicent expected the tears : Aegon had always been sensitive. She hadn’t expected him searching her arms. For the first time in years, she didn’t reject him and embraced him. 
It felt so right she chastised herself for not doing it sooner.

“Could I have a word, Aemond?”

If the question surprised him, he didn’t let it show. The prince sheathed his sword and turned to Rhaena. She was alone, which was unusual : when she wasn’t with her sister Baela, she was usually caring for her youngest brothers. 

“Is there anything you need assistance with, Princess?” He coldly said

He had nothing against her, truly. The last time they truly spoke, it was back on Driftmark. Before his eye was taken. What could she possibly want? Did she come to speak of Lucerys? Why else could she possibly be here for?

“I came to apologize.”
“Whatever for?”
“Vhagar.”

He was happy Aegon had seen the truth behind their father’s last words. He was happy he avoided war. He was happy his family was getting closure. But the fact remained that he didn’t really see the other side as his family : not really, not anymore, not ever since his eye had been taken out and he was left there bleeding, no one caring about the injustice done to him. It was getting better with Luke. He called him Nephew out of habit but while he would not say it out loud, whenever they couldn’t have their sparring sessions, his mood wasn’t the greatest as he actually enjoyed training him : he was trying his best, he learnt fast, he was eager.

And they didn’t speak of feelings.

His feelings never mattered.

Exposing his feelings made him weak. 

“You might be aware I do not have a dragon yet.” Daemon’s daughter told him

He knew. The last time she tried to claim one, she almost died. He could sympathize with her predicament : just like her in the past, his egg hadn’t hatched, he had been riderless for a long time, and pressured with the idea that having a mount made him worthy, he had put his life on the line too. Yes, he could feel for her.

Except that caring was dangerous too. 

It was best to only love the ones worthy of it : your mother who gave you life, the man who loved you and cared for you like you were his own blood, your angelic sister, her twins who brought you so much joy, the boy she took in as you grew to know him, your younger brother whom you have missed so much, and yes, even that older brother who knew how to make you suffer as a child but made it up for it ten times over by now.

Them.

And Vhagar.

Only them mattered.

Only them mattered because only them truly loved you.

“So I have heard.” He replied
“My most recent failure made me realize a truth I should have seen long ago : a dragon isn’t a possession. They are free creatures, with minds of their own. Back in Driftmark… I accused you of stealing my mother’s dragon. She was not her dragon, Vhagar had allowed my mother to ride her, just like she did with you. She would have rejected you if we were meant to be paired.”
The most diplomatic thing, he came to understand, would have been to try after the period of mourning. It would have been decent. However, when opportunities came, they didn’t care about the context. Only the urgency mattered. Had his act been in poor taste? Perhaps. But he didn’t regret it : Vhagar was riderless and she accepted him.

“You were a child.” He cut off
“You were too! Just like me, you were a child feeling the pressure of not being like the others! I didn’t see it then.  I was blinded by my own insecurity and by the pain of my mother’s death. I see it now. It will not restore your eye, it will not change anything. But I want you to know I regret my words.”

He appreciated her words. Truly. He just didn’t know how to process them. People rarely apologized to him. 

“I hope you find your dragon one day.”  That was all he could muster
“Thank you. And thank you for being so kind to Lucerys. He always looks forward to your trainings. He says you are severe but never mean or unfair.”

Baela called her over. She smiled at him and ran to go with her sister, leaving him feeling conflicted and confused. 

Living in anger and hatred, as Aegon taught him, was tiring.

But his brother, as he always did, underestimated just how exhausting it was to try to let it go and the feeling of shame that clung to you when you found yourself unable to forgive as easily as others.

“My prince, are you alright?” Criston worried

When he saw his reflection as he took out his sword, he realized just how pale and tired he looked. 

“I am fine, Cole.”
“I’d be honored to have you for another evening talk sometime.”

Cole always knew, better than anyone, how he worked.

“Whatever you have to say must be important.” Rhaenyra grumbled as she handed Visenya to her maid

The moon was high in the sky and while she hadn’t changed into her nightgown, the queen had retired for the rest of the day. 

“It is important, Your Grace.” Larys replied, holding her gaze. 
“What have you found?”
“A rabbit hole.”
“The boy.” Mysaria said. “The boy’s mother. The one that confessed he was the son of a lysene sailor.”
“What of her?” The Targaryen inquired

Daemon’s former lover looked at her in the eyes.

“She was not his real mother.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra looked at her master of whispers and the brothel owner in disbelief.

“What do you mean, Essie wasn’t his mother?” She asked
“Essie worked for the House of Kisses, a brothel not owned by Lady Mysaria.” Larys started

The fact that he called her a lady made her smirk.

“And they gave you access to their records?” The queen pursued
“Gold opens many doors, Your Grace. The brothel owner registered all of his workers’ pregnancies, abortions, miscarriages and births. Essie never was pregnant.” Lord Strong replied

The Targaryen served herself some wine. In what mess was she now?

“There is, however, a trace of Gaemon.” Mysaria added. “He did live with her, in that brothel, when he was a newborn. But he didn’t stay long. The owner assumed he was dead.”

Sitting down, the young woman realized she couldn’t keep it a secret from Aegon any longer. Her brother wasn’t stupid nor was he deaf. He’d hear of what was going on. 

“Do you have more information?”
“Not really, just that Essie arrived one day with the boy. She didn’t seem pleased about it.”
“I see… Thank you both for your hard work. You can carry on, discreetly.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Larys bowed

Rhaenyra called a guard.

“See if Prince Aegon is still awake. I want him to join me.”
“And if he sleeps, Your Grace?”
“Let him. He’ll talk to me tomorrow.”

And at least, he’d have a peaceful night before she’d wreck his world again.

“Rhaenyra?” 

Rhaenyra smiled as she saw Aegon entering her room. He was still dressed, though his doublet was opened on his undershirt. His hair seemed messy however and with the redness of his cheeks, how hastily put on his outfit was, she could only assume the guard had found him loving his wife. She hoped they were finished.

“Is something wrong?” He worried

“Not wrong per se, you can relax. I hope my calling didn’t interrupt anything.”

He looked away, embarrassed. While he was comfortable with his sexuality, he didn’t feel like discussing it with a half-sister he was starting to truly get acquainted with.

“We were about to sleep.” He eluded
“Come, sit with me.”

He obeyed and to his surprise, she offered him water. 

“I know of you trying to reduce or to stop your alcohol intake. I don’t want to spoil it.”
“Thank you. What is it? I doubt you called for me just for a sibling chat. Is it about the coronation?”
“No. Aegon, I want you to know this by me and me only : I have reopened an investigation regarding Gaemon.”

The prince froze and his sister could see him getting colder, almost defensive. He already loved that boy so much! 

“Why?” He asked. “It’s been established that he isn’t my bastard son.”
“His parentage still caused debate among the council.”

He scoffed. 

“Gaemon is to stay here with us.” She reassured him. “He’s your son, no matter what. My children like him, I like him too and I suspect Daemon might even have a soft spot for him.”
“Then why?”
“Aemond must have told you about Larys’ idea regarding Gaemon’s status and possible inheritance.”
“He did.”
“Then you also know that the question of him being a dragon seed came back.”
“Wasn’t it already determined with Mysaria’s work?”
“Aegon. You fought to preserve my inheritance, you almost died for it. If Gaemon is a dragon seed, I do not want to deprive him of the rights he might have.”

Deep down, she knew he was scared of getting hurt again: after years of being convinced he had children out there, children he tried to find, so he could raise them, love them, he was told he had none, which came as a shock, something he had to accept. It must have tasted bitter, this quest in which he had been denied first, only to learn that he ran after a fantasy.
 
“Larys and Mysaria discovered something.”

He drank from his cup and for the first time since he vowed to not fall back into his vice, he wished he had wine, rum, liquor, anything to numb his heart. 

“What is it?”
“The woman who came here pretending she had been your paramour. She lied.”
“We know that.”
“Aegon. She lied about Gaemon. She was not his blood mother.”

The prince looked at her, dumbfounded.

“What…”

“An investigation has been made into the brothel she worked in. The brothel owner was certain and had proofs : Essie never got pregnant when she worked for him. Gaemon did live in this place for a short period but soon disappeared. Essie didn’t seem pleased that he was with her and her employer assumed the child had died after he couldn’t find him anywhere in his establishment.”

Aegon started to feel sick. What did they do to his poor boy? What happened to him? Where did he go? An idea crossed his mind, so ghastly he wanted to vomit : what if that wretched woman had abandoned Gaemon, as a baby, or sold him to the pits? Did Gaemon still have family out there? What if…

What if he actually was his blood child?

The sparkle of hope in his heart was bittersweet. 

“Aegon?” Rhaenyra worried
“That woman is lucky to be dead… I would have killed her myself.”
The queen took her brother’s hand, squeezed it gently. 
“We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“You’re still up?” Aegon said

In their bed, still naked, Helaena was waiting for him. Seeing her like this, he wondered how he even went to pleasure houses in the first place : his wife was beautiful. Her long silvery hair waved on her ivory shoulders, the birth of her breasts slightly peaking from the sheets, her entire being surrounded by the halo created by the candles. Rhaenyra wasn’t the Realms’ Delight, she was. 

“I couldn’t sleep, Rhaenyra’s call worried me.” She replied

He walked towards her, took off his boots and doublet before sitting by her side.

“Rhaenyra has reopened an investigation regarding Gaemon.” he revealed. “His parentage is still in question.”
“I expected as much.” The princess told him
“You did?”
“After what Aemond told us about the debate regarding what his status should be, it would have been surprising. He certainly knew an investigation was to be opened but was sworn to secrecy.”
“I didn’t… You’re smarter than me. For me, it was settled and I could just be a father.”

She smiled at him and caressed his cheek.

“You’re not stupid. You’re focused on what matters to you and it’s beautiful.”

He kissed her palm.

“What did they find?”
“Essie lied.” He said. “She was not Gaemon’s blood mother. She never was pregnant, hence why when she tried to pass as my paramour, all the details regarding her pregnancy were wonky. It didn’t add up because she simply didn’t know. Apparently, she just arrived in her workplace one day with Gaemon, unhappy about it, when he was a few moons old. Then, one day, he was nowhere to be found and the owner assumed he had died.”

He gulped.

“I fear… she might have abandoned him in the pits… or sold… That’s all he’s ever known since he can remember things. And I left him there too… I saw him, I felt something and yet, I left him behind…”

Helaena wiped away the tears that rolled down his cheeks before embracing him. 

“You did. But you never forgot. You put an end to the pits. You saved all of the children doomed to fight. And we took Gaemon in. I meant what I said : I would love any natural child you would sire. I already love Gaemon as my own. If he is yours, I’ll love him even more.”
“I don’t deserve you…”
“You were not perfect. But you are trying now. I wasn’t in the right place either.”
“I’m scared of the results…”
“Scared to be hurt again.”

She hugged him closer.

“Gaemon is our son, no matter what his past is.”

She kissed him, tenderly at first, warmth slowly growing as she sought his lips again.

“Again?” Aegon asked

She smiled.

“I want you.”

Those three words made him ready to honor her all over again.

“Thank you for accompanying me.”

Aemond still wondered why he had agreed : he didn’t mind Lucerys when they were training. Hunting was different. They were alone. His nephew, somehow, had insisted, and the prince admitted he was worried it was some kind of plan to get him to open up. The idea that he could simply desire to have his company was foreign to him. 

“I rarely get to hunt on Dragonstone. My horsemanship is lacking.”
“Cole should have accompanied us.”
“We are grown, we can defend ourselves.”
“You are four and ten.”

The queen’s son smirked.

“Rhaena told me she talked to you.”

After a moment of silence, the prince answered :

“I never was mad at her to begin with.”

He could feel his nephew’s eyes on him and he felt absolutely naked. Criston’s absence didn’t help either. 

“You were the object of my wrath, not her. What were words when I lost an eye? She had lost her mother too. She was a grieving child.”
“Do you regret claiming Vhagar?”

He tensed and his eye became dark.

“I will never regret claiming Vhagar. I can admit my timing was in poor taste. But it was my right. I am a Targaryen. Vhagar was riderless, I saw a chance and I took it. In the end, she accepted me.”
“I mean no harm, Uncle. It was a simple question and I do not doubt your worthiness. Dragons choose their riders, not the other way around.”

They rode in silence, realizing that the animals were not going to show up. Or maybe hunting was indeed a pretext, Lucerys perfectly knowing they would not find anything at this hour. They got of their horses, leaving them to rest. Suddenly, Aemond unsheathed his sword and walked rapidly towards him.

“Aemond?” 

The thought of him trying to kill him briefly crossed his mind. Paralysed with fear, Lucerys couldn’t move, his feet feeling like lead.  The prince raised his blade, quickly struck… It took him a few seconds to realize he was unharmed, that the sword had hit near his feet…

Where a snake had been trying to crawl to bite him.

“You look surprised, Nephew.”
“I am.”
“I told you : I do not want to destroy you anymore.”

And if he had to be honest with himself, he enjoyed his company, which was scarier than anything in this world.

“Let’s go home. I do not want our rides to get bitten.”

As they got ready, Rhaenyra’s son smiled.

“Thank you, Aemond.”
“You really need more training, Nephew.”
“Will you teach me?”
“Why not? I get to revisit the bases.”

He had to refrain from smiling too.

“My Lady Stepmother.” Rhaena bowed

Rhaenyra let her embrace her and let her kiss her father on the cheek. 

“You called for me?” 
“I did, Sweet Girl.”

Daemon was amused : whatever new it was, it was a good one. Did they decide to marry Lucerys and her sooner? 

“Syrax has laid a new clutch of eggs.” The queen revealed. “And I want you to pick one.”

The teenager beamed.

“Is it true? Syrax had eggs?!”
“She did!”
“I… I can really get one?”
“Of course!”
“But what if it doesn’t hatch?”

The young woman took her hands, soft and caring.

“It doesn’t matter. You are a Targaryen. You can have a dragon egg. I’ll be honest, my dearest, I do not want you to try and claim an already existing dragon. The last time you tried, I almost lost you and I do not want to risk it again. I love you and your sister as if you two were born from me. You are the daughters of my dear cousin and friend. You are the nieces of my first husband whom I loved dearly. You are the daughters of the man my soul recognizes as its twin. If anything happened to you, I’m afraid I’d go mad with grief.”

Teary-eyed, the princess hugged her stepmother. Daemon looked at them with pride: while he had never doubted it, he was so glad his wife had accepted his daughters so easily, adopted them even, as she made no difference between them and the children she had. She shared her beliefs : you would only love the children of your spouse, even if you didn’t sire them. They were part of them and loving them was loving your husband, your wife, respecting them. He genuinely cared for Jace, Luke and Joff. He had no real love for Laenor, but he remembered him as a man who had fought bravely during the war of the Stepstones, he had supported Rhaenyra the best he could. 

“I already know how to call my dragon if they are born!”
“Don’t spoil the surprise just yet, dear girl!”
“Can I tell Baela? And Luke?”
“You can tell anyone you like. It is no secret.”

Rhaena bowed and left them. Her father got up, walked to his wife, kissed her hand.

“Thank you.” He said
“For what?”
“For loving my girls as you do.”
“You love my boys as your own. Daemon… I’ve been thinking. Should we safe-keep one for Gaemon?”
“Why?”
“If he is Aegon’s son, shouldn’t he deserve to have one? My boys were given dragon eggs. They hatched. You and I know the truth about them. Gaemon would be no different than they were back then.”
“He might descend from a dragon seed, nothing proves he’s Aegon’s.”
“I know. But are you opposed to it?”
“I am not. I just want us to be cautious.”

“Enter.”
Larys barely raised his head as Mysaria entered his apartments, used to how she knocked on doors.

“Lord Larys. There is a woman who wishes to speak to us.”

She stepped aside, revealing a woman who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Her brown skin and dark hair betrayed her dornish blood. She gave him the briefest curtsey he had ever seen.

“My Lady.” He politely welcomed her
“I am no Lady, Lord Strong.” She said with a thick accent. “My name is Sylvenna Sand, I work in the House of Kisses.”
“Oh. So, you come regarding our case about your coworker Essie.”
“Essie wasn’t my coworker. She was my lover.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Larys didn’t even bat an eye at Sylvenna’s declaration.

“You could be anything to her, I personally don’t care. What I care about is your information.”

“I do not work for free.” The sex worker spat

“No one does.” He replied. “What would be your price? Money, I assume?”

“Not only!”

That woman was a curious one.

“You are on the queen’s council, M’Lord. You have her ear.”

“You want to pass laws through me. You are daring.”

“Nothing the queen wouldn’t agree too! She’s having the law of absolute primogeniture passed for her house’s succession, I do not doubt that House Velaryon will do the same : her son is the future Lord of the Tides. Absolute equity between men and women will be achieved soon. Maybe in a few generations.”

“If you have complaints, Prince Aegon receives petitioners once a moon to hear their grievances.”

“Those grievances aren’t my own. They are of the people!”

“And that changes nothing for me. If you believe the queen will accept changing laws for your information, you are deluded, no matter how she could come to enjoy and even entertain your ideas. So, my advice would be to take the money, tell me what you know and try to be received by Prince Aegon.”

Sylvenna’s jaw tightened.

“Is he good to Gaemon? The prince?”

Her voice betrayed her worry.

“That is none of your concern.”

“It is. If that boy didn’t fight in the pits, it’s because of me.”

The master of whispers offered her a seat.

“The boy is well taken care of. Prince Aegon makes no difference between him and his trueborn children.”

“But does he love him?”

“As I said, he makes no difference.”

Mysaria gave her a cup of wine.

“Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena care for him as if they birthed him. He’s to have an entire new wardrobe and a chest filled with toys for him only.” She explained

The prostitute softened.

“You like that boy.”

“I love that boy.” Sylvenna rectified. “I was working hard to purchase his contract back from the pits…”

“Tell us your story.”

The dornish woman drank.

“I met Essie when she was first hired in the House of Kisses. We fell in love instantly. I was hers and she was mine, we had no secret from each other.” She started

“Go on.”

“One day, a whore from another brothel came : Essie had a younger sister. Her name was Lyra. She worked for the Silk Sheets.”

Daemon’s former paramour nodded : this brothel wasn’t one under her control but the owner was a friend, she’d be able to access her records easily.

“Why didn’t they work together?” Larys wondered. “Two sisters, that would have been a dream for certain customers.”

“Essie and Lyra argued. Essie’s dream was to gain enough money to open her own pleasure house in another city while Lyra was simply glad to have a job in one that treated their employees right. Essie told Lyra she was a fool, a simple-minded girl, who would be on the streets after her prime was past because she didn’t plan ahead. Lyra told her she didn’t want to build her future using cunts that weren’t hers. She didn’t like being a prostitute : she was relieved to be in a good house, but she had been sold there by their uncle after their parents passed.”

“I see. What happened?”

“The whore came to fetch Essie… When Essie came back, Gaemon was in her arms. She angrily told me that her sister had been idiotic enough to get herself knocked up by a member of the royal family and dumb enough to carry the pregnancy to term.”

“What happened to Lyra?”

“She’s dead, M’Lord. She died giving birth to Gaemon. The baby was breached, she pushed and pushed, battling to see him alive. The whore came to Essie because Lyra knew she was dying and she wanted her baby to be with a relative.”

“Did the sisters make up?”

“I do not know. Essie didn’t talk much of her. But she didn’t like Gaemon : she always said he was a thorn in her side, that he was slowing her down. I think, deep down, she couldn’t bear to look at him : he was Lyra’s son, and despite everything, she did care about her sister… When she heard of the pits, she sold him there.”

“And you were against it?”

“I was! My curse, M’Lord, is that I cannot bear children. I want to, but I can’t. I told Essie I’d care for her nephew, I’d be the mother while she’d win the bread. That he, in time, would be her heir, so he could continue her business. She didn’t listen. So, when I found out about what she did, I broke up with her. I worked harder and spent, every moon, half of my earnings on the boy. That was the deal with the owner of the pits : I paid him and he would not have Gaemon fight, his nails and teeth would be left alone. He was fed better than the other children too.”

“You didn’t seek Prince Aegon before?”

“Would he have believed me? He wasn’t looking for his bastards then. Men like him are oddities. Few of men care about the children they pump in whores.”

“How do you know Gaemon is Prince Aegon’s child? Lyra could have lied to her sister.”

“When Prince Aegon visited her brother, he always asked after Lyra. He liked her. She made him laugh. I know he wasn’t her only customer. But he was one of her regulars. Gaemon has silver hair, the same shade of silver...”

They could confirm that, Mysaria thought.

“Why did Essie suddenly pretend Gaemon was hers?”

“For the money. She believed she’d get an alimony or something. She would have found a way to entrust Gaemon to his father or to a place where she would be rid of him and she’d use the coin to finally build her dream. She was getting desperate : she was sick. She had a disease that maesters call consumption. She wanted to leave this world with something so time would remember her name. She was scared of that : being forgotten. Lyra didn’t care about all of that.”

Her cup was now empty.

“Where can we contact you?” Larys inquired

“The House of Kisses. My employer knows I’m here. He’s relieved to know Gaemon is alive : we all loved that little boy.”

“We will investigate your words.” Mysaria told her.

“I have no reason to lie!”

“We have to. Take the money Lord Strong offers. If we see you are right, we can try and have you see a glimpse of Gaemon.”

Sylvenna dried the tear that was rolling down her cheek.

“Thank you for your cooperation. And for your grievances, go to the petitions.”

The dornish woman was accompanied out. Mysaria sat facing Larys.

“If Lyra was indeed Gaemon’s mother and a regular woman for the prince, how come Prince Aegon never knew of her pregnancy?” He asked

“The owner of the Silk Sheets has rules.” The brothel owner explained. “One of them is that, as a worker, you do not tell your clients you are pregnant. Some women would speak in good faith, others would do so to escape their condition. It’s to avoid customers being entrapped with a child that is potentially not theirs. When the pregnancy becomes visible, the workers are set aside : my friend is convinced that overworking a pregnant woman can endanger the babe and the mother, so she waits until the child is born. Most of the children become whores themselves. It is only after that revealing the pregnancy is possible : if you have good reasons to believe that this particular customer sired your bastard. Lyra didn’t tell Prince Aegon because she was forbidden to. Once the pregnancy was too visible, she was set aside. Prince Aegon must have been told she was sick or indisposed, anything to keep him at bay and to avoid involving him: Gaemon could still be the son of a lysene sailor for all we know.”

And even if Lyra was convinced, or knew, that Aegon had fathered her bastard, she had no proof. Even if the prince believed her, he wouldn’t have been able to care for him the way he would have wanted to : Queen Alicent would have made sure, back then, to have the child entrusted somewhere, limiting contact between father and son.

“So, a new investigation awaits, then.” Larys concludes

“The owner is a friend.” Mysaria informed him. “A genuine friend. She will help us. If Lyra was indeed pregnant, if she was indeed Prince Aegon’s favourite, if her pregnancy records are up to date, we could find the proofs we need.”

The children were napping after their morning lessons. Gaemon was clutching a small wooden dragon Aemond had offered him: the prince had noticed how he admired the ones the twins had and, without warning and without telling anyone, he surprised him with one. To Aegon and Helaena, it was his way of saying the boy was his nephew just as much as Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were.

“My septa says Gaemon is adapting well.” The princess told her husband as she was mending Jaehaera’s doll.

“That’s good. I was worried about the lessons…” Her spouse replied

“He tries his best. And the children help him. Rhaenyra’s Aegon seems very fond of him.”

He chuckled. If Gaemon was getting on well with his brother and his sister, with his new little nephew, it was like seeing a mother duck and her duckling.

“Rhaena was given a dragon egg. Syrax had a clutch.”

“Really? I hope she finally gets her dragon.”

“Aemond told me she apologized to him, for Vhagar and Driftmark.”

“How did he take it?”

She looked at him, a sad smile on her lips.

“How do you think?”

He sighed. Aemond had always been reserved, introverted, the way he used to tease his little brother in the past certainly didn’t help and losing his eyes, the injustice he felt that night, the fact that their mother had been the only one to fight for him, at the cost as appearing as mad, worsened everything. He had rebuilt himself, using his disability as his power, but at the same time, it had fueled his anger. It had helped against falling into melancholia but now, trying to let go of it was terrifying. It was his crutch. It defined him. To finally be presented with the start of reparation was unsettling : if he let go of his wrath, what was he? What remained? Aegon wished he could help him more. True, their brother opened up a bit more nowadays with them. Still, the only one who could truly get through to him was Criston Cole. And while the White Cloak did his best, there was only so much he could do.

“Speak of the devil!”

The teenager was returning from his training, Daeron behind him. The siblings tried to see each other at least once in the day, even if only to talk or drink something together.

“Was I the subject of your conversation?” Aemond asked

“You were.” The eldest admitted. “Helaena told me about Rhaena.”

“And I have no wish to talk of Rhaena. Lucerys’ constant praise of her is sickening.” He told him as he sat down. “Sweet, mind you. But sickening.”

“What about you, Daeron?” Helaena asked. “What were you up to?”

“Uncle Gwayne helped me with my archery. He also helped little Joffrey.”

“How does he settle in King’s Landing?”

“He’s doing well. I think that’s actually all he wanted : he missed Mother. He missed us. I think he wished he was with her from the beginning, to help her with us.”

Aegon wondered, for a moment, how things could have been had his uncle been allowed to support his mother. Perhaps their childhoods would have been kinder.

“The planning for the coronation is being slowed down.” Aemond said

“Why?” Helaena wondered

“Because some members of the council want to do a grand ceremony : she is the first queen regnant in History. Others want to do something a bit more low-key : too much spending could be interpreted as a sign that the coffers will be depleted and a bad omen for the smallfolk.”

“And then, the others argue that grandeur makes the people dream.” Aegon added

“Exactly.”

“Where does Rhaenyra stand on that?”

“She wants to please everyone but can’t.”

Daeron turned to the One-Eyed Prince as he nibbled on a biscuit.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why do you train Lucerys so much? I thought you hated him.”

Aegon bit his lip, unsure if he had to laugh or feel sorry for Aemond. Helaena tensed slightly. Taken aback, Aemond himself couldn’t answer right away.

“I don’t hate him.” He ended up sighing

“He took your eye, you wanted his in exchange and now you train together?”

Aegon and Helaena could see the walls building around his heart brick by brick.

“I kill him and then what? Aegon’s efforts go to waste. We go to war. Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Gaemon are in danger. Rhaenyra has to execute us because we are men and threats to her throne.”

“That’s a politician’s response. I want my brother’s response.”

“Daeron.” The oldest of them said. “Don’t.”

He felt he had to.

“I don’t hate Lucerys.” Their brother admitted. “Not anymore.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because he actually tries.”

Feeling he would not get more from him, Daeron let it go. Helaena exchanged a glance with her husband : their sibling was not nicknamed “The Daring” for nothing.

“Ah, Aegon, come on in!”

Rhaenyra was feeding her daughter. In that, she reminded him of Helaena : she had refused for a nursemaid to be brought in. She was fourteen, exhausted, sore, and yet she had stood her ground and declared she would feed her children herself. Their mother hadn’t understood, saying she was a princess and not a common woman. He remembered intervening, saying his wife was the one who suffered to bring the babies into this world, only she got to decide how they would be fed and by whom.

“I should be done quickly, I’m sorry I’m indecent. Visenya has been quite hungry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He smiled. “Nothing I haven’t seen before. And there is nothing indecent in a mother feeding her child. You wanted to see me?”

A part of himself wondered if it was regarding Gaemon. He tried not to think too much about it but it always lingered, somehow. Helaena, perfect as always, found ways to keep him away from driving himself mad. And she made him blush the hardest he had ever blushed. When he tried to pick up drawing again, not knowing what to draw, she offered to take off her nightgown and lay on the sofa so he could draw her nude. The sketch was started, but remained a work in progress, as the drawing session evolved into lovemaking. His spouse’s growth warmed his heart : she still had her visions but they didn’t invade her as they did, she could try and communicate better about them and now freed of her terrors and their impact, she was finally discovering her true self, what she liked, disliked and surprisingly, sex and intimacy were something she actually enjoyed. Now that all she felt when he touched her was his warmth, his skin, she could focus on her feelings, not on the nightmare she was constantly living.

“The seat for the master of the smallfolk is almost created.” The queen informed him

“That’s good.”

Rhaenyra smiled at her brother.

“Aegon. I know how you feel about this. And I know it must feel like I’m badgering you. But I really believe you should sit this chair. No one else comes to mind.”

He gulped.

“The people are delighted : the petitions go well, their lives are slowly improving. And you care. You care and you know how they live.”

Instinctively, the prince played with his fingers, trying to rip the small pieces of dead skin around his cuticles.

“What would be expected of me?”

“You’d manage your office the way you see fit. You can hire whoever you want to support you.”

“Council would be mandatory…”

“Your attendance would be required and appreciated, yes.”

“I don’t do well in councils.”

“Why? Lord Beesbury told me you did pretty well during the regency. You were active, you listened to everyone, you tried to entertain everyone’s opinions. You asked for help when you didn’t have the answer yourself.”

“I felt like a fraud, Rhaenyra…”

His voice had quivered.

“I felt like a little boy who played pretend, like a usurper… all while having the realms and their millions of lives on my shoulders. I know nothing of ruling, of politics… Father never made me attend councils. He didn’t make me a cupbearer like he did for you. I am not saying I would have loved it the way Aemond does. But I felt just how unprepared and ill-equipped I am. Lord Beesbury is simply being kind : he loved our father. He still does. He won’t speak badly of the man who preserved his king’s dying wish.”

Rhaenyra took his hand the best she could.

“I think you are selling yourself short. You weren’t a boy playing pretend. You were the Regent. And despite being ill-equipped, as you say, you saved the realms from war. But I promise you : if you say no, I shall not bring it up again. I know you want, first and foremost, to be a father to your children. Nothing makes you happier than that. It’s lovely.”

“Can I… Can I think about it?”

She smiled.

“Of course.”

“And… regarding your coronation. Just do whatever feels best to you. It’s your day.”

The moon was high in the sky. The children were already asleep, safely tucked in, with a goodnight kiss and a story filling their heads for lovely dreams. For Gaemon, they hoped it would be the case: the poor little boy had recurring nightmares where he had to fight in the pits or where his adoptive parents left him. The couple knew there would be good chances they’d be woken up in the night or that they’d find him nestled between them in the morning.

“You seem troubled.” Helaena said as Aegon joined her in bed.

He immediately snuggled against her, his head resting on her breasts as she caressed his hair.

“Rhaenyra wants me to be the master of the smallfolk.”

“Would it change your work with the petitions?”

“No, I’d still host them, no matter what my answer will be.”

The young man kept quiet, listening to his wife’s heartbeat. It soothed him better than any wine he ever drank.

“Do you think… I could do it?” He whispered

His uncertainty broke her heart.

“Do you think I’d be good at it?”

“Do you want to do it?”

“I’m terrified… I want to but what if I fail?”

“Aegon. You are a strong-willed, capable man. You are smarter than anyone gives you credit for. You can do it, I know you can.”

“But what if I fail? What if I disappoint everyone like I usually do?”

The princess felt the panic that slowly crept into her husband.

“You will not fail. Because you care too much. You will not fail because you won’t allow yourself to fail.”

“But what if I do…”

Her kiss stopped the ever-growing anxiety that invaded him.

“You can do this.” Helaena said. “You protected the realms from war. You protected Rhaenyra’s birthright. You are causing changes in the line of succession. Positive ones. Your actions allowed our uncle to be reunited to his sister, allowed Daeron to be home, are allowing Aemond to let go of his wrath, even if it’s slowly. You helped countless people. You gave Gaemon a home. You saved me from drowning in madness. Why would you fail in helping the people when you already do it so brilliantly?”

Aegon calmed down.

“Did Rhaenyra say how it would be run?” Helaena asked

“At my discretion… I can run it as I see fit.”

“I could help you.”

He slightly straightened up, looked at her in the eyes.

“You love being among the people. While I’m getting better at it, I am not very outgoing. You go on the field, I help with the mundane. The papers. If our sister allows it, I could even sit on the council for you when you are occupied elsewhere. Unless you’d prefer me staying with the children.”

“It’s not my place to tell you what you should do, Helaena.”

“Shouldn’t I pursue domestic activities only?”

“Then, Rhaenyra should keep popping heirs while her husband rules for her. I want you to do things that make you happy.”

“Helping you would make me happy. I would help both my brother-husband and the realms. I’ve always wanted to do more, not really knowing what I could or couldn’t handle.”

A new seat on the council, a new ministry for a part of the kingdoms so often neglected while it composed three-quarters of it, run by a couple, under the rule of a queen and of a female Hand. Times were changing.

“Let’s do this then. Together.”

“Together. Now and always.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Be mindful of your opened side… Yes! That’s exactly it!”

Criston couldn’t hide the bright smile that came on his lips. When Aegon had asked him if he could resume training with him, he had been delighted : he loved training with Aemond of course, but Aegon’s style was different and he enjoyed spending time with both of them. Daeron was also seeking him out, which warmed his heart. The youngest of the princes had left so early, that he had feared he’d forget him. 
“You are making great progress, my prince!” He congratulated him

“I’m still far from your level, Cole. I am no Aemond.” Aegon smirked
“Which is a good thing. You are yourself. And yourself is quite enough, I assure you.”
“I feel rusty.”
“You are. But you’re getting better quickly.”

The young man sat for a few minutes, his heart beating quite fast. And he had promised Maester Orwyle to train mindfully. 

“Can I ask you a question, Cole?” He asked
“Of course.” The White Cloak replied
“Do you ever regret becoming a Kingsguard?”

The knight had always been so good with them, so patient, so kind… He would have made an excellent father.

“Do you never regret the possibility of a family?”
“My family is right here.” Criston answered. “You, your siblings, your children, your mother. You are all my family. I don’t need anything else from this life : the Gods gave me everything I ever wanted.”
And between the lines, unspoken words he could hear nonetheless : he didn’t need to have a wife, children. He cared for them, loved them, as if they were his own kids. 

“Soon, you will start training Jaehaerys and Gaemon.” Aegon joked
“You are making me feel old, my prince.” He laughed
“I have decided to accept Rhaenyra’s offer. For the seat of the master of the smallfolk.”

The dornish man beamed.

“You will make a perfect fit, Aegon.” He assured him. “You are capable of more than you believe.”
“Why do you always believe so firmly in me when no one did up to this day?”
“Because I have always believed children needed to be uplifted, not the other way around.”

Because he saw how he was treated, believed it was wrong, but couldn’t do anything else than try and undo the damages the best he could, with the tools he had.

Because that was what fathers did. 

Criston Cole was more of a father to him, to them all, than Viserys ever was. He had been Aemond’s first word, the baby mistakenly calling him “Dada”. Helaena’s first steps had been towards him. Daeron’s first smile had been for him. As for him, whenever the word “Father” came to mind, his brain associated it with his image. The king was his sire and he had tried so hard to make him love him. Criston had always been there, even if there was only so much he could do. When his sister was pregnant, he had wanted to name their son after the White Cloak. Helaena herself had agreed. But like so many things, this was taken from them and Otto had named the children. 

Jaehaerys for the Old King, the Wise King.

The future king, he had hoped, showing their side was more legitimate.
Jaehaera, being a complete surprise, found her name tied to her brother’s, not a thought truly put into it. She was a girl, Jaehaerys’ twin, most possibly his future wife in the Hand’s mind, so even her name was to be for someone else.

The parents had complained to their mother and for once, she had seemed to understand their plight : Criston indeed deserved this tribute, this honor but even without Otto, the name would have been refused. Too dornish. Dorne was still at odds with the realms. 

In the end, Aegon had grown to adore their names : Jaehaerys was indeed so wise, so clever! And Jaehaera’s name, despite how it came to be, was original. No other princess had been named that way. 

“You are our family too, Cole.” He ended up saying. “Never forget that.”

Footsteps were heard : Aemond, accompanied by Lucerys, was arriving on the training field. His eye widened when he saw him there before the hint of a smirk appeared on his thin lips.

“Well, at least, today, Lucerys might have a chance to defeat me.”
“I can defeat you by myself!” Their nephew retorted
“In your dreams, mayhaps.”

Aegon smiled : it was lovely, seeing his brother being able to open up a bit more, to joke around. His true self was slowly appearing and he loved every inch of it. The fact that it happened with Luke was strange but just as beautiful.

“You wouldn’t beat a poor rusty recovering prince, would you, Brother?”
“You are neither poor nor rusty, Aegon.”

He was going to get his ass kicked and he’d enjoy it.

“So, how is everyone?” Alicent asked

The family had gathered to enjoy dinner together and it was rather early, so the children were attending too. If Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were used to it, it was the first large dinner Gaemon was in : usually, he’d eat with his new family, sometimes he’d see his uncles when they stopped by, his grandmother when she came for her moment with her daughter. To have everyone here at the same time was a bit overwhelming. Aemond noticed it and, without a word, let his nephew sit on his lap. He didn’t know how or why it happened but he quickly grew fond of his new family member, despite his unclear past. Perhaps because he was a lost boy, abandoned by all but a handful of people, just like him at some point. Besides, the child was lovely, it was hard to not like him. 

“I am doing well, Sister.” Gwayne told her. “King’s Landing is a great city. I regret not being able to stay here sooner. I wish I had been allowed to remain with you.”
“Training was a surprise.” The One-Eyed Prince answered. “Aegon was there.”
“Truly?”
She turned to her eldest.
“Is it quite safe?” She worried
“The maesters deem me capable as long as I do not overdo it. Besides, it will do me good. I fear I let myself go.”

Helaena exchanged a glance with her husband. He nodded.

“Aegon and I have news.” She announced

She took his hand.

“Rhaenyra has offered me to become master of the smallfolk.” He revealed. “I have decided to agree. And Helaena will help me with this new office and position. We shall work together to help our people.”
“By The Seven!” Daeron beamed. “Congratulations! You will be such a great addition to the realms!”
“So, I am to see you at the council of top of everyday? The Crone gives me wisdom.” His brother smirked
“I was hoping you’d give me yours. I’m the oldest and yet, you are wiser than a thousand year old granny.” The oldest laughed
“What does that mean? Master of the smallfolk?” Jaehaerys inquired
“You know there are masters of coin, of ships, of laws.” His father started

The little boy nodded.

“The master of coin makes sure our coffers are filled. The master of ships ensures we have good boats and that boats can come to our shores. The master of laws helps the queen with laws for the good of the realms. Well, the master of the smallfolk listens to the people, to their problems and tells the queen if her people need her help. If there are things she can do.”
“Wow! So you and Mommy are going to help all of the people in the Seven Realms? That’s a lot!”
“I know! That’s why Mommy will help me!”
“Yes! Mommy always says team work is important!”

Alicent looked at her son and daughter.

“This is wonderful. I have no doubt you will be successful. Rhaenyra could not have chosen better.”
“Thank you, Mother. We will try our best.”
“Will you still come to read us a story at night?” Jaehaera worried

Aegon kissed his daughter’s forehead.

“We will always come to read you a story, my sweet one. Our work is important. But you and your brothers are even more important.”

Despite his best efforts, facing the door of the council still frightened him : his mind always brought him back to that fateful day and he swore his head, now stitch-free and painless, hurt as much as the day he woke up. To that, his own anxiety was added : he wanted to be here, he wanted to be master of the smallfolk, he wanted to do something, to be useful. However, despite Helaena’s words, despite Criston’s belief, Aegon still felt like that scared little boy, as if the world was going to end as soon as he made a mistake.

“You are a Targaryen.” He reminded himself. “You are the blood of the Dragon. You are no fraud.”

When it opened, the members of the council turned their heads, surprised to see him there. Alicent had never looked so proud of him. Aemond’s face was hard to read but his brother knew him enough to know he was happy to have him do something with his life. To have him become someone, someone with responsibilities and not someone idle. Rhaenyra appeared delighted.

“Ah!” She smiled. “It appears our new master of the smallfolk has arrived. Welcome, Brother! Come and sit.”

A place had been made for him near his sibling.

“My Lords, I am happy to inform you that my brother, Prince Aegon, has done me the great honor of accepting the chair of master of the smallfolk. He and my sweet sister Helaena agreed to help me care for our people.”

A round of applause was given.

“My Prince, on behalf of the council, let me congratulate you and your wife.” Rhaenys told him
“Thank you, Princess Rhaenys. I shall do my utmost to be worthy of the trust our queen placed in me. My worst nightmare would be letting the people down. I know I can count on the members of the council to guide me in my inexperience.”

The Silk Sheet’s owner didn’t need much convincing : as soon as Mysaria asked her this one favour, she had granted her access to her records. She quickly found entries regarding Lyra. A girl from the Reach, a bastard born from a peasant girl, fathered by a dornish traveller. It appeared, from Lyra’s own words, that Essie, the eldest, was actually legitimate, born from a short-lived marriage. She was slightly older than Prince Aegon by two years, dying at seven and ten. Three moons later, Princess Helaena’s pregnancy had been announced at court.

“Lyra had other clients?” She inquired
“Yes. But as soon as Prince Aegon showed a real interest in her, I made sure only him could visit her private gardens.” The Madam replied. “I didn’t want to risk giving him a disease through her. She had other men but they didn’t visit that part of her.”
“And you are certain she did not entertain men behind your back? Or had some fun with a colleague?”

Her friend sighed, a sad smile painted on her lips.

“Lyra was a sweet girl, Mysaria. Clearly not made for our world. She was an adorable fool : she actually fell in love with him. She was relieved to not have men other than him fucking her that way. And I have strict orders regarding intimacy between coworkers. I have someone check on them regularly. Lyra didn’t stray : she wouldn’t have done it out of fear of potentially hurting her prince charming.”
“Prince Charming? That’s a way to name him.”
“He liked her too.”
“How did he react? When you told him Lyra was dead?”
“He was heartbroken. As I said, he liked her. She wasn’t just a whore to him, she was his friend. I do not know if he loved her, but he cared to the point he actually asked me how much it’d cost for him to buy her contract from me.”

Mysaria froze.

“I beg your pardon?!”
“Prince Aegon wanted to buy Lyra’s contract from me. He wanted to free her so she could either come work for him at the castle or go start a new life somewhere.”
“He didn’t ask you how she died?”
“He had been told, for months, that she was sick and that it was contagious. When Lyra died, I told him she had contracted consumption. She had a funeral, you know. He paid for it. He paid off her debt. She has a grave. It’s taken care of. He was there when she was buried.”
“And he didn’t notice her belly?”
“I made sure he didn’t see it. Lyra had entrusted her son to her sister : she knew her prince would care. But she also knew that he would be prevented from caring the way he saw fit. She didn’t want to burden him. She didn’t want him to believe he had killed her because he had impregnated her.”
“Her sister sold the boy as soon as she could and tried to use him, years later, to gain money.”
“Where’s the boy now?”
“With his alledged father.”

The woman smiled.

“If they exist, then the Seven are good. I’m relieved.”

Mysaria continued studying her friend’s entry. The dates appeared to match the timeline, from Aegon being introduced to Lyra, how he kept coming back, the prostitute’s red flowers, when they stopped… Everything seemed to match. However, she remained cautious : pieces of evidence needed to pile up more. That, or a proof that would clear out any doubts. 
“Thank you, Sylvi. You have been most helpful.”
“You’re welcome. You can come by any time to look at them again. I hope Gaemon is proven to be the prince’s son. I know he is. Lyra would be relieved to know her son is with him : she loved that child so much, even when he was still in her womb! Not telling her prince was hard for her.”

“I had never noticed it before.” Helaena said as she tucked Gaemon in

Sound asleep, he had tossed around in his bed, his sheets coming undone.

“What is it?” Aegon asked as he looked at Jaehaera snoring
“Gaemon. He has a small mole on his chin. Like yours.”

He observed his sleeping form.

“It kinda looks like mine, yes.”

He approached his wife, took her hand.

“Are you okay? You look pale.”

She smiled at him softly.

“I am. I didn’t want to tell you because it’s early but…”
“But?”
“My flowers haven’t bloomed. It’s been four weeks.”
The prince, mouth agape, blinked.
“You… we… are we…”
“As I said, it’s early, it might not mean anything, a lot happened and can mess with a woman’s course and…”
“And you could be with child!”
“I could be.”

The joy he felt exploded in his chest. At this moment, nothing else mattered : only Helaena and their children remained, them and the one that she could carry. He immediately kissed her, a kiss where tenderness, happiness and passion entwined.

“Aegon, it is not confirmed…”

“I know. But what if you are with child? Just how wonderful it will be!”

His eyes were sparkling with tears of joy. He carefully placed his hand on her belly.

“I don’t know if you are here.” He said. “But if you are, your father already loves you to the moon and beyond.”

He raised his head.

“And I love you.”

Helaena froze.

“You do?”
“Of course, I do.”
“As a brother.”
“As a brother and as a husband. I’m sorry it took so long.”

She embraced him.

“It was worth the wait. I love you too.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“My congratulations, My Princess, My Prince.” Orwyle smiled

The joy the couple felt was far beyond anything they had experienced. When they were expecting the twins, their feelings had been mixed : they had been married too young, against their will, pressured into conceiving. They had loved their babies as soon as they came into the world, from the moment they held them in their arms and if their lives started again, they would pick up the same path because having Jaehaerys and Jaehaera was worth any pain they had to endure.  Being happy about the pregnancy was completely new to them.

“You are in the middle of the second moon, Princess.” He precised 
“Maester. Can… Can you keep this for yourself? For the time being?” Helaena asked

He nodded.

“Of course, Princess. I remain at your disposal, should you require any assistance.”

He left them and as soon as they were alone, Aegon hugged her tight.

“We’re going to have a baby…” He whispered
“What do you think they are?” His wife joked. “A boy? A girl?”
“It doesn’t matter, as long as they are healthy.” The prince replied
“But if you could pick?”
“I have this feeling the baby is a boy… I would love a new baby girl. But… I don’t know, when I think of them, I see a boy.” Aegon admitted
“Do you think we’ll be able to name them, this time?”
“I doubt Rhaenyra will prevent us. Do you have names already?” He asked
“I like Maelor. It’s unique. It’s sweet when you say it. But I’m afraid Mother will tell us it’s too much like Maegor…” Helaena confessed
“Maelor it is. And for a girl?”
“Aegelle.”

Because it was close to his name. 

“I wonder if Gaemon doesn’t have yours and Jaehaera’s gift. He kept dreaming of him being left behind because you were pregnant.”

Helaena caressed his cheek.

“Or maybe it’s just his mind settling down after everything he went through. But we’ll watch over him. And we’ll make sure he knows he is to stay.”

Rhaenyra sighed. Lyra’s story was as sad as it was bittersweet. And the fact that Aegon actually cared about her made it even worse. She was a friend, maybe more. He regularly asked Sylvi about her health when she was “sick”, sent small things to make her happy and when the worst happened, he made sure she went debt-free, with a funeral, a grave still taken care of to this day and he attended the ceremony. Gaemon’s mother seemed to have been a good person, taken too soon by the Gods. Had Aegon known about the pregnancy, she had no doubt he would have sent a maester to help her and perhaps she’d still be alive.

“So, it keeps piling up.” She said
“Yes, Your Grace.” Mysaria replied. “The records match with the information we have. Sylvi has no reason to lie to me. And the boy himself does have a resemblance with his alleged father: the shade of hair, and he shares the same mole on his chin. As he grows, he may look more like the prince.”
“So, Gaemon is most likely Aegon’s child.”
“Yes, Your Grace. But while the records match, while he looks like the prince, there is no absolute proof.”
“And an absolute proof doesn’t exist.”

The queen wondered what she should do : if she waited for too long, then Aegon would remain in doubt. But if she told him and they were wrong? Oh, she knew that, in his heart, Gaemon was his boy no matter what : he loved him and his love for him would never change. Still, he deserved the truth. The child as well : to know who you were, where you came from, was important and he would need it to overcome his pains. A sudden roar startled them.

“What’s going on?!”

She rushed to the window and saw a familiar shade of grey and silver, crushing her heart :

With how Seasmoke behaved, Laenor was most likely dead.

She hoped he had lived happy years along Qarl before the Stranger embraced him.

When Alicent saw Gaemon in Aemond’ arms, her heart swelled : her son had always been good to Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, but she had to admit his fondness for Gaemon surprised her. Was it because Aegon and Helaena adopted him as their own? Or, perhaps she didn’t know her child that well : possibly her third born simply enjoyed children’s company, loved having children around him and, deep down, perhaps he even wanted to have a family of his own one day.

“Vhagar didn’t scare you?” He asked his nephew as he was told of his trip to the dragon pit with the twins
“Vhagar isn’t scary, she’s cute!” The boy replied

Aemond chuckled. A genuine burst of laughter that took off years of his serious appearance. For once, he did look eight and then. 

“Yes, I guess she is. She is a cute old lady dragon.”
“I wish dragons could talk. They’d have so many stories to tell!”
“They would! But dragons and dragons riders understand each other, even if dragons cannot speak.”
“Yes, with high valyrian! But Fa… Prince Aegon speaks my language with Sunfyre.”

If the prince noticed the slip of the child’s tongue, he didn’t mention it.
“Yes, he does. My brother has one of the strongest bonds that exists between a dragon and a dragon rider.”
“Even stronger than you and Vhagar?”
“Yes.”

He had to admit it, even if it bothered him a little bit.

The sudden roar in the sky startled them and instinctively, Gaemon nestled against Aemond, the teenager embracing him tighter as he stood, ready to act or to flee. Alicent herself had run to them, ready to shield them if needed. She was scared of dragons but not enough to let her son and grandson be burnt alive.

“Seasmoke?” He thought as he saw the dragon’s frantic behavior 

His cries were ones of pain and sorrow. The prince knew dragons could grieve. A part of him had wondered, at some point, if Vhagar didn’t accept him as a rider because she missed Laena too much and wanted to have a human beside her once again and as soon as possible. But Rhaenyra’s first husband had been dead for years, why was he acting out now? The dragon took a sharp turn and flew before them. But before they could escape, the beast landed, dust flying around. It kept looking at the pair before carefully walking to them. Shyly, Gaemon turned his head to look at it. Seasmoke was calmer. 

“What does he want?” He wondered aloud
“I do not know…” His uncle admitted

The dragon gently placed its muzzle against the child’s arm. 

“Gaemon… Try giving him an order. You have heard the dragon riders, haven’t you?”

His throat dry, Aemond hoped he wasn’t condemning Gaemon to death.

“Sōvēs…” He tried, with a thick accent

Immediately, Seasmoke roared in happiness as it took off, circling in the air.

“Umbäs.” The child said after his uncle suggested the word

The dragon stopped. Gaemon pointed at the water of the bay.

“Dracarys!”

Fire escaped the beast’s throat.

“Māzīs.”

It came to him, happily greeting the gentle pat on his scales. 

“I don’t believe it…” Aemond whispered
“I don’t either.” 

He turned around. Rhaenyra, accompanied by Daemon, had run to the scene.

“Did I do wrong?” Gaemon worried
“You did nothing wrong, Gaemon.” The queen smiled
“You just claimed a dragon, little nephew.”  The teenager told him

Seasmoke roared again. 

“There we have it…” The lady of the Seven Kingdoms thought.  “An almost absolute proof.”

“You wanted to see me?” Aegon wondered

Rhaenyra offered him a seat.

“What’s going on? Is this about Seasmoke?”

The roars had shaken Helaena and they had immediately thought of Gaemon being with their mother and brother.

“You can be at ease. Everything is fine.”

They sat together and she poured him a cup of water. 

“Gaemon claimed a dragon.” She told him

The prince thanked the Gods he was not drinking : he would have choked.

“What?” He exclaimed

“Gaemon claimed Seasmoke.” His half-sister said. “Or Seasmoke solicited Gaemon. Your boy was in the courtyard with Aemond and your mother. Seasmoke flew to them, seeking Gaemon out.”
“How…”
“Aemond helped him with High Valyrian.”

The young man was at a loss, too many emotions colliding at once : pride as his boy had claimed a dragon, disbelief as it proved the child was indeed a dragon seed and thus of their blood, relief that everyone was alright but there was a hint of anger at his brother. Of course, he knew everything went fine, and Aemond had done what he thought was best in a situation where he didn’t have that much time to think but a part of him reminded him how dangerous that was. Even if all turned out okay, what if it hadn’t? What if Gaemon had been injured or… He didn’t even want to think about losing him. That would be the Seven Hells on Earth. Then, he blamed himself : his sibling was not stupid, knew the risks and certainly would have protected him the best he could had things gone sour. He knew him enough to know he would have done anything to protect him. 

“So, now we know Gaemon is of our blood.” He concluded
“It’s beyond that. Larys and Mysaria’s investigations revealed something.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember a woman named Lyra, Aegon?”

His blood ran cold and his heart stopped when he realized where she was going with that. It couldn’t be…

“I do.” He simply said
“Lyra was Essie’s sister. And she was Gaemon’s birth mother.”

He paled, fearing the rest of it.

“Lyra died in childbirth and before she passed, she entrusted Gaemon to her sister but Essie soon sold Gaemon to the pits. Her lover, Sylvenna, spent these past years giving the pits half of her earnings to prevent him from being sent to fight or groomed to fight. She had hoped she could buy him back from there.”
“Rhaenyra… What are you saying?” 

His voice shook.

“Mysaria talked to Sylvi, Lyra’s employer. She has rules for her employees, one of them being girls being forbidden to tell their clients about their pregnancies until the paternity of the child can be established. And she’s adamant on it : as soon as you became Lyra’s regular, she made sure only you could have her the way husbands have their wives to prevent you from possibly falling sick despite her care.”

Rhaenya took his hand.

“The dates in the records match what we know. Gaemon has your hair, he has your mole on his chin, just like yours, he grows to look more like you everyday. And today, he claimed Seasmoke.”
“I…”
“When we look at everything, we can say with an almost absolute certainty that Gaemon is your blood son.”

She smiled at him.

“You were right. Your instincts were right. Your heart recognized your son as soon as you saw him.”

Aegon could only nod, completely overwhelmed. 

“Do you want me to send for Helaena?” The queen offered

He nodded. As soon as he was alone, he broke down in tears. 

Tears of joy as the truth was finally out.

Tears of relief : this was finally over.

But tears of hurt and heartache : he was the reason Lyra was dead.

Helaena sat by his side as soon as she saw his tears. She embraced him and he melted in her arms, sobbing. 

“What it is?” She asked as he was trying to calm down

He couldn’t answer right away. She gave him time, holding him as he tried to compose himself.

“The investigation is over…” He finally managed to say, his voice coarse
“Okay.”
“And Gaemon claimed Seasmoke today.”
“Really?! How wonderful! You and I can teach him how to fly a dragon!”
“Helaena…”
“Gaemon is your son, isn’t he?”

She had a recurring dream at night of silver threads entwining. At first, seeing only two, she assumed it was linked to the start of her pregnancy. Slowly, a third one had emerged. Now, she knew: her new baby and her bonus son. 

“Today’s events added more certainty. Seasmoke, Gaemon having my hair, my chin, looking more and more like me… and what Larys and Mysaria discovered…”

He carefully explained what Rhaenyra had told him. Essie being Gaemon’s aunt, how she came to have him, what she did, Sylvenna’s kindness and above all, Lyra. 

“What was she like, Lyra?”
“She was wonderful.” He immediately replied, a nostalgic smile on his face. “She wasn’t made to be a prostitute, but she made the best of it. She was kind to everyone. I first met her in her brothel but not as a client : I was there, I was drunk, I was sick and while I wasn’t her customer, she cared for me. She held my hair as I retched, she gave me water, she made sure I was safe and unbothered. She didn’t know who I was but she did it anyway. I came back later that week to thank her. I became her customer later on. I always asked for her.”
“And then, Sylvi made sure you were the only one who could have her the way a husband has his wife. So you would not get any disease accidentally.”

He nodded.

“What did she look like?”
“She was six and ten when I met her. She was of dornish decent, like Criston. She had the same skin. Long, very long chestnut hair that waved. Big brown eyes. She wasn’t the great beauty people would speak of in their legends. But she was lovely. And funny. So very funny! She had the best jokes, the best puns, she’d find any way to crack one. She made me laugh.”
“She was your friend.”
“I loved her…”

Helaena hugged him tighter.

“I loved her so much… that I wanted to get her out of her condition. I wanted to purchase her contract back from Sylvi. I wanted to have her work in the castle, for me, or, if she wanted, to leave King’s Landing and start anew somewhere else.”
“And then, she fell pregnant and was forbidden to tell you.”
“I was so scared when Sylvi told me she was severely sick. She refused my offer to send a maester from the castle. I couldn’t visit her, she said it was contagious. So I wrote. Sylvi must have burnt my letters after Lyra passed away… I wrote, I sent small trinkets, to let Lyra know I didn’t forget her.”
“Did she love you?”
“She did. I must sound so pathetic, whores will tell their customers they are in love with them if needed… But I believe she meant it. She didn’t like to lie…”
“I am certain she loved you.”
“Gaemon was breached baby… and Lyra didn’t survive… when Sylvi told me she was dead, she told me she had been sick with consumption…”
“I’m sorry…”

Helaena meant it : how horrible it must have been, to be kept at bay and then, one day, to be told the girl you loved was dead. Lyra was, most likely, Aegon’s first love and to lose her this cruelly must have destroyed him. And now, to know she had died in childbirth, birthing their son…

“I killed her…”
“Aegon…”
“I did… What if I kill you too?”

He was shaking as his fears gripped his heart.

“I got Lyra with child and she died in childbirth. I got you pregnant with twins, your pregnancy was difficult, you almost died… I am cursed… what if I kill you with our baby?”
“Aegon. Look at me.”

She cupped his face.

“You are not cursed. None of this is your fault.”

He gulped.

“Lyra died in childbirth, like too many women before her and like too many after her. I didn’t know her, but I am convinced she never blamed you. She certainly missed you and was relieved that your son was safe. She entrusted him to her sister who proved unworthy. She entrusted him to her because she knew you would care but you would also be prevented from caring the way you would have wanted to care.”

Her thumbs dried his cheeks.

“My first pregnancy was rough because I got pregnant too early. This isn’t on you either. We were young, pressured, forced. You stood by my side and did your best to ease me or to make me feel better. Ginger, that was your idea. I remember you sneaking in the middle of the night to go to the city to find me cakes only the smallfolk bakes because I was craving it.”

He nodded.

“The birth was hard because I was four and ten. I wasn’t developed enough. That is not on you either. And nothing will happen to me today. Maester Orwyle said it himself : he saw no cause for concern.”
“But what if it goes wrong?” He whispered
“This wouldn’t be your fault either. Childbed is a woman’s battlefield.”

He nestled against her.

“Does Lyra have a resting place?” She asked
“She does… when she died, I paid off her debts to Sylvi. I paid for her funerals. I attended them. I paid for a grave. Every week, someone goes there to ensure the grave is clean, to change the flowers if needed. I asked them to give her corn-flowers : they were her favourites. If there aren’t any, then any blue flowers. She loved blue.”
“I think I would have liked her.”
“You would have. She often asked me about you, she was worried how you would feel, knowing I was with her and not you.”

The princess laughed.

“I’m sorry you lost her. She sounds marvellous.”
“She was…”
“One day, we could visit her grave. I have to pay my respect : she meant the world to you. She’s Gaemon’s birth mother. We should also seek Sylvenna. She might want to know how Gaemon is. Maybe even see him. We have to thank her for protecting him.”
“We do… And we’ll have to tell Gaemon too… to tell everyone…”

It felt insurmountable.

“Gaemon and the twins first. Then, our siblings, Mother, Uncle Gwayne. Bit by bit.”
“I really don’t deserve you, Hel…”
“And yet, I firmly believe the Gods couldn’t have chosen a better husband for me.”
“I abandoned my son in the pits…”
“You didn’t know he was! Tell me, if you had known, would you have left him behind?”
“I’d rather be burnt by Vhagar and crushed by Sunfyre.”
“This isn’t on you either, then. But your heart recognized Gaemon. Perhaps Lyra led you to him.”

Outside, in the courtyard, Gaemon was getting more acquainted with Seasmoke under the watchful eye of his uncle Aemond who taught him safe commands. When Aegon heard him laugh, he realized that Lyra laughed the same way.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Aegon expected the council to be reunited quickly : after all, an unclaimed dragon, rushing to the Red Keep and choosing its rider was a novelty, even more so when the chosen one was a five-year-old child whose parentage was still unknown. It proved the child had Targaryen blood. And he didn’t doubt Larys would reveal the results of his investigations. This wasn’t what he and Helaena had wanted but they agreed: if it was mentioned, the prince would confirm his link to the child. 

And he would ask the queen to study the possibility of legitimizing their little boy. 

Gaemon was theirs.

He was theirs regardless but now that they knew who he was, whose child he was, it felt simply right. 

Aegon wanted to take on his responsibility towards his son.

Helaena had already adopted him as hers, she loved him as hers.

If it wasn’t possible, nothing would truly change for them. It was just a bonus, another proof for their boy so he’d know just how they cared.

“My lords, my ladies, thank you for joining me on such short notice.” Rhaenyra welcomed them as she invited them to take a seat

They all noticed Jacaerys being her cupbearer : she was finally including him in the council, the way her father did, so he could start and learn. It was good. It was important. When his nephew came to fill his cup with wine, Aegon covered it with his hand and smiled at him.

“As you are aware, Seasmoke, my late husband’s dragon, may the Seven rest his soul, has been claimed.”

Rhaenys’ eyes seemed to wander off for a brief moment. Dragons did not belong to anyone and Seasmoke’s new claim had been completely different than Vhagar’s. Still, it reminded her of her beloved son, his joy when he claimed him, how they rode together for their enjoyment, how proud and grown up he looked when he came back from the war. It had been years but the beast having a new rider just confirmed the horrible truth more and more : she was a childless mother.

“Or, rather, Seasmoke chose his new rider: little Gaemon.”
“So, it appears Prince Aegon’s adopted child is a dragon seed.” Tyland commented. “I believe Lord Larys was investigating the matter, perhaps he could enlighten us with his findings.”
“The investigation is ended.” The master of whispers admitted. “We know who Gaemon is.”

Surprisingly, he kept quiet and instead looked at Aegon, offering him a chance to speak up. 

“It has been proven that my intuition was right, Lord Lannister.” The prince told him. “Gaemon is my baseborn son, born from a sex worker in Flea Bottom.”
“My congratulations, My Prince.” The Lannister replied

He appeared sincere.

“What of the mother? Wasn’t he a child from the pits?”
“Gaemon’s mother died in childbirth and entrusted him to her sister who sold him to the pits the first chance she got.”

And who tried to get him back only to have her cake and eat it too… How could Lyra be her sister? She was so sweet, so kind… He and Aemond were quite different as well. But not to that extent. 

“The Seven be blessed. They allowed you to be reunited with your son.” Lord Beesbury declared
“The House of the Dragon grows fiercer.” Lord Wylde said. “A new dragon rider is a blessing.”
“The news of Gaemon being Prince Aegon’s son should be announced publicly. The people must know only the blood of the dragon can indeed bond with a dragon or else, they will assume anyone can do it.” The master of laws intervened. “Or else, I fear we might have people trespassing in the dragon pit, despite our security, to try and claim a dragon, resulting in terrible and avoidable casualties. On Dragonstone as well.”
“I hear you, Lord Wylde. However, I would like my family to be informed first.” Aegon answered. “I don’t want my blood learning of such an important fact like the rest of the kingdoms. I want my son to know he is my blood son before it is done.”
“I do understand, My Prince but the matter is urgent.”
“I understand your worries.” Rhaenyra intervened. “Brother, do you think you could do it in a week? I can raise the security around the dragons’ lairs in the meantime but the matter should be cleared rapidly.”
“I will. You have my word.”
“Good.”
“I know this procedure takes time. But I want to announce immediately my intention of seeking Gaemon’s legitimization. He is my son. I want to be his father in every sense of the word.”

The queen smiled.

“It honours you, Brother. We shall discuss this and see what is possible.”
“Your Grace, regarding the coronation, what is to be done?” Lord Beesbury wondered

Aegon had heard from Aemond how heated the debate was. He just never imagined just how lively they were! Back and forth, polite of course, but it was a miracle Rhaenyra wasn’t having headaches upon headaches.

“My Lords, I believe the only person qualified here to speak on how the smallfolk would feel regarding the coronation is the master of the smallfolk himself.” Alicent spoke up

Her son froze instantly. Sitting in the council was one thing, to actively participate in this was different. He felt his blood running cold while his heart was beating so fast he wondered if anyone could hear it. He tried to breathe quietly, focusing on what Criston told him when he was regent. It felt like years ago… 

“I am a Targaryen.” He thought. “I am a prince of the realm. I am the queen’s oldest of her younger siblings. I was Regent. I am as fearsome as any of them. I am Aegon Targaryen and this is where I belong.”
“If you could enlighten us, Brother.” His sister agreed
“The people are easy to please : all they ask is to be respected and considered. A coronation is a grand affair, especially the coronation of the first regnant queen in our History. Something too modest could be seen as underwhelming, maybe a sign that our queen’s position isn’t her right. Something too grand, especially so soon after The Shepherd’s case, could be seen as provoking.”
“What would be your solution?”
“A compromise.”

He hated their eyes on him. He tried his best to ignore them.

“Include the smallfolk in the event. The leftovers from the coronation party could be distributed to the poor. Let the people see you when you get crowned. Allow them to cheer for you, to tell you they love you, because they do. Offer them favours before and shortly after the coronation itself : you could forgive some prisoners whose crimes are small. Offer a dowry to some young girls so they can marry better. You are getting Seven Realms. But they are also getting a new ruler. Share the day with them.”
“The queen has already shown her compassion and generosity numerous times!”  The master of coins exclaimed
“She did.” Aegon admitted. “This is why the smallfolk love her and accept her so readily : many were sceptical when they learnt the crown would pass down to the king’s eldest daughter instead of his eldest son, like the Andal law would have ensured. Queen Rhaenyra, by closing the pits, by building an orphanage, and wells, by restoring the sewers, by investigating the landlords’ issues, proved she was willing to help her subjects. She proved to everyone she wasn’t a queen for the nobles but everyone’s queen. By forgiving the people who followed The Shepherd, she also showed her compassion, that making mistakes was human but forgiveness divine. This isn’t a one-time job. This is a lifetime one. We, as the more fortunate of these lands, owe it to the less fortunate to ensure their safety and comfort. Ignoring the smallfolk and underestimating their power and importance is a deadly mistake. I do not need to remind you some were willing to team up, take up arms and march on the dragon pit to murder our mounts, which are, some could argue, a symbol of our legitimacy and the source of our power.”
“It all boils down to this eternal question.” Larys said. “Is it better for a leader to be feared or loved?”
“Loved.” The young man immediately answered. “If your people fear you, they might not attack you. But when someone will, they will either ally with him or abandon you to be torn apart. If you are loved, the idea of attacking you won’t cross their minds. When presented with it, they will be horrified. They will defend you. They will share your joys. They will weep and feel your pain as their own. All you have to do is treat them with kindness, respect and decency.”

Taken in his exchange, he didn’t notice Aemond and Alicent’s gaze upon him. Nor his mother’s pride. 

“A compromise seems like a good idea.” Rhaenyra declared. “We meet halfway. I would like this to be implemented for my coronation. Aegon, I trust I can count on you to tell me what the people would need the most, so I may offer it to them as a promise that I will take care of them.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”

The session ended quickly afterwards. Aegon found himself unable to leave his seat. All the pressure he felt was falling to his feet. He 
resisted the urge to pour himself a cup of wine.

“You did well.” His brother told him

From him, it was no small thing.

“Did I? I thought I was going to piss myself out of fear.”
“Aemond is right.” Their mother agreed. “You were articulate. You stood your ground. You knew what you were talking about. You’ve never looked more regal.”

He chuckled.

“Gaemon… is he really yours, then?”
“He is.”
“And his mother?”
“As I said. She was a prostitute. She died giving birth to him.”
“It was to be expected...”
“If you must know, it was not lust : I loved his mother.”

The dowager queen froze.

“I loved her with all my heart. I loved her so much I wanted to take her out of her brothel, to offer her a new chance. I loved her so much that when I was told she was dead, the first thing I wanted to do was to throw myself from the highest window of the Keep. I planned to! After her affairs were settled, I was to jump and meet my end either on the ground or on the spikes below. The only thing that kept me alive was Helaena telling me she was pregnant. Because there was no way I was going to do to my child what my father did to me : abandon him.”

Surprising him, she got up, walked to him and hugged him.

“Gaemon is a sweet boy.” Aemond commented. “I thank the Gods all of your children take after their mothers in that regard.”

The prince laughed.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, sitting on the rug near their mother, were carefully listening as Aegon spoke to Gaemon. The child was sitting on his lap, devouring his every word. And while she knew just how hard it was for her husband, Helaena realized, in that moment, just how much she loved him. 

Was he perfect? No.

But he tried.

He tried so hard, he meant well and it was a shame people usually looked down on him while he was a real gem once you bothered digging down. 

“So… I’m you real baby too?”
“Yes, you are. You were born before Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. I didn’t know you were here. Had I known, I would have picked you up sooner.”
“And… my mommy isn’t my mommy?”

It was complicated for them, so for a five-year-old! But the prince did his utmost to answer him clearly, with words he understood : he was his real baby. The woman he believed was his mommy was his adoptive mommy : she was his blood mommy’s sister and his blood mommy, before joining the Seven Heavens, gave him to her so he could have a family.

“Why didn’t she give me to you?”
“Because she was afraid we would not be allowed to be together.”
“Was she kind?”
“One of the kindest women I have met.”
“So, Gaemon is our brother twice.” Jaehaerys intervened
“In what way?” His father wondered
“First, in our hearts and now, with blood!”

Helaena laughed.

“That’s exactly it! We know it is all very confusing. But if you have questions, just ask us. We don’t mind explaining again.”

Gaemon turned to Aegon.

“Can I call you Daddy now?”

Aegon smiled.

“You can call me whatever you like. I know it’s a lot.”

He then looked at the princess.

“And… Can I call you Mommy?”

She didn’t know if it was because she already loved him so much, if it was the pregnancy acting up, but the young woman found herself crying tears of joy.

“Of course, you can! I am not your blood mommy. But I love you as if you were my blood baby.”

In the pits, Dreamfyre and Sunfyre roared with happiness.

Lucerys hesitated in making himself known : the scene was so adorable he feared he would ruin it. Helaena was rather sick this morning and Aegon had decided to stray with her, working from their rooms so he could watch over her. The twins were with dragon keepers so they would learn how to care for their hatchlings while Gaemon was near the pit with Aemond. As for himself, he wanted to see Arrax, to spend time with his beloved dragon, as he believed he had neglected him. Strangely enough, the dragon keepers had told him Sunfyre and Dreamfyre kept him company. Vhagar herself, while past the age of young dragon amusement, looked like she watched over them. 

“Uncle Aemond, how do you say please in High Valyrian?”
“It’s kostilus.”

The boy repeated carefully as the teenager corrected his pronunciation.

“Why do you want to say please?”
“I give Seasmoke orders all the time. It’s not nice if I don’t say please. Daddy says you have to be kind and respectful to your dragon. Because he’s your friend.”

The One-Eyed Prince had never looked so young, so soft, all the barriers around him broken down as he was being himself : a young man with a soft spot for children, patient, who enjoyed teaching as much as he enjoyed learning.

“It is a nice thought. Let’s see if Seasmoke agrees.”

The dragon wagged its tail.

“Seasmoke, demās kostilus!”

The beast sat down and roared happily.

“I think he liked it!” Gaemon beamed
“He did. Perhaps I should try it with Vhagar. Maybe she would like being told please.”

Luke chuckled, the pair noticed him.

“Nephew.”

The mask was back on again.

“Hello, Prince Lucerys.” The child bowed
“Good Morrow, Uncle, Gaemon. I see you are training!”
“Uncle Aemond teaches me High Valyrian so I can train with Seasmoke!”
“I see that! I’m glad Seasmoke has such a nice dragon rider. He used to be my father’s dragon. I’m happy he’s now with someone who cares about him as much as he did.”
“I’m sorry about your daddy.”
“It was some years ago. But I do miss him.”

Aemond envied him : a true son, a good son, would miss and mourn his sire. He did not. But then again, why would he be a dutiful son to Viserys when the king had forsaken his duty by him, by the children his second wife gave him? He was no true parent, not to them. 

Not to him.

When the words “Father”, and “Kepa”, came to his mind, he immediately associated them with Criston. 

Criston who saw them being born, who cared, who loved them, who always found time to play with them when they were little. He remembered what they liked, what they disliked, he always had a kind word for them and now that they were all almost grown, he kept being there, a steady and reassuring presence. 

He was proud of being Aemond Targaryen.

He would have been prouder being Aemond Cole.

“You are good with him.” His nephew commented as Gaemon was busy petting Seasmoke
“That surprises you.”
“Kind of! I never imagined you being so fond of children. Especially children like Gaemon.”
“I don’t hate bastards. I’ve only hated you.”
“Hated? Not hate still?”
“I don’t hate you now.”

He could see just how that confession cost him.

“I’m glad. Hatred is tiring.”

Gaemon laughed as his dragon’s tail tickled his arm. 

“You’d make a good father, one day.”
“I’d like that. Being a father.”

A father who would love his child unconditionally. A father who would teach his child his values. A father who would spend time with him, play with him, and whose greater treasure on Earth would be this lovely new soul he had brought into this world.

A father like the one his father had been to Rhaenyra.

A father like Laenor had been to his wife’s sons.

A father like Aegon was for his twins and his baseborn son.

A father like Criston had been for all four of them. 

“Uncle Aemond? What happened to your eye?”

Before Aemond could reply, Lucerys stepped up.

“This was my fault, Gaemon.”
“Why?”
“You see, it was years ago when Vhagar had lost her former rider, my aunt Laena. Aemond tried to claim her and Vhagar accepted him. My cousins, Baela and Rhaena, were upset because she was their mother’s dragon so, as their mommy was in the Seven Heavens and it had been not very long, they felt they lost her all over again. My brother and I have been silly : we believed a dragon could be stolen. They can’t, of course, we know that now. But back then, we didn’t. We accused Aemond of stealing Vhagar. He was all alone against us. We fought and during the fight, to protect me and my brother, out of fear, I drew a blade. I injured Aemond and caused him to lose his eye.”

He swallowed.

“It was an accident. But afterwards, I pretended Aemond attacked me so I would not be punished. King Viserys believed me. But that meant Aemond never got Justice for his eye.”

The prince felt a lump in his throat : he knew Lucerys was sorry. The teenager had apologized to him. But to hear him openly admit he did him wrong was something else entirely.

Lucerys recognized he was wrong.

Lucerys was sorry and didn’t paint himself as a victim, instead, he gave this status back to him, something that should have been his in the first place : a broken nose healed. An eyeball couldn’t grow back.

Lucerys recognized he had been unfair.

Lucerys recognized that while it was an accident, he should have been punished because it was no small thing. 

Lucerys meant his words.

Lucerys bore responsibility.

While no tears ran down his cheeks, he could hear his ten-year-old self sobbing in relief : nothing was forgotten. He wasn’t forgotten. They may not understand everything but they genuinely tried to. Deep down, that was all he wanted : 

The loss of his eye was recognized as something that mattered.
Not just something trivial, set aside, as Viserys had done. 

“I forgive you.”

Rhaenyra’s son was startled and it was only when Aemond saw his surprise that he realized the words had escaped his mouth.

“Uncle…”
“I forgive you.”

The worst part was that he really did. Goodwill would not make him whole, Luke’s eye wouldn’t make him feel whole and fulfilled. But forgiving him? After hearing his sincerity… it felt good. It felt nice. It felt as if the weight of the world was taken off his shoulders. The boy’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears of relief.

“I’m glad… and I’ll try my best, every day, to be worthy of your kindness.”

How he managed to finish his training with Gaemon, he didn’t know.

How he managed to take him back to the keep so he could play with his siblings, he didn’t know.

“Aemond?” Aegon asked as he walked to him

Without any warning, he broke down in his brother’s arms who clumsily but quickly held him, his sibling freezing as he felt tears staining his shirt.

For the first time in eight years, Aemond felt free.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Hear, hear!” The street crier shouted. “As a gift to her people before her coronation, it is Queen Rhaenyra’s pleasure to pardon fifty criminals : those men and women were guilty of small theft. They are to be released and given another chance.”

Some people screamed in happiness : their loved ones were coming home.

“It is also her wish for a hundred young and poor maiden to come to the castle so she can offer them a dowry, allowing them to marry good husbands.”
“The Seven Gods bless our queen!”
“The food from the coronation feast is to be given to the poor.”
“This must be Princess Helaena’s idea!” A woman commented. “She already does that for us. The queen is wise to listen to her!”
“The dragon Seasmoke, formerly ridden by Queen Rhaenyra’s late husband: Prince Consort Laenor Velaryon, has been claimed by Gaemon Palehair!”

Whispers spread among the citizens.

“Isn’t he Prince Aegon’s ward?” Someone asked
“It is Prince Aegon’s delight to announce that, after a thorough investigation, it has been proven that his ward Gaemon is his natural son. The Seven, in their infinite mercy, allowed father and son to be reunited and our prince desires to have his son legitimized!”

Among the people, Sylvenna stood there, dumbfounded. Queen Alicent’s eldest son had shown, time and time again, that he cared for the lower people. But she had never expected him to fully embrace being Gaemon’s father. Not many men took responsibility for the bastards they sired. Taking him in was one thing but to announce their link? His wish to elevate him? A tear rolled down her cheek : that baby she loved so much was reunited with a parent who cared about him, who loved him enough to provide for him and not hide him somewhere as a shameful mistake. 

“To celebrate this reunion, it is Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena’s delight to offer to all of the orphans of King’s Landing new clothes and toys.”
“Princess Helaena too?” Someone wondered
“It is said she loves her husband’s child like her own and wants to be a mother to him.”
“Bless her heart!”

She could die happy, the prostitute thought. Her life could end this instant, she would have no regrets : Gaemon was home, he was safe and he had people who genuinely wanted to care for him. Still, there was one thing she wanted to try : the petitions.

She could still change lives if Aegon wanted to listen to her and if not, she could always remind him of what she had done for his son. It was rude, it was crass but at the end of the day, if it allowed for more Justice in the name of women, she was willing to take the chance.

Aegon rarely visited Lyra’s grave. Being there reminded him of how he had lost her and now that he knew the truth, he was unsure how he would handle it. Knowing she was gone after giving birth was something he was still processing and while he had been told it wasn’t his fault, it still felt like his. Also, while he grew to love his spouse the way she deserved to be loved, to love her as his wife and not only as his sister, he knew, deep down, he had never stopped loving Lyra and he would certainly love her until he died. However, he was there, a tiny hand clutching his as they walked to it. Gaemon has asked to see it and he could not find it in his heart to refuse him. His questions were legitimate and it was his duty to answer them and to keep his mother’s memory alive. Despite her morning sickness, Helaena had told him to go : he could leave her behind to rest, she would be safe. This worried him greatly but she had assured him they weren’t as severe as the ones she experienced when she was expecting the twins. 

The tombstone was sober and clean. There were no flowers but he knew new ones would be put quickly. It faced the east : the young woman loved dawn. It was her favourite time of the day, reminding her of when she was a child, and how early she’d wake up to help her mother with chores. She would feel the freshness of the morning air on her skin.

“Was she pretty? My first mommy?”

Their son called her this way to differentiate her from Helaena.

“She was very pretty.” He replied
“Can you draw her for me? Unless it makes Mommy sad?”

The request startled him. Would he be able to make her as lovely as she was? Would his memory do her Justice?

“Mommy won’t mind, I’m sure, but I’ll ask her. I’ll try my best.”
“My Prince…” 

He turned around. Sylvi stood there, with a blue bouquet in her hands. When she saw his son, the prince noticed just how emotional she was getting. The Madam had always been close to her workers, treating them like friends and family, unlike many brothel owners. 

“Is this…” Her voice shook
“This is my son Gaemon.” He confirmed before turning to his boy. “This is Sylvi. She worked with your first mommy.”
“Hello, Miss Sylvi.” The child replied, bowing, which made both adults chuckle
“Hello, young prince.” She replied “How you have grown!”

She looked at Aegon.

“How he looks like you, My Prince!”
“He does more and more everyday. But his smile is Lyra’s. His laughter too.”

Gaemon let go of his hand to look at the grave closer, kneeling and whispering to his birth mother how his daddy saved him from the pits, how he had a second mommy now, how kind his brother and his sister were, how he wanted to grow up to be as amazing as his uncle Aemond and of course, he could not forget about Seasmoke!

“How could you keep his existence a secret from me?” Aegon asked the sex worker

His jaw had tightened.

“My Prince…”
“I don’t blame Lyra. She was under your rules. I don’t blame you for enforcing them out of fairness to all of your workers. But you...you could have told me. I could have helped her.”

The prostitute sighed.

“Nothing could have been done. Gaemon was breached and the labour lasted for three days before Lyra could birth him. Gaemon surviving is a miracle in itself.”

The details broke him even further.

“I could have helped.” 

He was trying his hardest not to shout. 

“You knew. You kept me in the dark when you knew I was the father. I could have sent a maester, someone, anyone, to help. Perhaps Lyra would still be alive!”
“Or she would have died anyway.”
“Maybe… But then, I would have known about my son.”
“My Prince. With all the respect I owe you, not as royalty but as a good customer and acquaintance, would you have been able to care for Gaemon the way you do now?”
“I would have found something! Do you know what happened to him after Lyra entrusted him to Essie?!”
“Mysaria told me. I am appalled and Lyra would have been too. She had hoped she’d care for him because they were family. But it meant little to that woman, I guess.”
“I would have found a way. I always do. Perhaps we wouldn’t have been able to remain together. But he wouldn’t have been sold to that pit! He wouldn’t have seen all he has seen! He would have known he had a father who loved him, cared for him and wanted to be there for him! I could have been there for Lyra in her last months of life! You took that from her, from us!”

His throat was dry as he felt everything rushing back : his anguish when he had been told Lyra was sick, that he couldn’t help her, and then her death… how shattered his entire being had been, how he had studied every window of the Keep to find the best one to jump from and how he was convinced Helaena announcing her pregnancy was Lyra’s way to beg him to live. 

“I am sorry, My Prince.” She apologized. “I genuinely am. I thought I was doing the right thing. Lyra was like my own daughter.”

He looked at her grave, vainly fighting the tears that burnt his eyes. 

“I didn’t know you took care of it.” He said
“I try to, at least once a fortnight. She is dearly missed. We still remember her : one of my workers recently gave birth to a daughter. She named her after our dornish flower.”
“She would have been honored.”
“She would have been.”

Five years, almost six and Aegon still missed her as if he had lost her the day before.

“Father! Father!”

At first, Daemon worried but the joy in Rhaena’s voice eased him. The door opened and his daughter entered, dishevelled… and her egg hatched, a tiny dragon coming from it.

“Father, my egg! It hatched!”

A large smile lit up The Rogue Prince’s face. 

“Well done!” He beamed as he approached her

The beast had pink scales, black horns and a crest of the same color.

“I finally have a dragon! I’m like all of your children!”

The king consort caressed her cheek.

“Rhaena. You always were like all of my children.”
“I know… but now, it’s even more! I am a true Targaryen.”

Guilt ate at him like an acid. He hadn’t been the father his child deserved. He carefully embraced her.

“You always were a true Targaryen. I’m sorry I didn’t make it clearer for you. I’ve always been proud of you.”
Rhaenyra entered, Visenya awake in her arms. When she saw the hatchling, she screamed with joy.

“My goodness! Rhaena, your egg!”
“It’s all thanks to you, Stepmother!”

The dragon cooed.

“How pretty it is!”
“I am almost certain she’s a girl!”
“What’s her name?”

The princess was radiant.

“Morning. Because you entrusted her to me in the morning.”
“That is a very sweet name.”

“You look happy.” Aemond commented as he dodged Lucerys’ blow
“Rhaena’s egg hatched! And the dragon’s healthy!” His nephew replied

The prince smiled.

“Good for her.”
“It’s a she-dragon! Her name is Morning. She’s pink and black!”

Oddly fitting : black being one of the main colors of her father and pink being Rhaena’s favourite.

“People are starting to arrive for the coronation!”

And someone was to attend it despite her status. Larys had asked Aegon for a favour after he had reunited him with his son. Only one and a weird one : he wanted  Alys Rivers, a bastard of his house, to be allowed to come. It hadn’t taken much for his brother to speak to Rhaenyra on his behalf and their half-sister quickly agreed. It was such a small thing! However, the prince’s mind started to work and he wondered if that woman wasn’t Larys’ baseborn sister. He knew little of the master of whispers, didn’t care to learn more but he wasn’t stupid. The man was born crippled, he certainly had to endure taunts as a child, perhaps that woman was his only comfort. She too was different. From what he could remember, Harwyn hadn’t been cruel to his sibling but he could never truly understand him.

“Watch out!” 

While he managed to avoid the worst of the hit, Aemond’s wrist still got cut.

“I’m so sorry!” Luke immediately apologized
“Don’t. It happens.”

Criston was immediately rushing but a woman beat him to it: she was coming with some servants from carriages whose banners were too far away to identify. She swiftly bowed.

“I’m a healer, My Prince. Allow me.”

The young man believed it was too much fuss for nothing much but he also knew he’d never hear the end of it if he didn’t allow her to examine him. 

“It isn’t too deep, you won’t need stitches.”

She took a balm out of her bag and carefully applied it before bandaging the wound.

“Thank you, My Lady.” 

She chuckled.

“I am no lady, My Prince.”

When their eyes met, Aemond felt frozen in place and he swore his cheeks burnt as his heart beat faster. That woman, while not a striking beauty, was however the most beautiful he had seen. At least for him. Quite shorter than him and quite older than him, he was nonetheless unable to give her a proper age. Her long black hair was tied in a ponytail to help her fight the heat of the day. Pale, with high cheekbones and a square jaw, she was unlike women he had met in the city or at court. But her most striking feature was her eyes : green so pale they almost appeared grey.

“My name is Alys Rivers.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“I am a horrible father…”

While she was getting asleep, her husband’s whispered confession woke Helaena up instantly. Lying on his back, his eyes staring at the ceiling, his hands clutching the sheets, she realized that, once again, Aegon’s brain was running too fast and he was now experiencing a new bout of anxiety. She nestled against him, caressed his cheek, forcing him to look at her.

“Aegon, you are one of the greatest fathers I have ever met.”
“I’m not… I’m neglecting the twins…”

She let him speak. She was convinced he needed to get it out of his system, even if his words weren’t true.

“I have spent much time with them lately… Or just one-on-one… When was the last time I played with Jaehaerys only? Or with Jaehaera only? I…”

The princess embraced him.

“Aegon. You are not neglecting the twins.” She said.  “Have you spent more time with Gaemon lately? Yes, you did. We have just learnt the truth about him. He has many questions and he also has his past he’s trying to overcome. You two found each other and are building your bond, something you already did with our blood children. On top of it, we now have a duty to Rhaenyra. But do you neglect the twins? No. You tuck them in every night, like you always do. They always have their goodnight kiss. You always speak to them, ask them questions, you get interested in what they like. Sometimes, one child needs more attention.”
“I don’t want to turn into Viserys…”
“Do you think I would allow you to?”

He gulped.

“I will never speak against you wanting to do more with our children. But I will never let you believe you are an unworthy father because you are currently caring for one of our children who needs you more at the moment. You are a good father, Aegon. Only a good father worries that he might neglect his children.”

He seemed to calm down.

“I just… I just want them to have what we didn’t have.” He told her
“And you are giving them all of that.”

She took his hand, placed it on her still-flat belly. According to Maester Orwyle, it would soon grow.

“I have no doubt you will be just as good to this little one.”
“I love them already.”
“I know you do.”

Morpheus’ arms were finally allowed to hug them.

“Djali, come here!”

Aemond had seen many things in his life. Things a man his age shouldn’t have seen. Things a man his age usually didn’t see. But he admitted it : seeing a woman running after a goat was a first. Behind him, the dragons in the dragon pit were roaring in happiness : they were going to be unshackled so they could roam the skies freely. It was done for their health, so their wings could stretch. Aegon was inside with Gaemon : he had promised to teach him how to fly. He had left them when his brother was explaining all the safety measures and for a first time, they would ride Sunfyre. The golden dragon would allow his rider’s son on his back and his rider was skilled. Maybe, one day, Seasmoke would allow him to ride along with his little nephew but the prince understood his sibling’s caution. 

“Djali!”

With a swift move, he stepped aside and managed to catch the animal, securing it without harming it. 

“Djali!”

When she saw him, Alys stopped and quickly bowed. 

“Thank you for catching her, My Prince.”
“You’re welcome. You should be more careful. The dragon pit is ahead and dragons are rather fond of goats.”
“I will. That little vixen escaped me while I was busy studying the flowers in the garden.”

The woman leashed her pet. 

“I love her but she is quite the stubborn thing.”

Aemond smirked.

“I understand that.”

Vhagar, whom he adored, was quite the obstinate kind too and it wasn’t easy to have her obey him.

“How is your wrist?”

Alys wasn’t like the other women : she spoke to him with respect due to his rank, true. But she spoke frankly, no detours, she wasn’t scared of him like the others. While he could understand, the fact that his face scared people hurt him sometimes. He was the one to ask for an eye patch. His mother had been against it, telling him there was nothing wrong with him, that he was a handsome boy and that the people looking down on him for his disability should be ashamed. Still, to preserve the ladies’ sensitivity, he acquired one. He was a prince and it was his duty to make sure ladies were safe, even from their weak hearts. Larys’ relative looked at him with no fear. Perhaps it was because she was older than him. She certainly saw him as a child still. 

“It is healing quite fast and I feel no pain.”

She smiled.

“I’m glad.”
“How do you know balms and herbs?”
“The last maester of Harrenhal fled when he learnt we were penniless. I filled in. Flowers and herbs are my lifelong companions: they don’t mock you for being a bastard.”

Larys certainly withheld the gold for Harrenhal. For what purpose, Aemond didn’t know as long as the lord remained loyal, he didn’t really care. Though he could easily imagine something : was it out of revenge for being mocked for his own handicap? Would the man be petty enough? Or was the word petty even fair? 

“You are a strange woman.” 
“I am no woman. I’m a barn owl cursed to live in human form.” She joked

Surprising the guards, the young prince genuinely laughed.

“And how do we break the curse?”
“With dragon blood. Dragon blood is boiling and acidic. It’ll melt my appearance and set me free.”
“I never properly thanked you for helping me.” He said
“You did. You said: “Thank you, My Lady.” You are one of the rare people to have actually thanked me. And the first one to call me a lady.”

To say he was appalled would have been a euphemism. Criston had always told them that every woman was the image of the Mother, to be spoken with reverence.

“I am sorry to hear this.”
“Don’t be. That just proves my theory that the majority of people are stupid. Or worse : close-minded.”

Someone came, calling Alys over.

“I have to go. Thank you again for Djali, My Prince.”

She bowed, left him and for some reason, Aemond found himself unable to look anywhere else but at her.

“All hail Prince Aegon Targaryen, Former Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm, Queen Rhaenyra’s beloved brother!”

Aegon walked to the Iron Throne, his head high, stopping to greet Rhaenys before sitting on the Iron Throne. Despite it not being the first time, he always felt out of place and so tiny when he was on it! Like a child playing to be something he was not. A young woman came forward, shaking in fear. 

“There is no need to be afraid.” He smiled at her. “What is your name?”
“I am Rosie, My Prince.”
“Good morrow, Rosie. What can I help you with?”

He noticed the marks on her body, recent as the purple was still bright.

“My Prince… I am ashamed to come to you for this… I was a prostitute for a brothel near the River Row.”
“There is no shame in your job, Rosie.”

Some people whispered.

“All of my sister’s subjects are free to come to me, from the wealthiest to the humblest. You and your colleagues bring joy to the people you entertain.”

Rhaenys smirked. It was one way to see it. But it was well done : the poor girl was getting more comfortable.

“I was sold there by my parents. I’m the last of five daughters, there was no money left for me. My maidenhead was given to the highest bidder. But… I didn’t bleed. The man believed he was lied to. My employer believed he was lied to as well. I kept repeating I was one but they didn’t believe me…”
“And they beat you.”
“Yes, My Prince… I have been sacked and I find myself unemployed, with no one.”
“Do you ride horses?”
“I used to, when I worked at my father’s farm.”
“Did those men know? Riding horses can be a cause for this.”
“I told them. They didn’t believe me. They even believed the woman who checked upon me when I arrived lied… They killed her in anger.”
“How have you been surviving?”
“Thanks to your establishments. I was given shelter, food and I could even bathe.”

Rosie’s story, as heartbreaking as it was, made him realize he was making a difference : had he not acted, that poor girl would have been reduced to being a beggar or would have died.

“I am sorry this happened to you. Any man raising his hand on a woman is no true man.”

In the crowd, Sylvenna listened. Maybe she could indeed reach out to him. Aegon ordered Rosie’s story to be investigated : he wanted Justice for the poor woman who had been murdered and he wanted to ensure the workers were safe. It didn’t matter if they were sex workers : everyone deserved to feel safe in their workplace. He offered her to be examined by a maester for her wounds and some coins as compensation.

The next person was an old man who had been stolen by his own daughter-in-law.

After an hour, it was finally Sylvenna’s turn.

“Good morrow.”
“Good morrow, Prince Aegon. I do not come for myself but for many women in King’s Landing and in the realms.”
“I am happy to receive their spokesperson. What is your name?”
“My name is Sylevanna Sand.”

The prince froze.

“It is I who should bow to you, Sylvenna.”

People gasped.

“I know everything you did for my son Gaemon when he was still stuck in those awful pits. You sacrificed, for years, half of your income to avoid him being groomed and used. I know you wanted to rescue him as well. My debt to you can never be repaid.”

She saw he meant every word.

“You say you are here for the women of the realms.”
“Yes, My Prince. For the first time in History, our realms are ruled by a queen. Just by living and breathing, Queen Rhaenyra is a beacon of hope for the women of these lands, hopes for equality, for better treatment! Many of them still die at the hands of their husbands and their murders go unpunished. Girls are being passed over boys, despite being as good as them, sometimes better, just because a boy was born after them. This is unfair, this is not right! And the queen could change that! She is already changing it for her own house with the law of absolute primogeniture. House Velaryon will certainly follow as the queen’s second son will surely apply it for his family once he is Lord of The Tides, may the Seven grant Lord Corlys Velaryon a long and healthy life. This needs to be spread throughout the realms.”
“I hear you. And I agree with you.”

Aegon could feel their eyes on him.

“I refused to be crowned king when my own father died because I knew this wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted my sister to succeed him. The Andal law would have seen me ascend despite the queen being older, wiser and more competent than me, her half-brother, born from our father’s second marriage. But I am afraid this isn’t something that can be solved with just a petition.”

The prostitute froze.

“I would like to speak of this further with you. It was my wish, as well as my wife’s, to seek you out to personally thank you for what you did for Gaemon. We would gladly receive you so we can talk more about what can be done for the women of the realms.”

The throne room was buzzing with chatters, so much so that silence needed to be ordered.

“My Prince…” She stuttered. “I do not know what to say… It is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”
“Ask your employer if you could be freed for a day, or an evening, whatever is more convenient for him. We’ll send someone to escort you.”

And he would make sure she could see his son, even if just a glimpse of him.

“You did what?!”

Alicent hadn’t meant to shout. Truly. She knew Aegon was doing his best and she had to be honest, he was doing an excellent job. His methods were too modern for her but they worked. He had finally found something he wanted to do, something he was good at and she wanted to nurture that, to encourage him on this path. She remembered all the times he had needed her as a child, as a teenager, and of how she had let him down. Her past self disgusted her and she thanked the Mother everyday to have granted her son a heart big enough to allow her to try again.
But this…

“You… you are inviting a prostitute to talk to you, privately, with your wife…”
“That prostitute, Mother, is the reason Gaemon never fought in the pits.” He argued
“And she must be thanked properly, I agree. But… to receive such a woman in your private rooms…”
“It is not so bad.” Helaena intervened. “Aegon had one sent to me weeks ago so she could teach me how to be a better lover for my husband and she was kind.”

Aemond choked on his wine. Their mother seemed on the verge of fainting.

“At my request.” Her daughter added. “It was that or I visited the street of silk myself.”

Daeron patted his brother’s back, hoping to soothe him. What a diner!

“If anyone asks, I’ll tell the truth : I am receiving the woman who spent years sacrificing half of her poor earnings to prevent my son from being disfigured and used for people’s sick pleasure.” The prince said. “Besides, she petitioned me with requests to better the lives of women, so many in fact that it would be easier for us to talk this way.”
“The next thing you are going to tell me is that you will hire her into office so she can help you with this.”
“It’s not a bad idea, Mother. Her current job doesn’t prevent her from caring or from wanting to do something good for the realms.”

She loved her children, she truly did but they were going to be the death of her!

“Do you… have any other announcement?” The dowager queen asked

Aegon and Helaena exchanged a look, smiling at each other. The young man took his wife’s hand and as she nodded, he declared:

“Actually, we do.”

The princess was radiant.

“Aegon and I are going to have a new baby.” She said

Daeron gasped, immediately beaming. Gwayne congratulated them, clearly moved. Aemond smiled, his eye betraying all the happiness he felt at the idea of welcoming yet another nephew or niece into this world, ready to love them with all of his heart. Alicent had a cry of joy and she almost jumped from her chair, hugging Aegon so tightly it was almost painful. She looked at her daughter, extended her arm, letting her choose if she wanted to be touched. Helaena allowed her to embrace her as well.

“Who else knows?” She tearfully wondered
“Maester Orwyle.” The expecting mother replied. “But you are the first to know. We were waiting for the three moons limit to be reached.”
“We have to find the babe an egg. You should ask Rhaenyra, Syrax had a clutch, I am certain she’d be happy to offer one to the babe… or we can find one. He needs to have one in his crib!”
“Spoken like a true Targaryen, Mother.” His youngest joked
“We would like you to keep this for yourselves right now.” Helaena explained
“Of course, you can count on us.”

Aemond had stayed behind. Daeron went to bed, tired, and Gwayne and Alicent went to the Sept to pray for the unborn child’s health and a smooth pregnancy. Helaena was making sure the children were sleeping while Aegon entertained their brother.

“So, Alys Rivers?” Aegon joked

He tensed.

“What of her, Brother?”

The prince rolled his eyes.

“Please! I’ve heard you laugh at her joke. And you don’t laugh easily. Jace told me that Luke told him you liked her.”
“Are you still a child, Aegon? Gossip is beneath a prince of the realm.”

He sat.

“Come on! Apparently, as soon as you looked at her, you blushed!”
“I did not.”
“I knew you had a thing for older women.”
“Shut up.”

He was completely withdrawing and Aegon then knew it was going on a dangerous path. Aemond’s first woman had been Sylvi, when he took him to her brother for his three and tenth birthday. At the time, he assumed he would like it : he too had lost his virginity when he was that age, he had loved it, every aspect of it and in his mind, that was something his little brother would enjoy too. He genuinely believed he was doing something good for him, opening him to a new world of comfort and pleasure, something he certainly needed more than him as he was always so stressed about being the perfect prince and son. Now, he knew he had hurt him deeply : his little brother was not like him. He was shy, he was an introvert, he played pretend in front of the court, leaving him exhausted behind the mask he wore. He hadn’t been ready for this level of intimacy and the prince regretted having rushed it.

“I’m sorry.” He said
“For what?” Aemond grunted
“Well, for starters, for taking you to a brothel when you weren’t ready. For taking you there after you told me you weren’t ready, that you didn’t want it. I believed you were just being embarrassed when you clearly weren’t. I am sorry I forced things. I am sorry I insisted for Sylvi to take you to her bed.”

His sibling’s fingers twitched.

“She didn’t hurt me.” He felt obliged to say
“But you didn’t want it. You weren’t ready and I didn’t listen. I believed I was doing something good for you and I didn’t listen to what you actually said. I genuinely am sorry.”

The One-Eyed Prince stared at the fire burning in the fireplace.

“Look. All I am saying is : I didn’t expect you to like this kind of woman.”
“I do not…”
“Aemond. It isn’t a sin to enjoy a woman’s company. You are allowed to have feelings for a woman.”
“The only woman I’ll have feelings for is the wife that will be chosen for me.”
“We want you happy. I hope you know that.”
“Serving the realms makes me happy.”
“You’re allowed to be selfish.”

Unable to look at him, Aemond confessed :

“She’s unlike the other women I have met.”
“How so?”
“She doesn’t flinch when she looks at me.”

And he enjoyed talking to her. He genuinely did, even if their encounters had been few and brief. He liked her sense of humor, he liked her boldness, he liked her spirit. Friends, they could be but lovers? Aegon was dreaming : she was too old for him and no one would allow it. A prince of the realm with a bastard woman old enough to be his own mother! 

“I like her already.” Aegon smiled. “Seriously, befriend her.”

Or more. He could feel it.

“What are you talking about?” Helaena asked as she joined them
“Aemond has a crush!” Her husband joked
“I do not!” He immediately denied
“You do?! Aemond, this is such great news! I’m so happy for you!”
“Helaena, I don’t…”

The young woman smiled, keeping to herself something she saw as he had entered the room for diner : a small dragon, grey scales and minnow eyes, one made of amethyst and the other of emerald. 

Whoever Alys was, she was going to matter to him and she couldn’t have been happier.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“By the Seven, look!”

The prostitutes gathered around the windows, the doors and passersby stopped, hoping to see who was adventurous enough to enter this part of town with such a glorious carriage. When the doors opened, people gasped :

Prince Aegon visiting the brothels was usual enough. He was known for his lust, while it seemed to have been rather tame lately. However, it was known that he did care about the people, no matter their employment. 
No, the person who caught everyone’s breaths was Helaena who took his hand as she carefully exited and stepped down. 

“By The Mother, it’s Princess Helaena!”
“The Princess of Hearts!”

Aegon smiled as he heard, even more when he saw her blushing.

“It is well deserved, Helaena.”
“I do so little…”
“You do more than most. The Princess of Hearts and the Prince of the Smallfolk. What a pair we make!”

A little girl, barely older than Jaehaera, waddled to her, bowing clumsily.

“Hello, Princess!”

The young woman beamed.

“Hello.”
“Thank you for the leftover food! Mama and I aren’t as hungry now!”

The princess carefully knelt.

“You are most welcome. I’m glad it helped you. Are you and your mama still hungry?”
“Sometimes.”

The spouses exchanged a look, vowing to remember this : no one in their city would go hungry. The child’s mother rushed, apologized for her daughter’s intrusion.

“No need. You have an adorable little girl. She reminds me of my own.” Helaena said

The couple turned to the owner of the House of Kisses. From the window, Sylvenna looked at them, in shock.

“My Prince, My Princess…” The man greeted

“Good morrow.” The Targaryen man replied. “My wife and I would like to invite Sylvenna Sand to the keep. I hope it is no bother. We can cover any monetary loss this could create.”
“Of course not, My Prince, My Princess…”

Sylvenna was taken to the Keep sharing their carriage, entered the castle with them through the main gate as if she had been highborn. They walked through the gardens and when she heard laughs, the sex worker froze :

Gaemon.

Gaemon, her precious beloved boy, Essie’s nephew whom she had tried to rescue was there, playing with his siblings, under the watchful eye of their uncle, Prince Aemond. The boy was dressed as finely as his trueborn brother and sister. He seemed well taken care of, healthy, his cheeks weren’t as hollow and he was radiant. 

“Thank you…” She whispered
“You cared for my son when no one else would. It seems only fair.” Aegon replied
“My husband and I would like to repay you.” Helaena said. “You sacrificed a lot of your earnings for Gaemon. There is no doubt it impacted you…”
“Please, don’t.” The dornish woman told her. “A man in my lands said that if a sacrifice makes you sad, you should not do it as you aren’t worthy of the act. I did what I had to do and would do it again. If you truly feel about this, then let the sum being given to a charity. Either for children or for women.”

The princess nodded.

“I understand. It will be done.”

They continued, leaving the children in their little adventure. But when they entered Aegon’s office, a space created after the seat of the master of the smallfolk was finalized, the prostitute froze.

“Ah, you must be Sylvenna! I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
She dropped into the deepest bow she could. Dressed in red and black, the Old King’s crown on her head, Rhaenyra was smiling at her.

“Your Grace…”
“Have you been able to see Gaemon?”
“Yes, Your Grace, I am most grateful…”
“As we all are! You saved him from a horrid fate! My brother told me you came to the petitions with the desire to help the women’s cause. I should be delighted to hear you out.”

The queen herself was receiving her, willing to listen to her… A woman on the Iron Throne, a woman as her Hand, her brother serving her and not the other way around, with royals who wanted to help the lesser ones… This was indeed the start of a new age, one she hoped to be golden, as gold as Syrax and Sunfyre’s scales.

“Let us sit. I imagine we have a lot to discuss! Don’t be too afraid about formalities.”

It was going to be a long and fruitful day.

He had noticed her from the corner of his eye. He didn’t turn, he didn’t acknowledge her but her presence made him feel warmer. Aemond loved spending time with his niece and nephews. But for some reason, Alys being there made it even better. She was kneeling, gathering herbs and flowers. From what he had learnt, Larys had brought her to court because he didn’t want to entrust his clubfoot to anyone else, even Master Orwyle, despite the two seemingly getting along rather well. 

Daeron had acted as his spymaster. 

The perks of being raised in Oldtown, he assumed.

His brother informed him that Alys was indeed a bastard. According to the rumours, she was the late Lyonel Strong’s illegitimate daughter, making her the older sister to Harwin by at least a year and the master of whispers. She was thus eight and thirty. When his younger son was born screaming, healthy but with his foot twisted, Lord Strong believed they had been cursed. Alys had been the only one in Harrenhal, perhaps except for Harwin himself, to show genuine kindness to the boy, helping him with his disability. Her other family members had relegated her to being their servant. She didn’t seem to mind as she was allowed to continue studying the herbs and their properties. 
Larys asking for her here was not an act of kindness, the prince knew. Everything the man did was calculated, self-serving. However, at the same time, the woman was no real threat to him : she was common-born, would not inherit anything and the man had been vocal enough about his lack of desire to sire children. His heirs would be his great-uncle Simon, then Simon’s son and his grandsons. Being an herbalist, his half-sister would know how to recognize poisons, perhaps even craft them. She got out of that cursed place and he got himself a skilled ally.

“You are good with them.”

He wondered why he was smiling like an idiot.

Alys had walked to him, standing by his side, her basket filled.

“So I have been told.” He answered
“People talk. They say the One-Eyed Prince is devoted to his siblings’ children. All of his siblings’ children.”
“Gaemon’s past and lineage is no fault of his. My brother recognized him and wanted to care for him. I don’t need more.”

Besides, the boy was such a sweet little child, even if the new investigation had confirmed the first findings, even if he hadn’t been Aegon’s blood son, he would have loved him. It was weird, he knew, but he saw a bit of himself in him : someone lost. He often felt like it and to numb the vertigo it created, he threw himself into his duties to keep his mind occupied. But the cost was that he lost himself more : when duty would cease, what would remain? Who was he, deep down? Before, he would have believed to be an angry little boy whose past injustices were never properly addressed. Now, he was unsure of who that person was, deep inside of him. 

“You and your brother do more for him than most would do.”
“We are Targaryens. We are not like most.”

The woman chuckled.

“True, not many men would rescue my goat from being eaten by a dragon and not be scared when I say I’m a barn owl trapped in a human’s body.”

She looked at him.

“I was serious when I said that.”
“Then, I’m sorry I laughed.”
“That’s alright. As an owl, I have wisdom.”
“How do you like the city?”
“Compare it by being taken away from the Seven Hells to be taken to the Seven Heavens.”

Jaehaera was laughing along with Gaemon as Jaehaerys pretended to be Sunfyre. Behind them, people were whispering about the liberties that bastard woman was taking with a prince of the blood, how patient he was to not just send her away. 

“Do you never take it off?”
“Take what off?”
“Your eye patch.”
“Rarely.”
“It’s a pity.”
“It’s necessary.”

Far away, someone called her over.

“My apologies.” She said before bowing for good measures

Why he turned around to look at her, he didn’t know. Even when his words escaped him.

“You are allowed to come and talk to me whenever you want, Lady Rivers.”

Loud and clear enough for everyone to hear, to make all of them ashamed. Aemond saw a glimpse of surprise in her captivating eyes before the hint of a genuine smile lit up her face.

“Thank you, Prince Aemond.”

The children were caught up in their game and oblivious to the rest of the world.

Sylvenna had left, taken back home by one of the White Cloaks. It was the middle of the afternoon and none of them had eaten since breakfast. Rhaenyra was overjoyed.

“I am so glad you accepted this position, Aegon! Thanks to you, new ideas come and go! When I was named heir, I told Rhaenys I’d create a new order once queen. I’m delighted to see I can keep up with my promise.”
“The council will oppose you.” Aegon told her. “I doubt they will be against more Justice towards war veterans who got crippled during war efforts. It doesn’t cost much to them. I’m afraid they’ll be more against the rules for women. Not necessarily out of hatred for your sex. More out of tradition. It’s going to take time.”
“If it isn’t done under my reign, Jace will finish whatever is left. If not him, his children. I am queen because Father wanted it. I am queen because you made sure it happened. One day, a girl will be queen because it’s her right and people won’t bat an eye. Right now, we have to do whatever we can. Baby steps are better than no steps at all… Helaena? Are you quite right? You seem pale.”

Helaena forced herself to smile, though it was clear she was uncomfortable.

“Should I call a maester?” Her sister asked
“There is no need…” The princess replied 

The queen noticed her hand on her belly. 

“Oh my… Are… are you with child?” 

She nodded and the sovereign beamed.

“What wonderful news! My congratulations! May I embrace you?”
“Of course!”

Rhaenyra hugged her sister close before embracing her brother.

“How far along are you?”
“Three moons.”

“Will you be alright for the coronation?” Syrax’s rider immediately worried. “The ceremony in itself will not be long but the festivities…”
“I’ll attend whatever I can and will retire if I feel unwell or overwhelmed. But I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Why didn’t you announce it sooner?”

Aegon took his wife’s hand.

“First, we wanted to wait for the three moons limit. Only Aemond, Daeron, our uncle Gwayne and Mother know to this point.”
“You can announce it at the council at any moment. With your permission, we will do something for the smallfolk to celebrate. And one of Syrax’s eggs will be kept for this little one.” She promised
“You don’t have to…”
“I want to! My nephew or niece is a Targaryen and deserves a dragon egg in their craddle. If I remember correctly, Father never ordered for eggs to be placed in either of your cribs.”

It stung to this day, all the difference their sire had made between them. How he adored his oldest daughter and grandchildren but forgot about the children his second wife gave him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t make more of an effort when you were all younger.” Rhaenyra confessed.  “It would have saved us a lot of heartache.”
“You were grieving your mother and brother, then thrown into something that should have taken more time.” Helaena stated
“Maybe. But I kept sulking even after you were born, after Aemond was born. Then, I had my own family to care for. I was older, I was almost an adult, I should have been a better sister. Hence why when Aegon defended my rights, it was nothing short of a miracle. I thank the Seven regularly for this.”

“Aegon, I promise you, I’m fine!”
“Helaena, please…”

She sighed but let it go. Aegon took her in his arms and carried her carefully to their bed.

“Is this an excuse to hold me?”
“Maybe?”

But the young woman had to admit it felt nice, laying down, after such a busy start of the day. The door opened, Aemond bringing back their children.

“Mommy, are you sick?” Jaehaerys worried as soon as he saw her lying in
“I am not, my dearest. Your father and I have news!”

The three of them looked at them excitedly. 

“In a few moons, you will have a new brother or sister.”

Jaehaera’s joy was discreet but visible. Her twin was over the moon, already promising to be a good big brother, to teach his brother to read and to be a knight and if the baby was a girl, to always be kind to her. If Gaemon smiled, he didn’t really know how to process this and they couldn’t blame him : a lot was happening in such a short period! 
“Gaemon.” Helaena softly said. “We will love you all the same even with your new sibling. That’s the beauty of having babies : having more than one doesn’t mean the oldests are less loved. The love multiplies. You are our baby too and nothing will change that.”

He nodded.

“Thanks for watching over them, Aemond.” Her husband told their brother
“You are welcome.”
“We played dragons!” Jaehaerys said. “And a lady talked to Uncle Aemond. She was nice!”

Aemond couldn’t blame him, he was just four years old.

“Oh? Really?”
“Yes! She has a goat, I think. She lets us pet her when we ask.”

Aegon and him locked eyes and it was clear as day that if the prince ever said anything about Alys, a goat and more chats, he would not get out of this bedroom without a good headache with a dose of denial. 

“Well, it’s a good thing your uncle Aemond has such a kind friend.” 

His grin made his younger sibling grind his teeth. Still, there was truth in it : he enjoyed her company. Now, it didn’t answer the question he refused to say out loud : 

Why did everything feel better when he was with her?

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

“Cole! If I could speak to you for a second!”

Criston was walking to the training grounds as he was to have a lesson with Daeron./  He immediately stopped.

“What can I do for you, My Prince?” 
“The news is going to be officially announced soon but I wanted you to know beforehand. Helaena too.”

He was beaming, it had to be good.

“We’re going to have another baby.” The prince revealed

The knight’s smile was so wide it went from one ear to the other.

“My congratulations!” He said, patting his shoulder. “The Mother blesses you again!”
“She does.”
“If there is anything I can do to help you and the princess, let me know. It’d be my pleasure rather than my duty.”
“We know. And since we are alone, let me confess this : I’m proud of being Aegon Targaryen. I would have been prouder being Aegon Cole. All of us would have been. And if I had had my way back then, Jaehaerys would have been named after you.”

The man’s lip quivered as he felt tears gathering in his eyes.

“I…”
“You love us. You genuinely do. And you care more about us than the late king ever did. You remember what we like and dislike. You know what our hobbies are. You even know more about my children than their grandfather ever did. You are family.”
“And you are my family. The best one I could have hoped for. The Seven forgave me and allowed me to be by your side.”

Rhaenyra invited them to sit down. Surprising everyone, Helaena was attending the council as well. The lords knew she assisted her husband in his new position, that her presence could occur, they just didn’t expect it so soon. 

“My Lords, My Lady Hand, before we move on to our topics, I have an announcement to make.” The queen declared

She smiled at her siblings.

“Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena are expecting a new prince or a new princess.”

The room was filled with applause. Rhaenys smiled at the young couple and was even more thankful that she had accepted to help the young man a few months ago. Corlys was right, it had been quite the gamble to take but in the end, it had been worth it : war had been avoided, a new generation was growing, a child was reunited with his father, and the Targaryen dynasty was mending the wounds it got under the reign of Viserys. She loved her cousin, he wasn’t a bad man but he had hurt his children by his second wife. He had been quite nasty to Alicent. And his actions had wounded his precious daughter too.

“Prince Aegon, Princess Helaena.” She said. “On behalf of this council, allow me to congratulate you on this joyous new. May the Seven bless this pregnancy.”
“Thank you, Princess Rhaenys.” Helaena replied. “My husband and I know how much the lords and ladies of this council care for us. It fills us with joy.”

The master of coins had finished his investigation regarding the rents. It appeared the landlords were speculating, pretending to have less space available and raising the rents above what would have been regular, abusing the growing demand as many people came to the capital with hopes of enriching themselves or getting a better life. 

“I want the speculators to be punished, Lord Lannister.” Rhaenyra ordered. “They abused their position.”
“The lodgings provided are in awful conditions. The walls have moulds. The woods filled with termites.”
“This is horrendous… Are our coffers able to afford the renovation of those lodgings?”
“We would need to make a census to have the exact number, Your Grace. But I am afraid that the crown wouldn’t be able to afford the entire renovations.”
“There could be a way.” Aegon intervened

He still disliked their eyes on him. But it felt better. Helaena being by his side was also a great comfort.

“Have the culprits pay for it.”

His half-sister appeared somewhat amused.

“They enriched themselves on innocent people’s backs. They unlawfully profited from the rising demand for lodging in the city. They certainly made enough. Have them put all of their ill-earned profit to good use. It would only be fair to have them give back to the community. Should their earnings not suffice, the crown could then add the difference. It would still be quite a sum, but far more advantageous. If everything can be covered, then, as a token of goodwill, we could build new houses and lodgings. The people would know we care about their living situation all while also providing a rising need.”
“This would be a good way indeed, My Prince.” Tyland agreed
“They would still need to be punished. They broke the law. But this would be part of their punishment.”
“I enjoy your idea, Brother.” Rhaenyra said. “We shall do as you suggested. It has been brought to my attention that crimes against the sex workers of King’s Landing are rising. Especially against women. During his last petition hearing, the master of the smallfolk received a prostitute who had been sacked on pretences and beaten. The woman who examined her before her employment was killed under the pretext she had lied.”
“Your Grace.” Lord Wylde spoke up. “Your and Prince Aegon’s wish to help every subject is commendable. But the words of prostitutes cannot be trusted.”
“Why is that?” Aegon asked. “They are paid for people’s pleasure and sometimes, it requires white lies, I’ll admit it. But those are their work’s requirements.”
“My Prince, many lie to go above their station, to rise under pretences.”
“So because a minority lies, we have to silence and not believe the majority. These men and women work. Their employers pay taxes to the crown. Parts of our coffers are built on lust. We may not personally approve of their work. But we have a duty to all of them. No one is allowed to murder someone and get away with it. The victims deserve Justice. And every worker deserves to feel safe in their work environment. Think of it this way : would it not be agreeable for the customers of these institutions to know that the security of these areas is taken seriously? Safer areas mean more traffic, more traffic means more trade, more trade means more taxes.”

Alicent looked at her eldest son and for the first time, she saw it, the Hightower blood in him. She even believed that had her father been there, he would have been somewhat proud. 

“This is an angle that could be considered indeed.”
“I am the first regnant queen in History.” The sovereign said.  “I intend to be a good queen. But I also want my reign to be the start of many changes regarding women’s conditions. The Seven Gods allowed me to sit on the throne. They granted me a father willing to let me succeed him and a brother devoted and loyal to our sire’s wishes. Not every woman has that chance. I feel I must allow those chances to happen. I am aware it will take time. This might not be done in my lifetime. But I owe it to my female subjects to try.”

The bickering instantly stopped and somehow, she knew she had won.

“Hear, hear!” 

The people gathered around the street crier.

“It is Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena’s delight to inform you that they are expecting a new child!”

Chatters started around, many people rejoiced, and some women clapped their hands.

“To celebrate this happy news, it is their pleasure to offer a financial support for poor expecting women, including unmarried expecting women, and widows with children to raise.”
“They are so generous, I wonder how they can afford it…” Someone said
“My sister works for the castle.” A man replied. “She said that the prince and princess spend rather little. They spend what they need to spend, especially for their children and servants, but they aren’t gluttonous otherwise.”
“Is it true that Princess Helaena mends her husband and her children’s clothes herself?”
“It is! And she embroiders them too!”
“They seem so humble! And close to us!”

The bells were ringing.  Rhaenyra admitted it : she was scared. Scared that something would happen, scared to mess up, scared that people would find her a fraud. 

“You look beautiful.” Daemon said as he got close to her, embraced her from behind and kissed her cheek
“I am afraid, Daemon…”
“Don’t be. You are the rightful queen. Your father would be so proud.”

The queen gulped as she started to cry.

“I wish I wasn’t queen…” She confessed. “That would mean he’d be alive… what good are titles if my loved ones disappear…”

Her husband faced her, dried her cheeks.

“It is a cruel thing. But Viserys left knowing you would be a good queen.”

He adjusted her necklace.

“You still have that old thing?”

The necklace he gave her when she was fourteen, made of valyrian steel, back when Aemma was expecting poor Baelon…

“When I die, I want it to pass to Visenya.”

The king consort smirked.

“Jace will make sure it passes to her. I’d be dead before you. Look at you, my love…”

In the mirror, she saw her reflection : her black dress had been embroidered with silver threads, red velvet accents sown at the collars, the hem and the sleeves. Her hair, tied into a low bun, was sparkling with emerald pins, a small nod at her stepmother and friend, at her half-brother who risked it all, even his life, in defence of her crown. On her right annular, a falcon ring. Her mother was always with her. She looked every inch a queen and yet, she felt little and unworthy.

“Will you still love me, even I am old and grey?” She asked

Daemon kissed her.

“I will love you until my last breath. And even afterwards.”

He offered her his arm and together, they walked to the courtyard : Syrax and Caraxes were waiting for them. They got on their saddles and flew over the city. 

“Look!” Someone cried out. “It’s the king and queen!”
“Long live Queen Rhaenyra!”
“The Seven bless the queen!”

Despite their height, they could hear everything. 

“The Seven be with you, Your Grace!”

Soon, the dragon pit was in sight. The royal couple landed, welcomed by Jacaerys and Baela, the next king and queen of the Seven Kingdoms. But when they bowed, Rhaenyra stopped them and kissed them both on the cheek. The young couple stood behind her, along with her consort, as she entered. Soldiers were lined up before the people who had entered to attend the event. Their swords raised and the tips met, forming an arch. It was a wedding somehow : today, she was officially marrying the realms she was governing. On the platform before her, the rest of her children waited for her, along with her siblings and her childhood friend. Her eyes widened as she realized Aegon and Helaena didn’t wear any green. For the first time in decades, they were finally wearing their house’s colors. The trumpets played. Rhaenyra walked, as straight as a line, her head high, as the swords were put down as soon as she passed them.

This was her destiny.

She was meant for this.

She reached the stairs, climbed them and knelt on the cushion in front of her half-brother.

“Let the Seven bear witness!” Aegon announced

She looked at him. His face didn’t show anything but she got to learn who he was, how he worked : deep down, she knew he was afraid of messing up. But she also imagined the great relief he felt : his own journey was now at an end. 

He had done it.

Their father’s wish was respected.

Their family was healing and the feud was ending.

He would not be crowned king against his will. 

His son was safe.

Now, he could truly relax and be whoever he wanted to be : a husband to his wife, a father to his children, a brother to his sibling, a son to his mother and a friend to the smallfolk. 

“Rhaenyra Targaryen is our one true queen!” He continued. “As it was our father, King Viserys’ wish for her to succeed him as your ruler.”

The High Septon anointed her as he pursued.

“May the Warrior give her courage! May the Smith give strength to her sword and shield! May the Father defend her in her needs! May the Crone raise her shining lamp and light her way to wisdom!”

The religious man stood back and Aegon carefully took their father’s crown. Facing Rhaenyra, he raised it high so everyone could see it.

“The crown of Jaehaerys, First of his name, descendant of Aegon the Conqueror, passed down to generations!” 

The prince set it down on her hair and offered her his hand. He started to bend the knee but she immediately stopped him, gently smiling.

“No brother of mine shall bow to me. Especially not the one who offered his blood in defence of my rights.” She declared
“All hail Queen Rhaenyra!” Jacaerys announced. “First of her name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm!”

Behind her, the people started to applaud, to cheer, to whistle. She turned to them, extended her arms as if she was the Mother incarnate embracing every soul in front of her. 

Noticing Aegon’s sudden paleness, Helaena discreetly took his hand. 
It was over.

Now, all they had to do was live.

The feast was magnificent and reminded Rhaenyra of the luxury her father had displayed when she was to marry Laenor. But the true treasure was by her side : her entire family at peace with each other. Lucerys and Aemond were chatting quietly. Helaena smiled as Alicent talked to Aegon, expressing how proud of him she was for how he conducted the coronation ceremony. Jace and Baela were so in love with each other that the rest of the world did not matter. Daemon took her hand and kissed it.

“Shall we open the ball?”
“Gladly!”

The bards had composed a new song called “The Dance of the Dragons”, commemorating Aegon’s loyalty and Rhaenyra’s compassion, how those two qualities avoided war. The royal couple was soon joined by other dancers. Surprising her husband, Helaena wanted to dance as well. Gwayne invited his sister. From the corner of his eye, Aemond noticed a familiar figure among the servants. Many had gathered to look at the dresses, to listen to the music and Rhaenyra had asked for lenience on this special day : they too deserved to enjoy it. However, as soon as he spotted her, the woman disappeared. He got up and excused himself. No one found it weird, either too absorbed by the show or knowing that dancing while being blind to an eye could prove challenging. The prince’s feet lead him outside on the balcony. The music inside was resonating while being deafened by the thick walls. Alys stood there, her form outlined by the setting sun.

“The queen said everyone could look and listen.” He told her 
“I don’t simply want to look and listen. I want to dance. But that’s impossible.” The woman admitted

He gently smiled as he offered his hand. 

“My Prince…” 
“I’m a better swordsman than dancer, I am afraid. But I’d be delighted to offer you this dance.”

When her fingers met his, he realized he didn’t want them anywhere else, as if they belonged in his palm. Never leaving her gaze, they started to move around, a bit clumsily at first, until they found their pace. Aemond wondered if this was how his father felt when he danced with his first wife, how Aegon and Helaena felt when they were together, how Rhaenyra and Daemon felt whenever they saw each other. The music ended. But neither of them wanted to break free.

The moon, slowly coming out to start her reign, was the sole witness of their lips meeting for the first time.

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Aemond seemed happy. Genuinely happy. Alicent didn’t know how or why but she had rarely seen her third-born child so radiant. It was discreet but she was his mother and sometimes, mothers knew best. It was in the way his eye sparkled, in the soft smile she caught and for once, he genuinely looked like he was eight and ten. She had done wrong by him too, she understood. She had unconsciously placed him in a position he should have never been put into in the first place. True, her son had always been dutiful, serious, reliable. But he was still a child and she relied on him as if he had been grown.

She had abused Aegon on so many levels.

She had hurt Helaena too by hurting her husband, by not always respecting her boundaries.

She had hurt Aemond, preventing him from being his true self and true age.

Maybe the Seven protected Daeron from her by sending him to Oldtown, to be raised and cared for by her family.

“You seem in a good mood this morning.” She said as he was ready to exit her room

He usually came over to share a cup of tea with her before the day started. It was a tradition she cherished.

“I am meeting a friend.” He eluded

She smiled.

“Enjoy, then.”

She got up shortly after, ready to enjoy a day free of council meetings. 

“Aemond isn’t that discreet.” Helaena said, rather amused

From her window, she could see the private gardens reserved for the royal family and her brother had taken Alys there so she could see the herbs and flowers that weren’t available in the common areas. He hadn’t been foolish enough to be without a chaperon : Criston walked behind them, a few steps away, enough to be close but all while giving them some privacy. His words wouldn’t be put into question as a member of the Queensguard and as a family friend, he’d keep any secrets. Aegon joined his wife, kissed her cheek as he sat by her side, his hand on her belly. It was starting to show, even if it was only visible in her night clothes. 

“So, this is Alys… Funny. He was mad at a Strong boy only to become besotted with a Strong woman.”
“You’re impossible, Aegon.”
“Do you think he’ll marry her?”
“I did see something when he entered, the day he met her. But even if he wanted to marry her, it could prove difficult. People would oppose.”
“Why?”
“I have ears everywhere. This is how I keep you safe now.”

He smirked.

“First of all, she’s is quite older than him. She could be his mother. Then, she is illegitimate. She’s Larys’ bastard sister. Some will argue she’s too old and may not give him children…”

He scoffed.

“Not everyone wants children… Look at Larys himself.”

He knew his brother would want sons and daughters of his own. Just as he’d be happy to simply be with the woman he loved, seeing the lack of babies as the Gods’ will and pouring all of his parental love onto his nephews and nieces. 

“I know, but not everyone understands that. Then, they’ll say the difference of status is too great…”

“That’s fixable. I do not doubt Larys already knows, somehow, of what’s happening. It’d be in his interest to have Alys marry Aemond. He could definitely petition for her legitimization. After what he did regarding Gaemon, I’d support his request.”

Mostly for Aemond. He deserved to be with the woman his heart chose. True, in his own case, love did come, it grew and now, he was happy by Helaena’s side. However, they would never deny that their marriage was rushed, forced and started on rocky terms. Their brother deserved to have what they didn’t.

“Then, she could be granted a title. Besides, I don’t believe it’d make too much of a fuss : yes, she’s older, she’s illegitimate, there is a difference of rank. But Aemond is only eleventh in the line of succession, twelfth when our baby is born. The chance of him ruling the Seven Kingdoms is so slim!”
“He may not want to wed her, you know.”

Aegon looked at her, eyes wide.

“Hel, we’re talking about Aemond. Aemond would rather die than keep a woman as his mistress out of fear of fathering a bastard, shaming both the mother and the child. He’s Targaryen to the core but morally, he’s a Hightower through and through.”
“What are you doing?” Daeron asked as he joined them
“Planning Aemond’s marriage.” Helaena joked
“What?! He proposed to someone?!”

The oldest laughed.

“Not yet!” The prince replied “We are just dreaming away.”

The youngest looked at the trio from above.

“She is cute!”

Aemond raised his head and they all hid. They chuckled : how old were they again?

“Oh, novelies! That’s quite a rare bloom.” Alys commented as she spotted the red flowers
“From Braavos.” Aemond commented. 
“The gardeners must be quite talented to have it strive here. The climate must be quite different.”
“What purpose would it serve? In medecine?”
“I would have to research it. The books in Harrenhal don’t mention them.”
“I’d be happy to lend you some.”

Remaining silent, Criston watched. His protégé wasn’t simply having fun : he genuinely cared for this lady, whoever she was. She made him smile in a way he rarely saw. True, Alys Rivers wasn’t the kind of woman he had imagined capturing the prince’s heart but then again, Aemond wasn’t the usual prince. None of the dowager queen’s children were usual royalties : Aegon with his rather modern ideas, Helaena and her dragon dreams, Daeron and his education, Aemond and his many talents… Was it the Andal blood in them? Or was he simply biased because he loved them as his own?

“This place is a dream.”
“I knew you would like it. I can try and have special permission for you to come and harvest some samples.”

Her eyes lit up.

“That would be marvellous.”
“But at night, I assume. That’s when owls are best awake.”
“Indeed.”

And now, the knight felt old : if this was how young people flirted nowadays, he was completely out of it.

“Ah, Alys! Nice of you to join me!” 

Alys sat facing her half-brother.

“You called for me.”

The fire behind them was burning, the wood cracking under the flames.

“You are getting close to Prince Aemond.”

The healer looked away. 

“I will not play that game with you.” She immediately warned him

She liked Larys. Truly. Hence why she accepted him entirely, cared for him. But she would not be used. Not when it concerned Aemond. His interest in her had surprised her at the beginning. But she grew attached to him. His clumsiness was adorable, his respect towards her was a novelty in her life and for once, she felt seen. She felt understood. If he was besotted, so was she. It was weird, she knew : he was eight and ten. She was turning nine and thirty in a few weeks. She was old enough to be his mother. He was a prince. She was basically no one. 

She loved him.

She loved his gentleness hidden behind his cold armour.

She loved his no-nonsense attitude.

She loved his spirit, his intelligence.

She loved everything about him, even the parts he was not so confident about : his scar was beautiful to her. It told his story, his strength, his resilience. 

“You will not use me to get at him.”
“Why would I get at him? He has nothing to offer for me right now.”

The woman was confused.

“He’s eleventh in line to the succession, soon twelfth. While he has a seat on the council, so do I.”
“But your half-sister marrying him would mean you entering the royal family.”

The master of whispers smirked.

“I did not plan you getting close to Prince Aemond, though it is a delicious advancement.”
“Then why did you bring me here?”
“Because I do not forget who was kind to me.”

She scoffed.

“Harwin was kind to you. You burnt him anyway.”

There was a rare sight on the man’s face : regret.

“I do not regret killing our father. He mocked you. He mocked me. He underestimated us. Harwin’s death is a cross I bear everyday. He was an idiot…”

Because as Alicent said, one child like Jacaerys was a mistake, three were an insult and the affair between him and Rhaenyra should have stopped soon after the first son’s birth once it was clear who was his real sire.

“But he was indeed kind. I miss him everyday. I have septas pray for his soul.”

“You do not believe in the Gods.” Alys said
“He did. But as much as I love him, as much as I regret his death, I do not regret my deeds. Getting rid of Father meant I got closer to the dowager queen. Harwin was in my way for power. And as much as I loved him and love him still, I love power more.”
“And I do not pose any threats because I have no rights, even if I was to be legitimized. Following the successions rules you helped in implementing with little Gaemon, I would still come after Simon’s offspring.”

He nodded.

“Why did you call for me, Larys?” She asked. “If not to order me to seduce Prince Aemond? Which I will not do.”
“You care for him.”
“I love him.”

If he was surprised by her bluntness, it quickly vanished out of habit.

“I just wanted you to know I would support you, whatever your relationship with him was. Is it self-serving? Of course. But I also want you to be happy. To have your revenge on those idiots in Harrenhal and what sweeter revenge is there than being happy and having what they yearn for but will never have? They spat on you, used you as a servant, called you a witch and now, look at you? Friend to a prince, having his ear, perhaps his affection while they are stuck in their ruins with just enough gold to survive, knowing quite well that neither you nor I will help them? Not after what they did to us.”

She smirked.

“I would have made you my heir.” He revealed. “But I know this would be a battle lost. Even if I gained your legitimacy and argued that you are my father’s oldest child, they would argue you were still born out of wedlock.”
“You wanted me to be the lady of Harrenhal…”

Her voice had shaken.

“I want you to get what you deserve. As I got what I deserved.”

“Ah! Aemond, what a lovely surprise! Come!”

Rhaenyra smiled at her brother : his visits were too few. They saw each other during the councils, then he was usually taken with the studies he kept pursuing and with his nephews and niece. The queen was delighted to see how his relationship with Lucerys had progressed, that he was even able to forgive him at the end of the day. 

Perhaps she should visit him more.

She did that for Aegon, usually Helaena was there as well and Daeron made sure to visit her every morning, even for a few minutes, to pay his respects to his sovereign and sister. She could make the first move too.

“I am afraid this isn’t a simple visit, Rhaenyra.” He admitted
“Oh? Sit, let us speak.”

In her bassinet, Visenya was cooing. The prince sat near her mother.

“So, you have a favour to ask.” The queen said. “It’s rare. What can I help you with?”
“I imagine you know of my friendship with Alys Rivers.”

She was aware. Nothing truly stayed a secret within the keep.

“I know of it. She has been rather sweet to Joffrey, to my little Aegon and to Viserys. She answered their questions about plants and she let them pet her goat.”

He nodded. She had let Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Gaemon pet Djali too. She seemed fond of children. Why she didn’t have any was a mystery but he assumed it wasn’t his business : had she been married before? Did her pregnancies never go to term? Or did they even happen? Those were not tales for his ears unless she decided otherwise. 

“I’ll be direct, Rhaenyra.”
“You love her.”
“I do.”

He looked at her in the eyes.

“I have come to ask for your authorization to marry Alys.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra blinked,  her mouth opened in shock.

“Marriage?” She blurted out
“Yes.”

The queen could see just how serious he was. Seriousness had always been part of him. He wasn’t joking and if he was ready to marry this woman, it just showed how much she mattered to him.

“I know it is a bold choice. And a complicated prospect. Princes hardly marry for love.”

She smiled at him softly.

“I married for love.” She reminded him. “I have loved Laenor. But love came after. Daemon I married because I loved him. But you are right : it will be hard.”

She offered him a cup of wine.

“Aemond. If my word as a sister was enough, I’d give my permission straight away and you’d run to ask for her hand in marriage. But I am queen. And you are smart : this will be hard.”
“I have thought of this : Alys is older than me. They’ll say she used my age against me. She is illegitimate. And even if she was to be legitimized, her birth is no secret. Some could argue Larys uses her to go up even higher.”
“Larys is someone you don’t want as a friend but also someone you don’t want as an enemy.”
“And I doubt I have anything to offer him : I am eleventh in line for the throne, soon twelfth. I have no doubt Aegon and Helaena might have more children after this one. You could have more too. Aegon is the one who’s in his debt. And he already settled it by asking you to bring Alys to court on Larys’ request.”
“Aemond. I promise you, as your sister and queen, that I will do my best so you can marry Alys. I want your happiness. But I cannot guarantee I will succeed…”
“Hence why I was willing to offer to marry Alys morganatically.”

Rhaenyra gasped.

“Aemond! Your children wouldn’t be able to be in line for the throne!”
“And if this wasn’t enough…” He continued, unbothered. “I would renounce my claim to the throne.”
“No! That I will never allow!” His sibling intervened. “You are a Targaryen. You are a legitimate prince. The morganatic marriage is already too much to ask of you!”
“If it allows peace for the realms and me to marry the woman I love, it would be worth it.”

“What is the meaning of this?!” 

Alicent entered Aegon and Helaena’s room, her cheeks red with anger. The prince’s instinct kicked in and he immediately placed himself between her and Aemond who had joined them to have a simple chat, as they tried to do so more often. Also, he had heard that his niece had been sick during the night and worried, he came to have some news.

“Aegon, step aside.” She ordered
“Not until I am sure you will not hit him.”
“I would not…”
“When your mind is clear, yes. When you are angry, you lose control. I will not move until I am sure you will not hurt my brother.”

Her favourite child. 

“Mother, what is wrong?” Helaena worried

The sight of her pregnant daughter seemed to calm her down a bit. She didn’t want to scare her or cause her any issues in her pregnancy due to her behaviour.

“Your brother has solicited Rhaenyra to be allowed to marry.”

The oldest beamed.

“Really?! Why are you so unhappy, then?”
“Do not play dumb, Aegon! It doesn’t suit you!”

Aemond got up from his chair and stood next to his brother. 

“I did request an audience with the queen regarding my marriage, Mother.” He confirmed. “I assume you do not approve of my choice of bride.”
“I do not!”

He knew. Still, it stung to hear it so clearly. The dowager queen noticed as her wrath mellowed down. 

“Why don’t we all sit and discuss this like adults?” The princess suggested. “I can keep quiet if needed. But I will not have a screaming match. Jaehaera is unwell today, I have just managed to get her to sleep and if anyone wakes her up, I’ll have them devoured by Dreamfyre!”

Alicent looked at her in shock. Aegon raised his hands.

“I second this. Anyone who wakes my sick daughter gets burnt by Sunfyre before Dreamfyre eats them. Better for the dragons’ digestion, I hear. No screaming, no hitting or you are out.”

It still felt weird to see them on the same page, supporting each other. They all sat around the table, tea still hot in the kettle. In his quest to find something else than water to drink without falling back into wine or ale, Aegon had taken a liking to this eastern brew. His wife enjoyed it too : it soothed her. 

“So. Marriage for Aemond.” He commented

To Alys, he knew and he was overjoyed to learn that his little brother, so governed by duty, had found the courage to stand up and voice what he wanted for himself for once in his life.

“To a woman unworthy of him.” Their mother replied
“Alys is worthy of my affection.” Aemond immediately said

She sighed.

“Aemond. I do not doubt that this woman has qualities. Qualities you enjoy, qualities that make her remarkable, qualities I could recognize and value. But she is not a woman for you.”
“Because she’s a bastard.”
“Not only! She’s older than you! Had it been by a mere few years, I wouldn’t have objected so much! But she’s older than you by two decades! She could be your mother!”
“Would you prefer me marrying a toddler? That’s what Grandfather had planned for Aegon.”
“I beg your pardon?!” Aegon paled
“During your second nameday. He told Father the best way to avoid conflict between her heiress and his firstborn son was to have them marry each other.”
“Two years old me and seven and ten Rhaenyra… Gods, I’m going to be sick…” The prince felt nauseous 
“To our father’s defense, he refused, stating you were only two.”
“She’s related to Larys Strong…”Alicent continued
“And I am related to Otto Hightower, the man who almost killed his own grandson because his grandson refused to usurp his sister.”

She went white.

“This is a low blow.” She whispered
“No, it is not. I know the kind of man Larys is. I also know of the rumours surrounding his father and his brother.”
“Aemond… You wanting to marry, it surprises me. Especially like that, so fast, out of the blue…”

Her worries he could understand. But not her accusations.

“I would have supported you with any other woman.”
“But not Alys.”
“Why this rush? Has… has something happened? Is she…”

A cold rage was settling in his stomach.

“Is that what you think of me, Mother?” He asked with disdain and hurt in his voice. “That I am foolish enough to bed a woman to whom I am not married? Have I ever shown any interest in this sort of activities? I am not Aegon.”

He quickly exchanged a look with him. Fortunately, his sibling didn’t take it personally : it was the truth, after all. 

“I have been nothing but respectful to Alys. The way you taught me. The way Cole taught me.”

Because every woman was the image of the Mother : to be spoken to with reverence.

“And before you ask, she is not with child either. I may be young but I am not dumb.”
“Alys has been kind to the children.” Helaena intervened. “All of the children. Whether they were Rhaenyra’s or ours. She makes no difference between Gaemon and them.”
“I have no doubt she can be kind. But could you even have children with her?” 

Aemond scoffed.

“I do not want to marry a womb, Mother. I want to marry the woman I love and care about. Should the Gods not bless us with a child of our blood, we can still dote on our nephews and nieces. Or, as Aegon and Helaena did, we can always take in a child who needs parents.”
“You’ll be a young widow!”
“That should make you happy : I’d be free to marry whatever young maiden you would throw in my way.”
“You are being unfair.”
“So are you. You are dead set on rejecting Alys when you barely know her.”
“You told Rhaenyra you were ready to have a morganatic marriage if it eased the council or that you would go as far as renouncing your rights to the throne for a woman we know nothing of, except that she’s a bastard who plays with herbs and plants in her cursed castle!”

Alicent regretted those words as soon as they came out of her mouth. But it was too late. 

“Aemond…”
“I am sorry you see things this way, Mother. You do not have to approve.” He said. “I’d rather marry Alys with your approval and blessing. But even if I have none, I will marry her nonetheless.”

He got up, excused himself. Helaena was fuming. 

“Gods, what have I done…” Her mother lamented
“You can still fix this.” Aegon said.
“How?”
“First, by apologizing. But when his wrath has calmed down. And then, get to know Alys. Take a genuine interest in her. Try to befriend her even.”
“He’ll think I’m trying to convince her to abandon him…”
“Alys is like Aemond : she’s a no no-nonsense person. She will respect you as queen and as Aemond’s mother. But she will stand her ground and she will let Aemond know. What would you prefer, Mother? Having Aemond a celibate, unhappy? Or having him marry the only woman who managed to capture his attention and be there as part of the family he will build with her?”

“You seem rather angry, Nephew.” Daemon said as Aemond passed by him without even acknowledging him

The young man turned around, quickly bowed his head, before he resumed heading off.

“Rhaenyra told me about your lady love. Come, how about we train together?”

When faced with his silence, the king consort explained he was rusty and he had been told so often about his skills that he wanted to spar with him.

“It isn’t wise to spar when angry. I could injure you.” The prince replied
“As if you could hit me. Come on!”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because I haven’t been the uncle my nephews deserve and while I’ll never be, I also want peace for my wife.”

Seeing them, Criston approached.

“No need, Crispin. I am not going to harm my wife’s brother.”
“I am here only if there is need of medical assistance. Injuries happen.”

Soon, the training yard resonated with the song of swords clashing against each other. Daemon had to admit it: he was rather impressed. His nephew’s hits weren’t as strong as his, however his lack of strength was compensated by how quick and agile he was. Perhaps it was deliberate. Only having one eye, the boy certainly decided to train his movement instead of his strength : you could kill easily with one good move. Staying alive and making up for a handicap was more important. The rumours were true and they didn’t even give him full credit. 

“So, Lady Rivers, huh? You like them older.”

Aemond’s jaw tightened.

“She’s older than your own mother, I believe.”
“And you married a woman young enough to be your daughter. Twice.”
“Oh, you do have a spark.”

He dodged his hit.

“You must really love her if you are willing to sacrifice everything to marry her.”
Aemond actually could not bear the idea of being separated from her. It was irrational, it was corny, he knew all of that. But with her, he felt at peace. She understood him to a level even his siblings could not despite their best efforts. 

“I’ll support Rhaenyra if needed.”
“Why? I don’t have anything to offer you.”

Daemon stopped for a moment, catching his breath.

“I have been married for a decade to a woman I hated. I then found love and partnership in Laena before finding my soulmate in Rhaenyra.”

He would have found it sooner if he had been able to marry her first. The young prince also knew the rumour about the late Rhea Royce : it was no accident. Somehow, her husband killed her. No one could prove anything and the poor woman would, most likely, never get Justice. Like Lyonel and Harwin Strong. Larys was assumed to have had them killed in that fire. Again, no evidence, Justice was never served.  Everyone had skeletons in their closets. Everyone walked down the aisle with half of their story hidden away. 

“Again, why?”

It was sad, the Rogue Prince thought, that his relationship with his brother’s children was so bad they could not understand or imagine him helping them out simply because they were family. That was his own fault : he had always hated Otto, some of his hatred was then poured onto Alicent who was so young at the time, and he had never really considered her children true Targaryen. How stupid! 

“Because you supported Aegon against Otto during the regency when you could have tried to claim the throne either for Jaehaerys or for yourself.”

And because he forgave Lucerys.

“My Lords, My Ladies, let us sit.” Rhaenyra ordered
“Is Prince Aemond unwell, Your Grace?” Lord Beesbury worried, noticing his empty seat
“My brother is in perfect health.” The queen smiled. “I have asked him not to attend as the main question of the day concerns him. He came to me with a request.”

The room was silent.

“Prince Aemond, my beloved brother, has come to me seeking permission to marry a woman who he has come to greatly care for.”

Chatters immediately started. 

“This is lovely news.” Lord Lannister commented. “And rather surprising. Prince Aemond is not a man easily swayed. How is this remarkable lady?”
“This remarkable woman is Alys Rivers.”

She swore she could hear their jaws cracking as they dropped. Even Larys seemed surprised. 

“This… this is a peculiar match.” Lord Wylde said
“A peculiar match for a peculiar man.” Aegon immediately replied. “It is true Lady Rivers is not the type of woman we imagine a prince marrying. But my brother is no fool. He would not entertain the idea of marriage if this union proved harmful to the Seven Realms. We all know his care and dedication to the queen’s lands.”
“My Prince.” The master of coin spoke. “I would never dare to put in doubt the prince’s judgment nor the lady’s undeniable qualities! Even more when the lady is possibly related to a member of this council.”
“Alys is indeed my base-born sister.” The master of whispers revealed. “I have asked for the queen’s permission to bring her to court as I fear my great-uncle and his family haven’t always treated her with the kindness she deserves.”
“Did you know of this, Lord Larys?” The sovereign asked him
“I knew they were on good terms. They do share a passion for learning.”
“Lord Larys. I do not mean to offend you or your sister.” The master of laws intervened. “But she is quite older than the prince himself. She’s older than our dowager queen. I have to speak up : our prince is intelligent but he’s also young. He’s only eight and ten. I fear the age difference could be used against him.”
“I hear you, My Lord.” Larys answered. “I do share your concerns. However, I did talk to my sister as soon as I realized their friendship. I can assure you she has nothing but great care and respect for Prince Aemond. And despite the love I have for her, had she used her experience of life against our prince, I would have killed her myself.”
“I did not know you cared so much, My Lord.”
“My loyalty goes to the Crown. The royal family is the Crown.”
“My brother informed me he was willing to marry morganatically if it spared the realms some heartache and issues regarding the succession,” Rhaenyra informed them. “He’s willing to even renounce his own rights if it allowed him to marry Lady Rivers without endangering the succession. He knows his heart chose a woman with a complicated past. However, Alys Rivers’ parentage and birth are no fault of hers. She is, from what I have been told, discreet, hard-working. She is not afraid of our customs. And she is quite beloved by my children, as well as my nephews and niece. I wish for my brother the same happy union I have been blessed with, just as I want him to keep what is rightfully his.”
“The lady could be legitimized.” Lord Beesbury offered. “She is the master of whispers’ sister. I do not forget that we owe to Lord Strong Prince Gaemon being officially reunited with his father, Prince Aegon. The crown now has a new prince, a new dragon rider, and a great injustice has been repaired. We could easily find for the lady a title or a position. Ranks and status can always be arranged. Prince Aemond has always served the realms dutifully. He supported Prince Aegon during the regency. My Lords, my Ladies, for the first time in his life, our prince comes to us with a request. A request every man is entitled to have. I am in favor of our prince being allowed to marry Lady Rivers without him having to sacrifice anything.”
“Hear hear.” Lord Lannister agreed 

Rhaenys nodded and soon, unanimity was reached.

“I thank you, my Lords, my Ladies.” Rhaenyra declared. “Not as your queen but as a sister for her little brother.”

Aegon was beaming : Aemond would be allowed to experience what Helaena and him couldn’t. Marrying for love from the get-go. The members of the council started to exit the room.

“I’ll inform Aemond.” The queen said
“Let me.” Alicent cut. “I am his mother. I have to do it. Especially when I haven’t been correct towards him.”

“The dowager queen wishes to see you, My Prince.” His servant informed him
“Let her enter and leave us, Penny. Thank you.”

Penny opened the door, bowed and left. Aemond did not raise his head from his book. Not that he was able to properly read it : he knew the council session was about him and the stress was eating him alive.

“Aemond…”
“Lady Mother.”
“The small council session is ended. Unanimity has been reached. You are allowed to marry Alys Rivers, without it being morganatic and without renouncing your rights to the Iron Throne.”

He put down his book and looked at her, startled.

“Aegon took Alys’ defence. Yours too. Of course, Larys Strong spoke highly of his sister. Alys is to be legitimized, the same day Gaemon will, and she will be granted a title and a position, to make her status more suitable for a prince.”
“I see. Thank you for informing me.”

She walked to him and handed him a ring. The jewel was exquisite, if a bit old : made of silver, it represented a flower. The pistil was made out of a small sapphire, almost matching his own. 

“This ring was given to me by my mother shortly before she passed.”  Alicent told him. “She got it from my father who offered it to her as an engagement gift. If you desire it, you can propose to Alys with it.”

The prince was unable to utter a single word, all the breath in his lungs taken away from him.

“Do not worry about Helaena. I have jewels from my mother she will inherit, and Jaehaera after her. But since Alys is to be my daughter-in-law, it seems only fitting.”

The dowager queen caressed her son’s cheek. He didn’t reject her.

“I am so sorry for my words earlier, Aemond. I genuinely am. I had reasons to be concerned but no right to talk of her the way I did. If you let me, I’d be happy to try to get to know her.”

She expected a nod, a short word. Not her son getting up and embracing her tightly. 

“Thank you, Mother…”
“Now. I believe you have a lady to propose to.”

His smile was so bright! He tried his best not to run : he had an image and reputation to preserve. But to everyone around, it was clear as day he was in a rush and in an unusual good mood. Alicent joined Rhaenyra on the balcony that was above the training yards : Alys always crossed them while returning from her herb gathering.

“Alys.”
“My Prince.” 

The two queens couldn’t hear what he told her. But the woman’s basket fell on the ground as the prince dropped to one knee. The Lady of the Seven Kingdoms took her old friend’s hand when Larys’ sister almost jumped, hugging the young man tight.

Her baby boy wasn’t so little now.

 
To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Aegon tried to remain serious and dignified but his eyes and his smiles betrayed just how proud he was. It wasn’t easy, even for an adult, so for a child! Gaemon stood in the throne room, facing Rhaenyra who sat on the Iron Throne, surrounded by courtiers on each side.  He was straight, tall, and didn’t shiver. He had always been told how his son looked like him. Under this light, he could see it : he was his twin. The only exception was the mouth. This was Lyra. He thought of her and wondered if she knew, wherever she was. Could she finally rest in peace now? 

“My Lords, My Ladies.” Rhaenys announced. “It is Queen Rhaenyra’s greatest pleasure to legitimize Gaemon Palehair, the natural son of Prince Aegon Targaryen. From this day forward, he is to be known as Prince Gaemon Targaryen, the true-born son of Prince Aegon, the adopted son of Princess Helaena, the Queen’s nephew. If anyone has any reason to oppose this, they may speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Everyone remained quiet. The Hand of the Queen gave the child the document proving he was now as legitimate as his brother and sister. The courtiers applauded. Surprising them, the queen got up and kissed her nephew’s cheek.

“Well done, my little nephew.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Gaemon bowed
“In private, you will call me Aunt Rhaenyra. Or Aunt Nyra if it is easier.”

She turned to her brother whose happiness could not be hidden any longer. He was beaming. 

“You did so well, my sweet boy!” He congratulated him as he took his hand to join Helaena in the crowd. 

The princess too was over the moon. Alys was next. Aemond, next to his siblings, could not keep his eye away from her. His face hid his feelings better. On her annular shined the ring he had proposed with. 

“My Lords, My Ladies.” The Lady of the Tides continued. “It is Queen Rhaenyra’s greatest pleasure to legitimize Alys Rivers, the natural daughter of the late Lyonel Strong. From this day forward, she is to be known as Lady Alys Strong, the true-born sister of our master of whispers : Lord Larys Strong of Harrenhal. If anyone has any reason to oppose this, they may speak now or forever hold their peace.”

No one uttered a word.

“It is also Her Grace’s wish for Lady Strong to receive the title of Lady Towers of Harrenhal.”

Alys wasn’t a woman easily startled. But this, this made her raise her head in shock. Her brother too couldn’t hide his surprise. House Towers had ruled over Harrenhal before House Strong. Funded in 44 AC, it had died out two decades later after Maegor Towers died without an heir, impoverished, living by then in The Tower of Dread, one of Harrenhal’s melted towers. After the house was extinct, Harrenhal had been entrusted to Bywin Strong.

“Harrenhal shall remain under the control of House Strong, whose loyalty had never been put into question. However, Lady Strong’s oldest child, whether they are a man or a woman, shall revive this ancient house.”

And if not, according to the law, if Aemond was still alive when she died, the title would then pass to him and any children he’d have with another wife. Though he doubted his half-sister thought this far : Rhaenyra was not stupid but she wasn’t cruel or cynical either. The queen joined the new lady and took her hands.

“I am delighted and cannot wait for the day when I can finally call you my sister.”

The noblewoman bowed deeply.  Her gaze found her future husband. 
Their soft smiles said it all.

“Maybe we should postpone.”

It had been Alys’ first instinct when they realized that when the marriage would occur, Helaena would be in her final moon of pregnancy. 

“I think you are right.” Aemond agreed
“Nonsense!” Helaena intervened
“Helaena, what if you find yourself unwell? It is going to be tiring…”
“Aemond, if you believe I am going to miss your wedding because I am with child, you are sorely mistaken.” His sister told him. “I will be careful, I will retire if I am tired but I will see you marry Alys and put our colours on her shoulders!”

The One-Eyed Prince tried to find support from his older brother who simply shrugged.

“I do share your worries.” Aegon said. “But you and I know we cannot change our sister’s mind when it is set. 

Alicent didn’t speak. But she was grateful that Helaena’s condition had been the first thing on her future daughter-in-law’s mind. The woman was a mystery to her and she often wondered if she was serious or not. She had that bark she shared with Aemond, something she couldn’t determine that set them into their own world. Their chemistry was something she had rarely seen, except perhaps between Rhaenyra and Daemon. They didn’t need words to understand each other. The new Lady Towers genuinely loved her betrothed. The dowager queen saw that everyday. It was the way she managed to make him smile or even laugh after a tiring day. It was the small gesture of comfort she offered, how she offered him a safe space for him to truly open up and share whatever weighed on him. It was how the silence between them was never heavy : he could read by the fireplace as she worked on her herbs or hummed a song while she was mending something. She knew that, with time, all of her worries would vanish away. 

“Then, we could ask Maester Orwyle to attend.” The future bride offered. “In case the labours would start.”
“I would like that.” The princess nodded. “Besides, Maester Orwyle did so much for us lately.”

She took Aegon’s hand, their fingers entwining. Her eyes quickly glanced at his hair. It had grown enough to cover his scar and by the time the wedding would occur, he would have his length back, or almost. They had talked about it, one night, as they had put the children to bed. Gaemon had asked their permission to grow his hair, so it’d be like Jaehaerys’. They had allowed it, of course. The young mother had asked her husband if he’d let his own grow longer than he usually did, perhaps to the length he used to have as a teenager. He had cut it short out of rebellion after Aemond had lost his eye. Long hair was a Targaryen trait. A trait their father had. A father who didn’t do anything when his own blood had been injured. He didn’t want to have anything in common with such a man, his blood was already heavy to bear.  Aegon had admitted he wasn’t sure if he wanted to : hair held memory. And yes, he could have it long like his sons. Nevertheless, he liked the way it used to be. He had proven he could be a Targaryen but on his own accord, in the way he wanted to be. 
“Have you already started to look at the fabrics for your gown?” She asked Alys

“Not yet.”
“We could look together. I’d be happy to.”

5 moons later

Aemond didn’t believe he could love Alys more. She was his world, his other half, his soulmate. But when he saw her entering the sept atop Visenya’s hill, his heart beat so fast he wondered if everyone could hear it. His future wife was magnificent. Her gown, made of silk and lace, was green. Vhagar’s green to be exact. The cut was modest, and sober but rich at the same time, the bodice embroidered by Helaena herself as a wedding gift, with discreet owls sitting on branches. The only gems she wore were sapphires. Holding on Larys’ arm, they walked slowly but carefully : the master of whispers had refused anyone else. He was the Lord of Harrenhal, she was his sister. Besides, he didn’t want any of those who had mistreated her to have the honour. Representatives of their house were in attendance and he knew them enough to understand they were seething. He enjoyed their suffering. He enjoyed Alys’ happiness more. 

Alicent was trying her best to remain dry-eyed. Where was that little boy who had been smaller than Aegon at birth but screamed twice harder? 

Daeron, while regal and composed, couldn’t refrain from smiling. 

Despite being at the end of her pregnancy, Helaena had refused a seat. She was a princess, a Targaryen, and Targaryens didn’t sit during weddings. Aegon had joked, saying he could always carry her if her feet couldn’t anymore.

“I’d be too heavy!”
“Never for me, dear wife.”

The ceremony soon started and the bride and groom exchanged their vows, never breaking eye contact as they repeated the sacred words. Soon, House Strong’s cloak was taken off her shoulders, House Targaryen’s now covering them. 

“I present to you Prince Aemond and Lady Alys Strong, married under the eyes of the Seven Gods.”

The attendance applauded as Alys kissed her husband.

The feast was lavish. Rhaenyra hadn’t spared any expense for it : it was the first wedding since she became queen and the marriage of a prince was no small affair. Her sibling deserved the extravagance. Seeing Aemond and Alys talk, laugh together, Aegon knew he was going to be happy. So very happy. And to think his sibling might have known such joy had he not gone against the grain sickened him. Fate really was something fragile, easily hustled and swayed. Had he let them crown him king and not intervened, had he not heard his father’s last words, this would never have happened. This lovely scene would have never existed.

Instead of celebrating love, people would cry for the dead.

Gaemon would still be in the pits. 

Their family would have never started to heal, to be one.

And according to Helaena, in one of her most common dreams, their house would have never recovered from the conflict. 

By taking control of his destiny, he had saved everyone. 

He had saved countless lives.

He perhaps even saved their whole dynasty from doom. 

Him, the one people considered the lesser Targaryen, the mistake, the fool...

The thought of it made his head spin. 

His rumination was cut short when he heard his wife trying to hide her pain.

“Helaena?”

He knew she was having some pains during the night, a bit more in the morning but she had assured him she would be okay. His spouse paled.

“Helaena, what is it?”

She looked at the floor. His eyes noticed, at her feet, a pool.

Her waters had broken.

“Oh Gods…”
“I knew the birth would be close but I had thought maybe in two days… Tell Aemond and Alys, but discreetly… It’s their day, I don’t want to steal the spotlight…”
“Steal what spotlight?” Aemond asked her as he joined them, Alys holding his hand.

They had noticed her uneasiness and now the helm of her dress.

“I’m so sorry…” The expecting mother whispered

“For what? Babies arrive when they want to arrive.” The bride smiled

Aegon left his chair, helped Helaena on her feet. The newlyweds exchanged a glance. It was decided and the future father instantly understood. He never knew that cheeky side of his brother but he liked it. No one truly paid attention to the couple leaving : being this advanced in her pregnancy, everyone assumed the princess was simply tired and excused herself to go and rest. When they weren’t in sight anymore, the prince raised his glass. The music stopped and everyone’s attention was now focused on the couple.

“I would like to raise my glass to my brother and my sister : Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena, as they have just graced us with the most wonderful of wedding gifts.”

They wondered where it was.

“Our new nephew or niece is coming.”

People gasped and soon, applause was heard, some toasted. Alicent had almost jumped out of her seat but stopped herself, facing a dilemma : she had to be by her daughter’s side. But she couldn’t leave her son’s wedding. Of course, Helaena had Aegon, Aemond had Alys, however if she picked one, she abandoned the other.

“Go to Helaena, Mother.” Her child smiled
“Are you sure? It’s your wedding…”
“You were there for the ceremony.” Alys told her. “Princess Helaena needs you.”

As soon as the sun rose in the sky, wails were heard in the corridors. Alicent had bags under her eyes but she didn’t care, not when the Gods had blessed her with a new soul to love. Sitting by his wife’s side, Aegon was crying, smiling, as Maester Orwyle finally gave Helaena their newborn baby. His hand caressed the child’s tiny fist. The infant gripped his index. 

“He’s beautiful… He’s so beautiful…” He kept repeating. “You did so well, Helaena… Thank you, thank you so much…”

The prince kissed his wife’s brow. 

“Thank you too… for making me a mother for a fourth time.”
“Does he have a name?” Their mother asked

Her children beamed.

“Maelor.”

To Be Continued

Chapter Text

Kings’ Landing, 2024 A.C

“And what happened then?”

The moon was high in the sky. The heat had broken and the fresh breeze of the summery night was cooling the hot rooms. Still, the little boy couldn’t sleep without being under his covers. He would sweat through the night but he would feel safe, morning finding him rolled up in his sheets like a little snail retreating into its shell, hugging his gold and pink dragon plushie he had named Sunfyre.

“Aegon, Sweetie, it’s late, you should go to sleep!”

“Please.”

The woman sighed but smiled. Her son loved the story of Prince Aegon, his namesake, Queen Rhaenyra’s half-brother. Historians still studied that short but intense period that had been the very first regency in the Seven Kingdoms’ history. However, they all agreed on one thing :

Prince Aegon, by enforcing a regency, had avoided civil war.

Both he and his sister had strong claims to the Iron Throne.

For Rhaenyra’s supporters, her claim came from her father, Viserys I, when he named her heir and supported her entirely up until he died, never changing his will even after the birth of three legitimate sons.

For Aegon’s supporters, the council held by Jaehaerys I had set a precedent, implying the throne should pass to a male heir when one was available. The Andal law and customs also supported this.

Defying all odds, Prince Aegon supported his father’s wish and his sister’s rights.

Had he not done that, the realms would have fallen into a succession war and the fate of House Targaryen would have been rather bleak.

“What do you want to know?”

“Was Rhaenyra a good queen?”

“She was!”

Queen Rhaenyra was remembered for her modern rule : she was the first queen regnant, she named the first Hand of the Queen, she had implemented the law of absolute primogeniture which had been enforced by House Velaryon as soon as her son, Lucerys, had become Lord of the Tides. Bit by bit, the noble houses had started to consider the possibility of a woman inheriting their assets.

By the time Jacaerys I ascended the throne, the idea of it was commonly accepted.

The queen had also passed laws regarding crimes against women, punishing murders of women, and rapes, even harder. Any man who beat his wife had to be beaten himself. She developed trade and when she passed, the relationship with Dorne, while still precarious, was slightly warmer and based on respect and trust.

What had helped Rhaenyra was the fact that she knew how to surround herself : with wise people to help her govern. And to involve her brothers, making them rule alongside her and not simply be spectators. Viserys’ second marriage had started a division his firstborn daughter and firstborn son mended for years.

War never broke out under her rule and while conflicts rose, they had been either crushed early on or resolved amiably.

Queen Rhaenyra died at the age of five and seventy and the realms mourned for three moons.

Her son, Jacaerys I, followed in her footsteps. His wife, queen Baela, monitored the dragons’ well-being and their reproduction. She did it so well that in current days, dragons were still roaring healthily in the Dragonpit.

Prince Aegon had marked History once by taking the regency. He marked it twice when he refused to be crowned king. He marked it thrice when he became the first master of the smallfolk. He marked it a final time when he helped his sister with her laws for the protection of women and children. He also fought for more social reforms and help towards the needy and less fortunate. Sex workers also saw laws regarding their safety being passed. He and his wife, Princess Helaena, had three more children together after Prince Maelor : Aenys, Daenys and Alysanne. The couple was still remembered, to this day, as pioneers in the question of equality for men and women. When Aegon died, aged nine and sixty, after a brief illness, it was said that the people of King’s Landing wept so much and so loudly that their pain could be heard miles away from the city’s gates. His spouse outlived him by ten years, dying on what would have been his nameday, with a smile on her face, after telling her daughter Jaehaera that her father was calling for her.

The knowledge of dragon dreamers was expended by Helaena and her daughter Jaehaera, leaving to the new generations ways to help dreamers with their gift.

Prince Aemond and his wife, Alys, against all odds, quickly welcomed a child after their marriage, a son they named Criston, after the prince’s lifelong friend and confident Criston Cole, a member of the Queensguard and sword shield to Queen Alicent, the prince’s mother. The boy became the new Lord Towers of Harrenhal. Two years later, he was joined by twin sisters, Helaena and Aegelle, both being named in honour of their aunt and uncle. When House Strong died out, Helaena became the new Lady Strong as her mother, a legitimized Strong, had been the last one left with a claim on Harrenhal. Aemond and Alys expanded their knowledge of herbs and plants, constantly researching and having new species introduced safely in the Seven Kingdoms. Thanks to their efforts, new remedies were found and illnesses that often meant death could be now cured. True soulmates to the end, they died the same day. They were found together, in bed, embracing, their bodies already cold. It was said that Alys died first, of old age, at one and eighty, cared for by her husband, who was sixty, laid by her side and waited until the Stranger took him, knowing he wouldn’t be able to live without her. His heart simply stopped beating and he died peacefully in the arms of the woman he adored.

Prince Daeron had been knighted by his half-sister and served the realm dutifully. He became the queen’s ambassador whenever he visited Oldtown and, later on, other areas of the realm. He married Lady Floris Baratheon who sadly passed away in childbirth, leaving him a widow with a daughter: Alerie. He had the support of his sister-in-law, Ellyn, with whom he fell in love later on and married after five years. They welcomed four daughters: Aemma, Viserra, Daella and Alicent, before a son : Gwayne. Prince Daeron wrote his brother’s Aegon memoirs, believing it was important that his sibling’s story was never forgotten by History, not after the suffering he had endured. The youngest of Viserys I’s children outlived his siblings and died the oldest, at two and eighty.

Every king and queen descended from Rhaenyra, her line uninterrupted to this day.

In 305 AC, her descendant, Queen Daenerys I Targaryen, who had inherited the throne after her brother, Viserys III, passed away in 298 AC, put an end to the threat of the White Walkers, helping the North as The Long Night occurred.

“And the children? They were happy?”

“Yes, they were!”

Faithful to their vows, Aegon and Helaena had never forced any of their children into marriage. They all ended up marrying for love and making their parents grandparents of many grandchildren. It was said that Prince Aegon would drop anything in the blink of an eye if one of his precious hatchlings wanted a pony ride and that he was never happier than when surrounded by his family and by his beloved Sunfyre.

“Wow… He was a great prince!”

The woman smiled.

“He made mistakes too.”

She didn’t speak of his earlier days, that would be for her son to discover, he was too little.

“But he admitted he did make them. He worked hard to make things right. He took the regency because he didn’t want to steal his sister’s birthright. And he didn’t want evil men to use his little boy against Rhaenyra.”

A father’s love had saved their dynasty, allowing them to still rule after so many years.

“Now, it’s time you go to sleep, my dearest.”

She kissed his brow and looked as his amethyst eyes closed. As soon as his thumb was in his mouth, she knew he was in Morpheus’ arms. She carefully got up and left the bedroom, a hand on her swollen belly. Her daughter was restless.

“Calm down, Helaena… It’s too soon to be born yet.”

“Your Grace, there is an emergency, the council requires your assistance.”

“Of course.”

The doors of the small council room opened.

“Her Grace, Queen Rhaenyra, second of her name!”

The End

Chapter Text