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Chapter Text

Aegon had never been anyone’s favorite.

He’d never been his father’s favourite as that spot had been taken by his older sister years before he’d ever been born, and he’d never been his mother’s favourite for a myriad of reasons that he had not been able to fully understand as a child, but that he was starting to grasp onto now.

He’d never asked much out of life, but for someone to care for him.

He’d tried getting his mother by his side when he was a young child, but she’d resisted each and every one of his attempts without much struggle, leaving him to whichever maid was present at the moment and letting him know that she did not care to spend time with him. His father was getting sicker and sicker by the day, and he spent most of his time locked away in his chambers, preferring his own company to that of his children, Aegon in particular.

He’d always been a lonely child, until Jacaerys was born.

Aegon did not have many memories of his nephew’s birth, as he had been barely a boy himself when his sister had delivered her eldest son, but he did remember his mother bringing him along to visit the babe in the nursery alongside Ser Criston, and how the two adults had ridiculed little Jacaerys for his appearance. He had had great trouble understanding what exactly his mother and her shield disliked so much about his nephew, as he’d thought him a fairly cute babe, but then he’d come to understand that the brown taft of hair atop Jace’s head was nothing but a curse for his nephew and his sister alike.

And yet he had not cared.

From the very first years of his life Jacaerys had been Aegon’s little companion, always following him around and looking up to him as the two roamed around the Keep and all awed at how close they were, much to the Queen’s anger. After he was born Lucerys immediately joined his brother and uncle as their friendship bloomed more and more, with Aegon clinging to the boys as the one source of comfort he’d been able to find in his life.

Which is why what had happened on this day stung more than it probably should.

He had not meant to harm Jacaerys, because why would he. Jace was his one friend, and Aegon had always been terrified of his nephew growing tired of him or perhaps beginning to catch onto whatever it was about him that most others hated so much, and yet he’d harmed him anyway. He’d simply wanted to please Ser Criston, and by extension his mother, the one whose approval he knew he would do anything to earn.

Aegon had never liked fighting, and yet he’d spend most of his days on the training grounds because he’d always known that Ser Criston would report back to his mother, and he’d hoped that to hear that he’d done a good job would make her want to spend time with him. And although it had never worked, he kept going back.

Jace and Luke did not like fighting either, especially since Ser Criston actively avoided them and did not care to train them as he did with Aegon and Aemond, so the younger boys were at a disadvantage and were made to feel left out because of it. But they kept going back as well.

Aegon had not meant to harm Jacaerys, but hearing Ser Criston spurring him on he simply could not resist, as the knight’s voice morphed into the Queen’s and it got louder and louder after each blow Aegon delivered, barely noticing when his beloved nephew fell onto the ground until Ser Harwin grabbed onto him and threw him back. Things had happened very quickly after that, and within a second Ser Harwin had Ser Criston pinned to the ground, punching him so hard that Aegon finally realised why a man he had never seen be anything but gentle with both his sister and her boys had earned the moniker of Breakbones.

He’d wanted to speak to Jacaerys after everything had happened, and yet both his nephews had simply disappeared into thin air even as Aegon went to look for them, only to be found by her.

“What happened?”, Alicent questioned one more time, cheeks red as her frustration became evident.

“I don’t know”, Aegon attempted to insist, cringing as his mother let out a big sigh and got closer to him.

“Grand Maester Mellos is currently trying to straighten Ser Criston’s nose after Ser Harwin brutally broke it”, she hissed, “I don’t know is not enough Aegon. The Gods know that man is without honor with his aiding Rhaenyra in her sin, but he is not violent. I thought that the trouble you caused your brother would be enough for you for today, but then you do this? What happened Aegon?”

He did not want to answer that question, knowing very well the kind of conversation that his answer would lead to, and yet as it always was, he was not able to say no to her.

“Ser Cole said something”, Aegon said, “Something about Ser Harwin acting like Jace was his son”

Alicent let out a big sigh, hand coming to rub at her temples as she got up from the seat she’d taken on Aegon’s bed only to begin walking around his room, pacing as she mumbled something about things being unfair as nobody cared about the truth.

“Did the King hear him?”, she questioned finally.

“I’m not sure”, Aegon answered honestly, “He did not say anything about it”

“Of course he didn’t”, Alicent mumbled as she let out a humorless chuckle, “He never would, and that is good for us. You must say nothing Aegon, so this whole thing might just die and be forgotten”

Aegon nodded, not caring to give his mother any more reasons to stay in his chambers. He would never dare speak on the matter, especially since he knew that even if he did talk, it would change nothing. He could tell the King the truth, that Ser Criston had publicly implied that Ser Harwin was Jacaerys’ father and had therefore accused the Heir the throne of having sullied herself with her shield, hence why Ser Harwin had reacted in such a way, but he knew that it would change nothing.

From what Aegon understood Ser Criston had been Rhaenyra’s shield before he sided with the Queen, and that had happened because Criston had murdered someone during Rhaenyra’s wedding, and when both the Princess and her new husband had tried to get the King to do something to punish the rogue knight, the Queen had intervened, and Criston had become hers.

If Rhaenyra, the Heir to the Iron Throne, the Realm’s Delight and their father’s favorite child had not been able to make Viserys remember that he was the King and that he did not need to bend to the will of his wife if he felt that a knight had to be punished for murdering someone at a wedding, then Aegon did not think he could do it either.

“Rhaenyra’s eldest also sported some bruises”, Alicent continued.

Aegon couldn’t help the shiver that ran down his spine at his mother’s words, his mind riddled with thoughts of regret at ever causing his nephew any pain. He hadn’t meant to, and yet he knew that it did not matter. Jacaerys was one of his two friends, with the other being the latter’s younger brother, so Aegon knew that if he had truly harmed Jace then he will have lost them both.

“I did not mean to”, he whispered.

“The bastard will be fine”, Alicent sighed.

Despite being acutely aware of the true circumstances of his nephew’s birth, Aegon flinched at the outmost disgust that was everpresent in his mother’s tone whenever she spoke about him. He understood that what his sister and her shield had done was without honor, and yet he could not understand why that made his mother angry at Jace. His nephew had not fault in any of it, but his mother did not care.

Just like how she did not care that Aegon had no fault in his own birth either.

“Stop looking at me like that”, she scolded him, “That boy and his brothers are naught but sin personified, as they were born out of Rhaenyra’s innate lack of interest in what duty truly is. And the fact that she prances around this court with them, acting like she has naught to be ashamed of is but another show of disrespect to decency itself”

Though he would never dare speak on it, especially not to his mother, Aegon loved seeing his sister with her children. Rhaenyra was always so kind and gentle with her boys, always by their side and hugging them close whenever she pleased, something Aegon could not help but awe at as he could not even remember the last time his own mother had held him to her, if she ever had.

He knew what Alicent thought of Rhaenyra, and yet he could not find fault in her sense of motherhood. His sister’s sons were bastards, nobody could deny that, no matter how much everyone tried to, and yet she loved them more than many love their legitimate children, the Queen included.

“Did you speak to him afterwards?”, Alicent questioned.

“No”, Aegon answered meekly, “I wanted to but he and Luke both disappeared. I wanted to apologi-”

“Don’t”, she cut him off, “Just pretend it did not happen Aegon. What happened today was grave enough, there is no need for you to meddle and make things worse”

“I just want to apologise for hitting him”, Aegon tried again, “I didn’t mean to harm Jace”

“I already told you that that bastard will be fine”, his mother sighed annoyed, “But you must never touch him again, it is far too dangerous for you to dare so far. Remember Aegon that we stand alone for now, so you can not go too far. If Jacaerys ever wished to get revenge for what you did today then nobody would come to help you, especially not the King”

“Jace wouldn’t do that”, he whispered.

His mother had always despised Aegon’s fondness for his nephews, trying her hardest to get her hatred for the boys to drip in her son’s heart, though never finding much success in her pursuit, much to her anger. Aegon knew that befriending his nephews did not earn him much favor with his mother, but at this point in his life he also knew that nothing ever would, so he’d never been willing to lose the two friends he had just to escape her wrath. But he always tried to avoid speaking about them whenever she was around, as he knew how angry she would get whenever he reminded her of how he cared for them.

So in truth, he should’ve seen the slap coming.

“You do not know what that sinful creature is capable of”, she hissed as she grasped onto his face, nails dragging along his cheeks as her eyes bore into his, “You think you know that bastard and you think he cares for you, but he doesn’t”

Aegon wanted nothing more than to close his eyes, to retreat in his mind as the truth she was spitting in his face hurt too much for him to cope with it. She always said it, that his nephews didn’t love him and that they were just using him for their own entertainment, that they would abandon him at the earliest opportunity, and yet he could never bring himself to believe it.

Because he didn’t want to.

If his mother’s words rang true and neither Jace or Luke actually cared for Aegon, then noone did, and he could not cope with that. His nephews were the only two people who had ever seemed to want to spend time with Aegon and to enjoy his company, and even if his mother was right and they were simply humoring him before killing him in order to get to the throne, then so be it. They were the only ones who had ever shown him any love and attention, and he could not bear the thought of losing them.

“As things stand Rhaenyra will ascend the throne and Jacaerys will be her heir”, she stated, “If that happens your very life will be forfeit, and ours as well. She will move to cut off any challenge to her succession, and that is exactly what you and your brothers are, nothing more. Jacaerys might act like a friend to you, but he knows that in order for his mother and in turn himself to gain power you must die. And trust me when I say this, there is nothing Rhaenyra would not do to get the throne, no matter who challenges her”

“Then I won’t challenge her”, Aegon mumbled, “She can take the throne, I don’t want it and I’m not suited for such a responsability”

“Wether you want it or not does not matter”, she hissed angrily, “You are the King’s firstborn son Aegon, and as such you are the one who must ascend as King for things to be made right. You do not know the sacrifices that were made for you to sit the throne, and I shall not let that mean nothing”

She was talking about herself, that much was obvious. Aegon had always known that his parents’ marriage was not a happy one, and though his mother tried to play her part as best as she could whenever others were around, it was not hard to tell that the life she currently lead was not one she would have chosen for herself.

The Lady Alicent Hightower had perhaps at one point been a happy girl, one who would’ve loved her children and cherished them without struggle or doubt in her heart, but the Gods had willed differently. The Queen Alicent Hightower was born from the ashes of a broken child, who had had to sit there and play nice as her life was stolen from her to appease another’s dreams, and such a loss had been too great to not impact each aspect of her life, including her relationship with her children.

Aegon had spent most of his life trying to understand what he ever could’ve done to make his mother hate him so, and he’d now realised that the answer to his question had been right infront of him his whole life.

He’d been born.

His birth had changed everything for the worse, for everyone involved. He was his father’s long awaited son, and yet he’d been born to a woman who was not the one he truly loved, so he would never be enough. He was naught but a challenge in Rhaenyra’s eyes, so he would never know what her love felt like. And he was his mother’s first child, the finaly link to the chain that tied her to a man she did not love, and one who looked so much like her but for a few distinctive traits, constant reminders of what she’d lost and what she’d had to endure.

Aegon was a child born out of suffering, and his mother would never let him forget it.

“What will happen to Ser Criston?”, he questioned.

“Nothing”, Alicent stated firmly, “Ser Criston is my sworn shield and he is under my protection, so nothing will happen to him. Though the same can not be said about Ser Harwin, as I was told that his father was heard speaking to him about leaving for Harrenhal soon enough. If you ask me this should’ve happened years ago, but when I proposed it to Viserys he denied me as he always does. Who cares about decency when his favorite child wants to keep her lover around to satisfy her disgusting urges and continue to sully both herself, her family name and that of house Velaryon?”

As his mother continued with her rant Aegon remained silent, as his attention was caught by her statement about Ser Harwin leaving, and he couldn’t help but think about how heartbroken his nephews would be. Though the knight had never been allowed to be a true father to them, he’d always been by their side and had shown them much more affection than most people show their legitimate children, and Aegon knew that Jacaerys in particular was very attached to him.

Though Aegon knew that there was a chance that his nephew would be angry with him after what had taken place on the training grounds, he knew he had to speak with him. He’d always yearned to just tell Jacaerys everything, praying to the Gods his mother believed in so that his nephew would deny everything, and reassure Aegon that his love for him was not just a farce, but he’d never been brave enough to dare so far. He’d always had much trouble being honest with those around him, as each time he’d tried opening his heart to his mother she’d shut him down without taking into account how desperate he was to be heard. But Jacaerys had never done that, and though Aegon knew it would not be wise for him to disturb the peace that ruled between them by telling the truth, that his mother wished for Aegon to usurp his sister, he hoped that his nephew would be willing to welcome his apology about the fight.

Aegon had to at least try, as losing Jacaerys would mean losing Luke, the only friends he’d ever had.

“What Rhaenyra doesn’t understand is that to be dutiful one must make sacrifices”, Alicent mumbled, “I understand that well enough, and you will finally learn to as well once you marry”

“What?”, Aegon questioned alarmed.

He knew he was bound to marry, as were all people of a certain station, but his mother had never brought it up before.

“Rhaenyra dared too far this morn”, she said, “And though I was able to place myself between her and Viserys before he could agree to her horrid plan, we must act before she gets him to change his mind”

And though he wanted to say no Aegon knew that was not an option, so he simply nodded.

Chapter Text

After his conversation with his mother Aegon had wanted to lock himself in his chambers, fearing what secrets she might be hiding from him as she refused to reveal whomever she had in mind as a possible bride for him.

He’d always known that he would marry one day, and although he knew it was foolish, he’d always hoped to find someone he could share a true companionship with. He knew that that was not how things worked for most nobles, as marriage was seen as naught but a way to gather allies, so one’s feelings were not taken into consideration, as the match between his parents proved, and yet he’d always clung to the hope that things could be different for him.

But now reality was knocking at his door, and Aegon could no longer avoid it.

As his mind was riddled with thoughts of how miserable his life already was, and how it certainly would not become better after he was made to marry someone he didn’t care for, he made his way around the Keep. He had to speak to Jacaerys, and though he knew it was dangerous for him to roam around when anyone could see him and report back to his mother, he didn’t care.

Things were already horrible between him and the Queen, and though it was perhaps naive of him to think so, he doubted they could get worse. So although he knew she would be angry with him as he defied her orders not to speak to Jacaerys, he had to do it.

His heart already hurt at the thought of having lost his nephew after the fight, and he could no longer wait to know wether his closest friend had been taken from him by his inability to resist Criston’s orders.

“Black and green grow as one, and no damage will be done”, a voice said suddenly, making Aegon flinch as he hadn’t even noticed that his sister had approached him.

“What are you talking about?”, he questioned annoyed, always weary of Helaena when she spoke her riddles and her eyes became lost to this world.

For a second Helaena seemed stunned at him acknowledging her, as he could admit that it did not happen often as he’d always found his sister much too odd to ever care about spending time with her, but she’d caught him off guard and the question had escaped him before he could help it.

“Black and green”, she repeated as her hand hovered over his heart first and then the light marks his mother’s nails had left on his cheeks, “They must grow as one, so no damage will be done”

Aegon fell silent, Helaena’s eyes almost hypnotising him as he could not look away from them, a part of him wanting to just ignore her and her ramblings, but another feeling stuck in place as he felt that whatever she was trying to tell him was important, but he could not understand her. After a moment of silence, as he waited for her to continue and perhaps explain herself, he slowly backed away from her and kept making his way to Jace’s chambers, feeling his sister’s eyes as they bore holes in the back of his skull as if willing him to her, but he left.

Helaena had always been like this, just speaking her nonesense every now and then as everyone acted like she hadn’t uttered a word. His father had never paid her any mind, though in truth he'd never spent enough time with her to notice it, and his mother thought her slow. Aegon had never paid too much attention to his sister’s odd words, as he found their cryptic nature unsettling, but he always listened.

In his heart he’d always wanted a bond with his siblings, and yet in some way he’d always envied them, and that had made it impossible for him to actually even try and form a relationship with any of them. He was envious of Helaena because she was a girl, so she did not have to suffer his mother as he did with her talks about how everyone’s lives depended on him taking the throne. He was envious of Aemond because he was the second son, but most importantly because by the time he was born his mother had already stopped paying attention to Aegon, and yet from the start she’d seemed much more devoted to the new babe than she had been with either himself or Helaena. And he envied Daeron because he got away from this cursed place.

This ugly feeling that had ruled his heart for most of his life had hindered his relationship with his siblings, and yet it had never once affected that between him and his nephews. He envied the boys, as he saw how their mother doted on them with such ease, and yet instead of driving him away this had only made him more keen on spending time with them, wishing to experience such affection through them. Rhaenyra’s love for her sons seemed so innate that it often made Aegon question his mother’s words that his older sister was such a monster.

But the boys were her sons, whilst Aegon was just something in the way between her and the throne.

The road to his nephew’s rooms was not a long one, but as Aegon’s heart hurt because of the guilt he felt at what he’d done to Jace, and then of confusion at Helaena’s words, it seemed never ending. He kept his eyes stuck on the ground, not caring to acknowledge all the maids he knew were staring at him and analysing his movements to report back to his mother.

He knew that what he was doing would not bode well with her, and that she would probably visit his chambers later in the day to let him know how angry he’d made her, but he didn’t care.

“My apologies my Prince”, a voice said as Aegon thought he’d crashed against a brick wall, “Are you alright?”

“Yes”, Aegon answered as he looked at Ser Harwin, noticing how incredibly sad the man clearly was, “I was looking for Jace”

“I think Prince Jacaerys is in his chambers”, Harwin said as both he and Aegon continued to walk, “He and Prince Lucerys retired after nuncheon, and I’m fairly certain they’re still there”

“Probably playing with Luke’s wooden toys”, Aegon guessed, “He loves those things, though in truth I don’t even know where he got th-”

“I made them”, Harwin revealed with a sad smile, “When the Princes’ dragons were first taken to the Dragonpit they had trouble sleeping without them close, so I carved them those little statues and that seemed to help somewhat”

Aegon did not say a word, just stopping in his tracks as he and Ser Harwin had now reached the point at which they had to go their separate ways. Aegon really wanted to bid Ser Harwin goodbye, as he had actually grown quite fond of the knight as he often looked over them as he and his nephews played together, but he could not find the words.

Ser Harwin had always been nice to Aegon, and had always tried to help him hide the fact that he was spending time with his nephews, knowing very well that the Queen would not have allowed it to happen so often. The knight had been one of the reasons why Aegon had managed to create a true friendship with his nephews, and the Prince couldn’t even figure out how to bid him farewell. If his mother’s words were to be trusted, soon enough this man would be seeing his sons for what could be the last time in moons or even years, and Aegon did not know what to say.

In the end neither of them said anything, as Ser Harwin gave Aegon a small bow before taking his leave and disappearing in one of the hallways, and Aegon knew that he had just lost one of the few people at court who had ever been kind to him.

He hadn’t even meant to follow Criston’s instructions, thinking it unfair to fight against Jacaerys as his nephew was much younger than he was, and much less experienced considering the fact that Ser Cole refused to train him properly, and yet he’d fought him anyways.

And his nephews had just lost their true father because of it.

Ser Harwin had never been allowed to act like a father to his boys, and yet he’d shown them such love that his devotion to them and their mother was undeniable. And now they would lose him, all because Aegon hadn’t said no to Criston’s orders.

He finally made his way to Jace’s chambers, quietly knocking on the doors and silently praying that his sister was not in the room, as he was certain that she would not be in the best mood. After all she’d just had a babe, and Aegon had heard of his mother’s demand that the child be brought to her, something he knew Rhaenyra could not have taken kindly, only to then find out that her son had been beaten up and her lover was being forced to leave. Rhaenyra already disliked Aegon, and he did not think that her mood would make her like him more as he showed up uninvited to apologise to her son for hitting him in the face with a wooden sword.

“Hello uncle”, little Luke said as he opened the door with a small smile on his face, “Come in”

As soon as Aegon entered the chambers he knew something was wrong, as though Jacaerys was usually a very tidy child, in that moment the rooms seemed to have been turned upside down. Luke went to the other room where Aegon knew they kept all the toys, and there he began to quietly play with his wooden figures as Aegon approached Jacaerys’ bed, finally noticing that his nephew was just lying there, eyes stuck on the ceiling and unmoving.

“Are you alright?”, Aegon whispered as he sat on Jace’s bed.

“Do you hate me?”, Jace questioned.

“Never”, he answered immediately, “I could never hate you Jace, and I’m sorry about what happened today. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just lost control of myself and I couldn’t st-”

Suddenly Jace stood up from his bed, almost knocking Aegon over as he went to the door that connected the room to the one where Luke was and closing the door.

“Do you think it’s true?”, he questioned gravely as he walked closer to Aegon.

“What?”, the elder asked, almost cringing at how false the question sounded as he knew very well what his nephew was referring to.

“Do you think I’m Ser Harwin’s son?”, Jace whispered.

Aegon fell silent, mouth opening and closing as he tried to figure out what to do. He didn’t want to lie to him, as he’d come here to apologise and not to give the younger any more reasons to be upset with him. But he also wasn’t sure that telling the truth would do Jace any good, as although it was something that he believed his nephew had a right to know, he also knew that for his suspicion to be confirmed might just make him more sad at Ser Harwin’s departure.

“You do”, Jace mumbled with teary eyes, bottom lip wobbling as he sat down next to him.

“It doesn’t matter”, Aegon tried to say reassuringly, though he knew it all to be a lie.

It did matter, and sadly Jacaerys would come to understand that very soon, wether Aegon lied to him or not. Soon enough his nephew would begin to notice all the stares he received around court whenever he was with his mother or even with Aegon, someone whose Valyrian traits only remind everyone of the sin that lays behind Jacaerys’ dark hair.

Jacaerys and his brothers had no fault in any of it, but it didn’t matter. To those who could see it was most obvious that the boys shared very little blood with their supposed father, let it be because of their hair or their fair skin, and though they were not to blame for the sins of their parents, people did it anyways. Most people believed that bastards were worth nothing, and though technically his sister’s sons were not bastards as Laenor had publicly accepted them as his own, that meant very little when all could see that the boys were but a result of the Princess’ dalliances with her now former shield.

“What do I do?”, Jace questioned, “The people will never accept me as a Targaryen or as a Velaryon, and how could I ever be a Targaryen King if I don’t even look like one?”

“You are a Targaryen”, Aegon said quickly, “Your mother’s blood runs through your veins, as does her father’s and his before her. All people in the Targaryen line lead to you, that’s what matters, and you should never let anyone tell you otherwise”

“But my kepa”, the boy let out a small sob, “How can I be by his side now? And Luke, oh Gods what will happen to Luke? Uncle what will happen to Luke when it’s his time to take the Driftmark throne? He will be in danger, and what if I can’t prot-”

As Jace’s ramblings turned into tears, Aegon hugged him close as the younger boy desperately clung to him. Though Aegon wouldn’t say it, because he did not believe it would help Jace in any way, his nephew was not wrong about how things could go wrong for his brother in the future. Lucerys was the son of the Heir to Driftmark, legally at least, but that did not mean that people couldn’t object to his claim when the time came for him to ascend.

“Your grandsire loves him”, Aegon whispered against the top of Jace’s head, “I remember the last time the Seasnake visited the Keep, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that man dote on anyone as he does with Luke. And your father loves you both Jace, you know that”

“But I’m not-”, Jace mumbled.

“It doesn’t matter”, he cut him off, “You’re his in his heart, and that is all that truly matters. I see him when he’s with you, and blood doesn’t matter when one’s love is so true. I assure you that having one’s blood coursing through your veins does not mean they will care for you more”

“What?”, his nephew questioned confused.

Aegon silently cursed, as he hadn’t really meant to say that last part, though he had thought it all his life. Every day he would see both Ser Laenor and Ser Harwin with his nephews, and every day it was obvious that the two men loved the boys more than anything in this world, something Aegon himself had never felt from his own father, who was his both by blood and by law.

His nephews might not be legitimate, but they were loved and cherished by all their parents, and that mattered more than any drop of blood ever could.

“It’s nothing”, Aegon said as Jace tried to question him once more.

His nephew was not convinced by his words, that much was obvious, but after Aegon made it clear that he would not answer his questions he relented, letting his head drop against Aegon’s chest once more as the elder brought a hand to his head and ran his fingers through his hair.

They might be the greatest curse for the boy, but Aegon had always thought them beautiful.

After some time of them just laying there Lucerys joined them, finally deciding that he didn’t like his brother and uncle spending time without him. As Aegon watched the two brothers lay together, with Luke’s hand immediately grabbing Jacaerys’, he thought of Aemond.

He’d never been close to his brother, both because he had always been jealous of how close he was to their mother, who seemed to care for him in a way she’d never managed with Aegon, but also because Aemond’s interests had very little in common with his own.

Apart from dragons.

“I feel bad about it”, he heard Luke mumble at one point, “Uncle said it would be funny but I don’t think Aemond thought it was. He just looked sad”

“That’s because he doesn’t have a dragon”, Aegon mused, “He wants one more than anything but the Gods just don’t care apparently. He knows everything about them, but he can’t get one”

“But that’s not funny”, Luke argued.

“I think it is”, he tried to insist, though the look of judgement on his nephew’s face was making him doubt his words, “And I also heard that he snuck into Dreamfyre’s den, and my how funny it must’ve been to see him run out of there all covered in ash an-”

“What?”, Jacaerys asked alarmed, “Is he alright?”

“Yes”, the elder said, “He’s fine, he’s done it before”

Aegon hadn’t thought much about the pink dread prank, as he’d just wanted to remind his brother that though he may act all high and mighty and be mother’s favorite, Aegon had a dragon and he did not. He’d done it to even things out between them, as his brother had the one thing Aegon had always wanted, his mother’s love, and Aegon had the one thing Aemond had always wanted, a dragon. He knew Aemond was desperate to have a dragon of his own, and had simply thought it was funny to dress up a pig.

“He could’ve died uncle”, Jace stated firmly.

As much as Aegon wanted to deny his nephew’s words, he knew they rang true, and the realisation that a prank that he had planned could’ve cost him his brother finally dawned on him. His mother had always spoken about how his brother’s life was at risk, but that was because of Rhaenyra, and yet with a single prank Aegon could’ve found himself staring at his brother’s charred body.

“I didn’t-”, he began to say something, anything that he could think of to try and excuse his actions, but nothing.

Suddenly someone knocked on the doors of the boys’ chambers, and though Aegon usually hated having to leave his nephews, he was almost glad to escape their looks of judgement. They had been there by his side as he planned the whole thing, but he knew that in the end he was the one responsible for it happening, because as the eldest of the trio his nephews looked up to him and trusted him, something that nearly cost Aemond his life.

After leaving the boys’ chambers Aegon returned to his own, simply sitting on his bed and thinking about how to best handle Aemond from now on. It was true enough that he wasn’t too fond of his brother, but that didn’t mean that he wanted Aemond dead, especially not because of something he said. He’d always known that his brother desperately yearned for a dragon, and since in Aegon’s eyes he had everything else, he’d never been able to find fault in himself for poking fun at him not having the one thing he truly wanted. But then it dawned on him.

Aemond was suffering because of something that was not under his control, just like Aegon was, and he was simply making it worse.

Aemond didn’t have a dragon, but that was not his fault, and yet Aegon made him feel bad because of it. Aegon was the first son of a loveless marriage between a lonely child and a sad man, but that was not his fault, and yet his mother made him feel bad because of it. His mind was riddled with thoughts of how unfair he’d been to his brother, and of how perhaps Aemond felt as lonely as he did because of him. He thought about going to him, but in truth he wouldn’t know what to say, and before he could actually do anything he heard a knock on his door.

Hours had passed since he’d seen his nephews, and though Jacaerys had already looked sad now he looked miserable, teary eyes and a pout on his face to testify to his upset.

“We’re leaving for Dragonstone”, is all he said.

And in that moment, Aegon knew he’d just lost everything.

Chapter Text

The day had come, and Aegon had locked himself in his chambers.

His nephews would be leaving on this day, and Aegon had locked himself in his chambers.

He knew he should leave, that he should be there to bid them all goodbye as he didn’t know when they would see each other again, if ever before his father died and everything fell apart, but he couldn’t do it. Jacaerys and Lucerys had been his one solace for most of his life, the only two people he’d ever felt close to, and they would be leaving without him.

He understood why his sister had made her decision, as in truth if he’d had the freedom to leave as she did, he would’ve left years ago to be spared from his mother’s ire, the one thing himself and Rhaenrya had in common. He understood why she’d done it, as the Queen was getting worse and worse without anyone there to stop her as Rhaenyra could do naught but oblige her since the King himself didn’t intervene against his wife, and her children were now suffering as well.

The night Jacaerys had visited him had been a difficult one, as the boy had broken down about Ser Harwin leaving and his mother pretty much confirming what the boy already knew. Aegon had tried to comfort him as best as he could, though in truth he hadn't truly know how one does that as nobody had ever done that for him, so he’d simply done what he would’ve wanted for himself in that moment.

He hugged him.

Jacaerys had clung to Aegon with a strength he didn’t know the boys possessed, a desperation evident in his face as he cried, one that could only belong to someone who felt the responsability of the whole world as it weighed on his shoulders, something Aegon understood very well. He’d held Jacaerys close and told him that all would be well, and that he was loved so nothing else mattered, because it didn’t.

Aegon was a true Prince of the Realm, and he’d never wanted for anything as the whole world was at his disposal, and yet he’d never been happy because the one thing he’d always needed had always been so far out of reach, someone to love him. He’d never needed anything else, and the only two people who had shown him what being loved felt like were leaving on this day, and Aegon had locked himself in his chambers.

Jacaerys had begged him to come and say goodbye before they left, asking his uncle to join them in the Dragonpit so he could see Sunfyre take to the skies one more time. Jace had yet to ride his own dragon, so he would be flying with his mother on Syrax, and though he knew it could never be Aegon had almost pleaded for the boy to ask if he could go as well, even just for a time.

He knew that his nephews would live a good life on Dragonstone, as he was certain that his sister would ensure that, and though he was happy for them he couldn’t help but envy the two boys, who according to his mother were naught but worthless bastards, and yet they had everything Aegon had ever wanted. If he could he would give up everything he’d ever had to his name, his title and all his wealth just to know what it felt like to belong to a family that loved him without question.

Aegon was happy for his nephews, and yet the despair that ruled his heart had kept him chained to his bed for almost two whole days. His mother had come to visit him right after Jacaerys had gone back to his own chambers, and though thankfully his nephew had already left by the time she arrived, she knew that he’d been there and though Aegon had been too distracted by his own misery to pay her any mind, he did remember how his cheek stung after she left.

Nobody else had come for him, and Aegon’s mood only worsened as he realised that this would be his reality from this day forth. His nephews had been his only friends for his whole life, and now they were leaving, and he would be alone in a place that had never once felt like his home.

“Aegon”, a meek voice appeared suddenly, calling to him and almost making him fall off his bed as he realised that it was much closer than he had expected.

“What the fuck?”, he questioned alarmed, “What are you doing here?”

“You must go”, Helaena said as she carefully opened his wardrobe and began taking out some clothes for him, “You must go Aegon, the river will burn itself and the rogue will cry before the eye is lost and all is forfeit, but it doesn’t have to be this way”

“What are you talking about?”, Aegon mumbled as he rolled to his side and tried to turn away from her, as his sister’s intense gaze and her odd words were beginning to unsettle him more than usual.

“You must go”, she insisted, harshly grabbing onto his arm.

This got Aegon’s attention, as he’d never known Helaena to be fond of touch, quite the opposite actually. He would poke fun at her for it when they were younger, and that had been the one time his father had paid him any attention, to scream at him. Viserys had never cared to acknowledge his children whenever they all had supper together, something which thankfully did not happen often, and yet the one time he had acknowledged Aegon was to scream at him for making fun of his sister.

All knew Viserys loved his daughters more, something Aegon thought was quite humorous considering that the man had killed his first wife in search of a son, but he also understood that he and his brothers were not Aemma Arryn’s babes, so they were worth less in his eyes.

“You must go”, Helaena said once more, and even just to get her to stop Aegon stood up and put his clothes on, finally noticing that she had managed to find the few items of clothing he owned that were not green but black.

Aegon had always hated his mother’s insistance that they all wear green, as he felt it was odd that she was so obsessed with the idea of her sons being the only true Targaryen Princes at court, and yet they could not even wear the colors of their house. Alicent had been a part of the royal family for over a decade now, and yet she was as much an outsider now than she had been before she married the King, even more so perhaps, and she evidently needed her children to feel as she did.

Or she just wanted some company in the green prison she’d crafted for herself throughout the years.

Aegon and Helaena got out of his chambers, with her walking faster than him and with such determination that Aegon wondered if his usually demure sister had been possessed by some being this morn. There was something different about Helaena, as if she knew something he did not and was trying to either make it happen or try to avoid it, and though her tone had seemed more certain than usual, her words had been more odd than ever, and as it always was Helaena had seemed just as confused by them as everyone else was.

Her talks of rivers, rogues and eyes had made very little sense to him, but in all fairness her words rarely ever did so that was not new.

“I’m not going”, Aemond said annoyed.

“Yes you are”, Helaena insisted.

Aemond almost flinched at the sure and almost angry tone she was using, as Helaena had never once sounded like that before. He threw a confused glance at Aegon, perhaps hoping that the elder would have some explanation, but as he simply shrugged his shoulders Aemond looked back at Helaena.

“They don’t want me there”, he whispered as he leaned into her, eyes stuck on the ground as he was evidently hoping that Aegon couldn’t hear him, so the latter acted like he had not.

“Yes they do”, Helaena said surely, “An eye for an eye does not mean peace”

“What?”, Aemond questioned, “What ey-”

Before he could finish his sentence Helaena had started walking away from him, making her way through the hallways until they all finally reached the Dragonpit, where sadly for Aegon he quickly noticed his mother and father were also present. Immediately he shrunk into himself, trying to make himself as small as possible as he always did when around his mother, not wishing for her to notice any mistake he might make when around others.

He stood next to them with his siblings, waiting as Rhaenyra and her family finished preparing the things they had decided to bring onto their dragons whilst the rest was already on its way to Dragonstone on a boat. As he stood in the Dragonpit he felt something warm find its way to his heart, and he couldn’t help but smile as he could feel how close Sunfyre was now, and that was enough to make him a little less miserable than he had been before.

As a young child he’d always been weary of dragons, often seeing his sister and her husband on theirs as they flew over King’s Landing, and even getting to see Jace and Luke’s dragons hatch in their cradles. He’d always known that he was supposed to have one for himself, as his mother often reminded him that he needed one if he wanted to defend their family, and yet she also spoke of how horrible and monstrous the beasts were. So Aegon had never really known wether he actually wanted a dragon, but then he’d met Sunfyre and everything had changed.

He would never be able to put it into words, but the immediate sense of kinship he’d felt toward his golden boy had been unlike anything he’d ever experienced before, and in that moment as he saw him for the first time, he’d known that they had been meant to be.

“Uncle”, a voice called out for him, and suddenly Aegon was being tackled by Lucerys as the boy hugged his legs, “I’m going to miss you”

“I’ll miss you too”, Aegon whispered as he ruffled Luke’s curls, daring so far infront of his mother only because the King was present, and because he did not know how long it would be until he would get this kind of sincere affection again.

Jacaerys was much more quiet as he approached the siblings, smiling at Helaena who in turn mumbled something about a river catching fire before smiling back at her nephew as if she’d said nothing at all.

“Goodbye uncle”, Jace said with an almost solemn look on his face, clearly wanting to hug Aegon and yet now knowing if he could do so, as he’d tried to visit him before on this very day but he’d been turned away, but also weary of the Queen staring at him.

“Goodbye nephew”, Aegon said as he tried to playfully mock Jacaerys’ formal tone, but the joke fell flat as it was more than obvious to anyone who could hear him that he was holding back tears.

Jacaerys stood before him, clearly waiting for Aegon to do something, and before the elder could think about it twice and change his mind, he threw himself on his nephew and held him tight, as if trying to anchor them both on the spot so Jacaerys couldn’t leave.

“Please write to me”, Aegon mumbled against his nephew’s hair, the desperation in his voice evident as he begged his one friend to not forget about him.

“I will”, Jacaerys promised.

The two remained locked in an embrace for some time, as Aegon knew that the second he let go of Jace, he would be taken away from him. He opened his eyes for a moment, and noted that Rhaenyra was staring at him, a sad look in her eyes as although she felt that the decision she’d made was the right one, it still pained her to take her son away from his greatest friend.

After the Queen coughed quite loudly, a not so subtle hint that perhaps the hug was lasting too long for her comfort, Aegon finally let go, trying to regain some composure as he was not about to cry in front of all these people.

“I want you to have this”, Luke whispered as he handed Aemond something, “His name is Iēdar, and he’s my friend. I hope he can keep you company as he has for me”

Aemond did not look too convinced, fist clenched around whatever it was that Lucerys had given him. In some ways Aemond looked conflicted, between anger and happiness, between hating the boy in front of him for all the times he’d joined the others in poking fun at him, and wanting to accept what he saw as a peace offering.

“Will you take care of him while I’m away?”, Lucerys questioned in a small voice, his childish attachment to the inanimate object shining through as one would think he’d just given Aemond a pet.

Aemond did not say anything for some time, before finally nodding and freezing up when Lucerys smiled and threw his arms around him while thanking him, and promising that Iēdar would help Aemond find his best friend as he’d done for Luke.

“Goodbye father”, Rhaenyra said as she kissed his cheek, “Goodbye Your Grace”

Watching his mother and sister interact had always fascinated Aegon, as it was incredibly obvious that whatever those two had once felt for one another still lingered in the air whenever they were around each other, like a corpse that had been rotting away for years and yet refused to leave. Aegon didn’t know exactly what had happened between them, and yet he knew that for it to still weigh so heavy on them both so many years later, it must’ve meant a lot.

Rhaenyra stood in front of Alicent for some time, waiting for the other woman to respond, but when she didn’t Rhaenyra just sighed, looking around before her gaze fell on Aegon as Laenor bid the King and Queen goodbye as well. Aegon locked eyes with her, and couldn’t look away as she neared him.

“I wanted to thank you”, she said lowly as she turned her face away from where the Queen stood watching them, “You’ve been a great friend to my boys for all these years, and I want you to know that that means a lot to me, as I know it does to them”

Aegon remained silent, eyes stuck on Rhaenrya’s as he realised that this was the first time he could remember his sister ever truly speaking to him. She’d been there at times, when he played with his nephews, but apart from some hellos and goodbyes they’d never once spoken.

“They mean a lot to me too”, he whispered.

Rhaenyra just nodded with a sad smile, bidding everyone goodbye one last time before turning away from them all and getting on her dragon as Jacaerys waited for her. As Syrax began to ready herself to take to the skies Jace turned around, his eyes falling on Aegon and giving him a small wave.

And Aegon could do naught but hold in tears as he watched his only friends leave, as they moved on to a place that would certainly be a better home to them than the Keep ever could have been.

Leaving Aegon behind, all alone in his prison with noone coming to save him.

Chapter Text

For his whole life Aegon thought he knew what loneliness was, but he had been sorely mistaken.

Without Jace and Luke everyting felt empty, as he knew that no matter what he did, he’d have to do it alone. He was a Prince, so each second of his life was planned out for him, something he’d always despised, but at least he’d been able to count on the boys, as their presence had always been enough to soothe his heart. But now they were gone, and Aegon was alone.

Well, not completely alone.

“Dracarys Sunfyre”, he screamed, smiling brightly as his golden boy spat out his flames, engulfing them both in fire as Aegon once again found himself thanking the Gods for allowing the two to find one another.

He’d always been incredibly attached to Sunfyre, but he knew that now that his nephews were gone and his beautiful boy was all that was left, he would spend most of his time on dragonback, even just to avoid his mother. Rhaenyra had been gone for but a couple days, and Alicent had already found her way to Aegon’s chambers time and time again, berating him for his unseemly behavior as he’d hugged not one, but two bastards in front of the whole court, and demanding to know what Rhaenyra had told him.

Aegon had not revealed his sister’s words to his mother, because in some way that one moment he’d shared with Rhaenyra had felt much too special for Alicent to immediately discredit its validity and start spewing her hateful words about how Rhaenyra had only been playing mind games with him. Aegon knew that that was a possibility, and yet he didn’t care. He’d spent his whole life desperate to have someone, anyone, tell him that he mattered, and even though he knew that Rhaenyra might have been lying to him, he needed to believe that she spoke true.

He needed to believe that someone thought he was worth something.

He spent most of the morning on Sunfyre, just flying around and trying his hardest to pretend like this was all there was to his life, and that he wouldn’t find himself back in his prison cell the second he landed in the Dragonpit. His mother had told him that she needed him to be presentable by the end of the morning, as they would have nuncheon together, something that never happened and her insistance on the matter terrified him.

He did not want to go, and yet he knew that he did not have a choice in the matter. The last time his mother had called for him and he’d tried to resist her, Ser Criston had shown up and basically dragged him to his her chambers, so Aegon knew that wether he wanted to go or not did not matter. He didn’t know why his mother wanted to see him, and yet he feared.

He did not remember a single time where a meeting between the two of them had gone his way, and for some reason he doubted that this time would be any different.

After landing in the Dragonpit he gave orders for Sunfyre to be fed the biggest sheep the dragonkeepers could find, as he felt that his boy deserved it more than any other ever could. Once that was done he bid his dragon goodbye, and solemnly entered the Keep as the air suddenly became heavy, as it always did whenever Aegon found his way back to reality.

“That’s just horrible”, he heard someone whisper, “I’m telling you, that place is cursed”

“Ghosts aren’t actually real Jenye”, a maid sighed as she tried to get the other one to stop talking and start working.

“Then how do you explain something like this?”, Jeyne questioned, “First the Harrens and now the Strongs, all who live in that castle die the same death. That can not be a coincid-”

“What?”, Aegon interrupted her as he approached the two, “What are you talking about?”

The two maids immediately stopped talking, straigthening themselves up and just staring at him for a moment, shock evident in their faces as they had most certainly not expected to be approached by a Prince. The younger girl fell into what Aegon assumed was supposed to be an attempt at a curtsy, before opening her mouth and closing it shut once more.

“The Lord Hand has passed my Prince”, the older woman said, “News reached King’s Landing this morn, that Harrenhal had been set alight and the Lord Hand and his eldest son had lost their lives”

Shit.

Aegon walked away from them without sparing either a second glance, thinking about nothing but his nephews, and how heartbroken they would be once they received the news, if they hadn’t already. Lucerys was still only six namedays old, and Aegon didn’t know how much of anything his little nephew truly understood, but Jacaerys would know everything, and Aegon’s heart hurt at the knowledge that he would not be there for him.

Jacaerys had just only figured out that Ser Harwin was his true father, and within the span of a few days he’d had to mourn the life they could’ve had if they had been allowed to be together as a true family, and he would now have to mourn the life Ser Harwin would never get to have.

Aegon as well felt like he was suffering a loss, as the knight had always been incredibly kind to him, no matter how horrible his family had always been towards the knight. Many times Aegon had heard his mother and her shield make unsavoury comments about him, and yet Ser Harwin had never once allowed the hatred Aegon was certain he felt towards them to affect how he behaved with him.

Even on that last day, after Aegon had beat his firstborn son and had screamed at him, unlike the King Ser Harwin had not been angry with him, but had instead turned to Criston, as he had been perhaps the only one there to understand how much power Ser Cole had over him. Ser Harwin had not turned against him then, and had been kind as the two saw each other that one last time.

And Aegon hadn’t even said goodbye.

“I need this”, he mumbled hurriedly as he grabbed the piece of paper his brother was scribbling on.

“That’s mine”, Aemond complained, “Aegon give it back, whatever could you need parchment paper for anyways?”

“Ser Harwin is dead”, Aegon stated, “As is Lord Lyonel”

“So?”, Aemond questioned.

Aegon ignored his brother, quickly exiting his chambers and heading for his own, one single thought in his mind as he tried to figure out how to best word the letter. He couldn’t just write that he was sorry, because that wouldn’t be enough, but in truth he didn’t know if anything ever would be.

Harwin might not have been able to be a true father to his boys, but he’d been there for them for their whole lives, always watching over them and showing his affection in every way he possibly could. Even before Jacaerys had figured out the truth of his parentage he’d always been incredibly attached to his mother’s shield, often quoting him as an example of what a true knight should be like, and even telling Aegon that he wanted to be like him when he was older. Luke even used Ser Harwin in his stories whenever he needed a brave knight to come in and save the day, and Aegon still remembers how lovestruck Harwin looked whenever Lucerys would share these stories with him.

And now he was gone.

“Mother will be angry”, Aemond whispered as he hovered behind Aegon, who in turn tried to start writing the latter, “She was already upset yesterday after you hugged Jacaerys, and because you showed up with that black doublet, you won’t help your case with her by doing this”

“Mother is always angry”, Aegon said quickly, “I have to do this, and either way, even if I didn’t she’d still find a way to be angry with me, so might as well. It’s worth the risk”

Aemond fell quiet behind him, letting out a deep breath of frustration, something Aegon was very familiar with. His little brother was always like this whenever Aegon complained about their mother, but that’s because the Alicent he knew was far different than the one who would hold Aemond close to her chest when he got hurt or was upset, the one who would tell him that all was alright and that he was loved.

Aegon had never had that, because his mother had never allowed him to know that side of her, one she seemed to reserve for her second son, who she evidently preferred for whatever reason. Perhaps it was because he’d been born when she was a little older, or maybe it was because Aemond had not been the reason her life had been stripped away from her.

He knew very well why his mother had been married to her father, as the King needed a son. He did not remember how things were when he was first born, but considering how his mother’s relationship to his father was now, he doubted that there had ever been any true love between them. Alicent had been married to the King for Aegon, her life had been sacrified for him, and she would never let him forget it.

By the time Aemond had been born Alicent had already buried that first version of herself, the one that still clung to the life she had before she was the King's wife, as Aegon had vague memories of his brother’s birth, and of how his mother had donned one of her green gowns to boast around court of having produced another true Targaryen Prince, while she seemed very certain that the babe the Princess was carrying would be anything but, spreading such rumors before Jace was even born.

Aegon had been her death, and Aemond had been her rebirth. The two brothers had the same mother, and yet the Alicents they knew could not be more different from one another. But Aemond did not understand that.

“Perhaps if you actually tried to do your duty she would not be so angry”, he said.

“It wouldn’t change anything”, the elder sighed, annoyed by his brother’s insistance as he needed to focus on the letter, and did not have the time for another one of their conversations, especially since he knew how it would end.

“She just wants you to do good”, Aemond tried again, “If you just tried then she would see that you care and mayb-”

“Mother doesn’t care about me”, Aegon almost screamed, frustrated by his brother’s refusal to understand the truth, and angry because he knew that he no matter what he said, Aemond would never understand, “She hates me now as she always has. She doesn’t care if I do good, because it will never be good enough for her. She hates me for things I can not control and can not change, so why the fuck would I even bother trying when I know she will hate me no matter what?”

Aemond did not say a word, just staring at him with wide eyes as Aegon stared back, breathless after his outburst as he immediately regretted every single word he’d just said. He’d never allowed himself to be honest with his brother, as he knew that it would not matter, because Aemond was far too devoted to their mother to ever question that she was anything but the Mother Herself come to life. Alicent had always done a good job at painting herself under a certain light when around court and most of her children, so none but Aegon knew what she was capable of, so none would believe him.

Nobody would believe him if he told them of how she had been screaming at him since before he could remember, or of the marks she’d left on his face that she would always excuse with others as some training grounds accident, or of the fear she’d forced him to live with.

Fear of Rhaenyra and what would happen the second his father died, of his uncle Daemon and how he would kill them all just to satisfy his niece and get closer to her and to the throne. Fear of a war that was bound to happen because Aegon had been born, one that he had caused and that he would have to fight in, killing his beloved nephews if he wanted himself and his siblings to make it out alive.

Fear of her.

“I don’t think mother hates you”, Aemond whispered, “Why would she?”

“Everybody hates me”, Aegon sighed, reading through his letter once more and deciding that it was the best it was going to get and heading to the Maester’s chambers to try and steal a raven so Mellos could not report back to his mother.

He left Aemond behind, still stuck in place as he stood in the middle of his room.

“I don’t hate you”

Chapter Text

“Prince Aegon Targaryen”, Ser Cole announced him as he entered the Queen's chambers.

“Good morrow mother”, he mumbled as he neared her, playing with his rings to soothe himself as even though he had managed to tie the letter to a raven without Mellos seeing him, he was still scared that she somehow knew.

If Alicent found out that he was sending Jacaerys a letter she would be very angry, and if she actually read the letter and discovered that he had sent his condolances for the loss of Ser Harwin she would be absolutely livid.

And if she found out that he’d told Jacaerys to give his condolances to Rhaenyra as well she would kill him on the spot.

He knew it had been a risky move, and yet he hadn’t been able to help himself. His mother always spoke of the relationship between his sister and her shield as one that had been born out of naught but lust, a grevious sin that had lead to them both forgetting all about decency and honor as they fell captives to their wants and laid with one another. But Aegon had never agreed with her.

He’d seen Harwin and Rhaenyra together pretty much every day for his whole life, since as her sworn shield the knight would always be by her side when the Princess walked around the court. To their credit they had never shown much affection to each other publicly, and yet the love between them had always been undeniable. It was all in the soft glances they threw one another, and the little smiles they shared when they thought noone was looking.

Wether their relationship had been born out of lust or not, the two had cared for each other deeply, so to Aegon it would not have felt right to simply ignore that his sister was grieving as well when drafting his letter.

“You’re late”, his mother chided him as she stood up to sit at the table, though her tone was not as sharp as the one he was used to hear when she was angry with him.

Alicent looked disheveled, for her standards at least. Her hair that she usually wore in tight updos now flowed down her back, her dress had not been cinched as tight as it usually was, and her fingernails looked worse than Aegon had ever seen them.

“Are you alright mother?”, he questioned honestly.

She stopped on her tracks, turning to him with wide eyes as she continued to pick at her nails, before quickly hiding them behind her back like a child caught stealing some lemon cakes. Aegon had never seen his mother like this before, a Queen who was always so composed and sure of herself, one who could strike fear in his heart with a single glance, who could now barely look in his eyes.

“All is well”, she said finally, though the tone she used and the way she immediately assessed his reaction let him know that she had just told a lie, and not only had she not done it very well, but she knew it too.

Alicent sat down at the table, hands immediately wringing together as she picked at her nailbeds, something she always did whenever she was nervous or upset, but that she usually hid from all as she saw it as a sign of weakness. But it seemed that on this day she was not able to help herself, and Aegon almost flinched as she saw how she mercilessly pulled at the skin around her nails, not even blinking as blood started pouring out.

“Sit Aegon”, she ordered as she saw him frozen on the spot, “We have much to discuss”

Aegon sat down infront of his mother, his back as straight as it could be as the unease that had first taken hold of his heart when she’d told him of this meeting had yet to leave him. Alicent had never wanted to spend time with him unless she had to, to show all around court what a great mother she was as she always made sure to stick by his side during any feast his father planned at the Keep, introducing him to everyone as the King’s firstborn son, being less than subtle about her true intentions. Aegon had always hated all those feasts, disliking the attention and being forced to smile for the brainless Lords and Ladies that would show up just to say that they had met the King, and yet in some way he adored them, as he knew that those were the only occasions where his mother would show him some affection, even if he knew that it was only a facade.

He knew that his mother had nuncheon with Aemond quite often, and Helaena as well sometimes, but never with him. He usually ate on his own in his chambers, or at times with Jace and Luke if he was brave enough to dare so far. He’d always envied his brother for being able to share these moments with their mother, and yet now that he found himself here, he couldn’t wait to leave.

Alicent had never liked him, so he knew that this was not something she’d planned to simply chat with him because she enjoyed his company, and he was terrified of whatever she had to tell him.

“As you know Lord Lyonel Strong has passed”, she began to say with a shaky voice, eyes wide and haunted by something dark that Aegon couldn’t recognise, “Which means that our King is in need of a Lord Hand”

“I suppose”, he mumbled, playing with his food as he could not bear to eat while she stared at him.

“I’ve already spoken to the King”, she continued, “And I’m happy to say that your grandsire will be coming back to the Keep to take back what was once unfairly taken from him”

Oh.

Aegon did not have many memories of his grandsire, as the man had been sent away to Oldtown when Aegon was still barely a babe, and yet he could not say he was thrilled at the idea of him coming back to King’s Landing, and by the look in her eyes he could tell that his mother wasn’t either.

He didn’t know exactly why Otto had been sent away, as the stories he’d heard on the matter were most confusing, even though they all came from the same person. His mother insisted that it had all happened because the King had not been able to bear the fact that his precious daughter had turned into a shameless whore, and that her poor father had paid for it as the truth had no place at court. But she also said that Otto had dared too far, and that he should’ve known better than to try and pit Viserys against Rhaenyra so boldly as all knew he would defend her no matter what she did.

Either way, Aegon had not seen his grandsire since he was a boy, and had barely had any contact with him since then. He knew that his mother was constantly sending letters to Oldtown, and that she had pretty much demanded that Daeron be sent to their grandsire so he could learn what it meant to be a Hightower. At the time Aegon had not understood why Daeron had been chosen and not Aemond, who was most certainly the one who showed the most interest in books and who could therefore thrive so close to the Citadel, but Aemond was mother’s favorite, the one child she actually liked, so she would never have sent him away.

Not like he was certain she would’ve done with him if she could have.

If Aegon had not been born as the King’s first son Alicent would’ve sent him away at the first opportunity, as far from her as humanly possible as he was under no delusion that she had ever truly cared for him in any way that truly mattered. To her he was but a way to gain more power, and perhaps to ensure that her sacrifices meant something, not a son who desperately needed a love she was not willing to give him.

He’d thought her incapable of it when he was younger, but then Aemond had been born, and Aegon had had the confirmation that she wasn’t the problem, he was.

She wasn’t incapable of love, he was simply unlovable.

“Your grandsire is our greatest ally Aegon”, she said, “He’s been fighting for your right to the throne since before you were born, and it almost cost him everything. He has big plans for you, and I trust that I’ve raised you to understand that you must abide by him, as it is all for your own good”

If Aegon hadn’t understood the tragic nature of the situation before him he would’ve laughed, as Alicent was probably the last person who could say that abiding Otto Hightower’s orders could do anyone any good. She had done her duty as her father’s daughter, and look what that had gotten her.

“I also spoke to the King about another matter”, she continued.

The tone of her voice left Aegon somewhat confused, as he could tell that his mother was not necessarily happiest about whatever she was about to say, but there was a certainty in the way she spoke that let him know her words would not be challenged. There was a deep sadness in her eyes as well, but then her gaze focused on him and all that was gone, quickly replaced by the look of anger she always had whenever she dealt with him.

“You must marry Aegon”, she said, “You must marry in order to produce heirs and strengthen your claim to the throne, because that is your duty”

“I know mother”, he mumbled.

He’d never thought about marriage much, as he’d always known that the choice of bride would be made for him, and that none would care to hear his opinion on the matter. His mother would make a match that would ensure that a Great House would stand by Aegon when the time came, and he knew that out of all people she did not have it in her heart to find someone Aegon could be happy with, because that had never been a concern for her.

He was however certain that Aemond would get to choose a bride for himself, as he was mother’s fa-

“Wait, what?”, he questioned alarmed as he finally registered what Alicent had said as he was lost in his own mind.

“You must marry Helaena Aegon”, she repeated.

“Why?”, Aegon asked loudly, “Why would you ever think that a good idea?”

“Do not question me Aegon”, she hissed angrily, “Your grandsire and I have spoken about this at great lenght, and to see you two wed in the tradition of your ancestors would remind all that you are true Targaryens, and your children would let all know what true Targaryen Princes should look like”

Aegon was breathless, staring at his mother as she continued to ramble on and on about how this was the right thing to do. He knew that marrying siblings was not an odd practice in his family, and though he’d never taken much issue with it, he just could not comprehend his mother being the one to propose such a thing.

Alicent had always spoken about how disgusting this particular custom of house Targaryen was, and how it was naught but proof of their cursed blood and the Valyrians' tendency to sully their souls by practicing blood magic. She’d often spoken about how Rhaenyra apparently had a crush on their uncle Daemon when she was a child, using it to prove that his sister had always been perverted and had never once cared for basic decency. How could she just set the morals she held onto for dear life aside by marrying her children to one another?

Aegon had always known that he would marry for duty and that he probably would not have found happiness in his marriage, but he’d never expected this. His mother had always drilled it into his mind, that marriage was supposed to be about gathering allies by forming a union between two Great Houses to gain something from it, but Aegon just couldn’t understand what anyone could gain from this. He could not fathom that his grandsire would give up on marrying either he or Helaena to someone who could grant them gold or an army, and he knew that his father did not care enough about them to arrange this, so why was this happening?

“Mother please”, he begged her, “Please don’t do this”

“It is done Aegon”, she chided him, “The King has agreed to consider the match, and the betrothal will be announced soon enough, so you and Helaena might marry by the end of the year”

“But why?”, he questioned as he held back the tears that had begun to well up in his eyes.

“Your father is dying Aegon”, she stated firmly, “Our King has been ill for a long time now, and we don’t know how long we have left with him here. By the time he dies you must have heirs, to strengthen your claim to the throne and show all what their future will look like”

Aegon couldn’t breathe, just shaking his head lightly as he tried to figure out what he could do or say to get her to change his mind.

“Helaena is still young”, he tried to argue.

“Your sister is almost thirteen namedays old, that is old enough”, she answered, though it was more than obvious that she didn’t believe her own words, “She has already flowered, therefore she is ready to bear your children”

The mention of children made Aegon’s heart stop for a second, as he thought of another Targaryen woman in recent history who had been wedded and bedded when she was much too young, and though he’d never had much of a relationship with his sister, he could only pray that she would not meet the same fate as the late Queen Aemma.

Could only pray that he would not be made to kill his sister as his mother and grandsire forced him in her bed when she was still just a child, all to get a crown in return.

“We won’t be happy mother”, he pladed, “Please don’t do this, if not for me then for Helaena”

Alicent’s face fell at that, the sadness in her eyes showing back up as her mouth clammed shut and she once again began to rip at her nails. Aegon knew that his mother had never cared for his own happiness and well being, and yet he’d never thought she would do something like this to Helaena as well. He saw how his mother looked at his sister, with a sadness that could only belong to someone who saw their long lost innocence reflected back in her daughter, and he just could not fathom how in the end she could condemn her to suffer the same fate she had.

Married off to someone who did not love her and forced to have his children, all for Otto’s gain.

“Marriage has nothing to do with happiness”, Alicent whispered as her eyes became lost, voicing something she’d evidently had to remind herself many times over throughout the years, “Helaena was born to be a wife and mother, and she will be as dutiful to you as I have been to your father”

As Aegon continued to stare at his mother, silently begging her to change her mind and finally come to her senses, for her to realise that she did not have to do this, that she was the Queen and that she did not have to abide by her father’s wishes if she did not want to.

For her to realise that her daughter’s life was worth much more than Otto’s approval.

And yet Alicent remained silent, and Aegon finally let the tears fall.

Chapter Text

“Ugh”, Aegon grunted as he found himself crashing against the hard floor.

“You must pay more attention my Prince”, Ser Criston chided him, “Your mind is elsewhere, and that is not something that can happen when one is in the middle of a fight”

Aegon sighed, resisting the urge to roll his eyes as he lacked both the will and the energy to deal with Criston. The news his mother had shared with him some days before still haunted his every waking moment, as his mind failed to process the reality she’d presented to him, one so crude and horrifying that he still struggled to comprehend that it would be happening.

He would marry his sister within the year, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Marrying Helaena did not feel right in any way, not only because he didn’t love her as one should a wife, but because he knew she didn’t want him either. Aegon knew it was difficult for anyone to love him, as his mother often reminded him, and yet he’d always hoped to find someone who could at least stand his presence and perhaps even understand him, something he doubted Helaena could do as she seemed incapable of understanding herself most of the time.

Helaena had always been an odd little girl, and ever since Aegon could remember she’d been somewhat lost in her own world, one that none but her could access as the words she’d sometimes spew made it incredibly difficult for anyone to understand her. He knew his mother thought her slow of mind, and that not being able to grasp the meaning of her daughter’s words frustrated her greatly, and yet he’d always thought that she cared about ensuring that Helaena would be happy.

Alicent herself knew what it meant to be married off to someone she didn’t love when she was much too young, forced to bear his children and to remain locked in this godsforsaken castle against her will, and though Aegon had always known that he would share his mother’s fate, he’d thought she would at least try to create a different future for her daughter.

But instead Helaena would follow in their mother’s footsteps, and it would all be Aegon’s fault.

He was the reason why Alicent had married Viserys and lost her life in every way that mattered, and he would be the reason why Helaena lost hers. He would be the one to force himself into her bed to appease his mother, and he would be the one to hurt her more than any other ever could. It mattered not that he didn’t want to do it, because he would.

He would do it all for her, and she would hate him for it.

She would hate to see her daughter turn into a younger version of herself, and it would be his fault. Because no matter what happened or why, everything was always his fault, and he was certain that his grandsire coming back to the Keep would not make anything better for anyone.

“If you’re not willing to actually train today then you may take your leave”, Criston announced angrily, evidently disappointed in Aegon, something which usually would’ve stung as he was always desperate to gain others’ favor, but on this day he just couldn’t find it in him to care.

“Stand up”, Aemond said as he grabbed onto Aegon’s arm and began to drag him away from the training grounds, much to his dismay as he feared his brother would bring him to his mother’s chambers, something that often happened whenever he didn’t actively participate in their sessions.

Instead he found himself in a dark hallway, not truly knowing how they’d gotten here as he was still too preoccupied by his own thoughts to realise that in all his life he’d never once seen this place, and that Aemond had been calling out his name for some time now.

“Aegon”, Aemond insisted once more, “Brother, I asked you if you’re alright”

“Sure I am”, Aegon answered dismissively, knowing very well that even if he spoke to his brother nothing would change, and that Aemond would only report back to his mother, which would not end well for him.

“Aegon please”, Aemond tried again, “I just want to help”

“You can’t help me”, the elder sighed defeated, “Nobody can, so just let me be”

He began to walk away from his brother, head hurting as he was desperate to reach his bed and just sleep, not because he was tired, but because he could not bear to be awake any longer. He could not stomach having to think for one more second, wanting nothing more than to just fall asleep and become lost to this world for some time.

“If you talked to me just once, then maybe I could help”, Aemond called out for him, anger and hurt obvious in his voice as his fists clenched, “I know that I’m not your precious bastard, but I am your brother Aegon”

“Don’t call him that”, Aegon hissed.

He’d always hated when people used that cursed word, reducing his nephews to naught but the sin their parents had commited, when to him they were so much more than that. Bastards or not Jacaerys and Lucerys had been Aegon’s only source of comfort for his whole life apart from Sunfyre, and not having them here when he needed them most stung more than he ever thought possible.

He knew that his nephews wouldn’t have been able to save him from what his mother had in store for him, and yet he also knew that their mere presence would’ve been enough to soothe his heart even just a little bit, but they were gone.

“And why shouldn’t I?”, Aemond asked as he let out a humorless chuckle, “That is all he is, wether you like it or not. A worthless bastard who you love so much, one who will kill you without doubt in his heart to get his whore of a mother a cro-”

Aegon didn’t even realise he was moving, stalking toward his brother and tackling him to the ground as he lost control of his body, giving into all the anger he’d been able to contain until now, as it had remained hidden under the sadness that had taken hold of his heart when he was much too young.

Anger at his grandsire for marrying his daughter to the King and cursing them all. Anger at his mother for never letting him be anything but a physical representation of her pain, one she used as her emotional punching bag whenever she needed to let out some steam. Anger at his sister for never once caring for him, and not allowing him to know the love she showed her children. Anger at having to marry Helaena.

Anger at the Gods for ever letting him be born.

“Shut up”, he grunted as he grabbed onto Aemond’s shoulders and pinned him to the ground, “You know nothing of him, as you know nothing of me. You think you’re so smart Aemond, that you know all there is to know about everything, that you are so much better than me. You think you should’ve been born first, and trust me brother, I wish that was the case. I wish you could understand what it means to be the firstborn, so you might know what misery truly is. You think not having a dragon is the greatest curse, and I envy you for that. I love Sunfyre, but trust me when I say I would give it all up, him as well as my title and everything that comes with it, just to know the peace of having been born as the spare”

Aemond tried to struggle, to get Aegon to let go of the grasp he had on him, but the elder showed much more strength than he’d thought him capable of, chaining him to the ground as tears welled up in his eyes and he just got angrier and angrier.

“Do you want it Aemond?”, Aegon whispered as he let out a manic laugh, “Are you sure brother? Do you want to be mother’s eldest son? Do you want to know what it means to know the one person who is supposed to love you no matter what, hates you with every ounce of her being? Do you want to know how it feels to be stricken by your own flesh and blood just for having been born? Do you want to know what it means to know that everyone’s lives depend on you? Do you want to know what it means to know that you will have to fuck your own sister because mother wants a fucking throne as recompense for her suffering?”

“What?”, Aemond questioned confused.

“Oh yes”, the elder chuckled, “I am to marry Helaena, our dearest sister who can not bear anyone’s touch, and yet she will have to suffer mine because mother said so. But I bet you would like that, wouldn’t you? I see how you look at her, with such longing, but she will be mine. I will get the honor of ruining our sister’s life, chaining her to myself and this fucking place and cursing her for all eternity by forcing myself on her”

Aemond remained silent, wanting to deny his brother’s words about him liking Helaena, and yet knowing that he couldn’t. He’d always longed for her, thinking her a true Valyrian beauty and wishing for nothing more than to be one of the knights from her stories and be by her side as her husband, but now all that was gone.

“I’m certain mother has her reasons”, he tried to argue in her defense, though in truth he couldn’t think of any good ones himself.

“Reasons to force me to rape my own sister”, Aegon mused as he let out a wet chuckle.

“Don’t say that”, Aemond mumbled.

“What? Are you jealous?”, his brother taunted him meanly, “Are jealous that you won’t be the one to bed our unwilling sister and rob her of her innocence?”

Aemond could no longer bear listening to him, horrible flashes of what Aegon was describing showing up in his mind to torment him, of his poor sister being placed in that situation against her will. He knew that this was how things were for many women in the Realm, and yet he’d always hoped that by marrying Helaena he could save her from such a tragic fate. But now all that was gone, and Aegon wouldn’t stop taunting him.

“I would be a good husband to her”, he argued, “Not everyone is as much of a brute as you are, and unlike you I wouldn’t have to force myself on her, because Helaena actually likes me. If you weren’t so obsessed with those bastards and actually cared for your real family, then maybe she would like you too, and mother wouldn’t hate you so much. But it’s noone’s fault that you’re fucking unlovable, and that those bastards were the only ones willing to humor you because they had nobody else, that’s why they haven’t replied to your stupid letter, because you never meant anything to them and they’ve already forgotten about you”

Aemond had not meant to say those words, because he didn’t believe them, but he needed his brother to stop making all those crude comments about Helaena. He couldn’t bear hearing those things about his beloved sister, as the images Aegon was painting were horrible, and to get him to stop he’d just said the one thing he knew would get to him. He’d never once believed Aegon was unlovable, and had actually spent most of his life trying to get his older brother to like him, no matter how much the latter resisted him.

He didn’t even actually care about his nephews being bastards, although he knew that mother was right in saying that it was a grave insult for them to hold the title of Princes of the Realm. The reason he disliked them so much is because both Aegon and the King had always preferred them to him, and because they as well had never allowed him to be their friend.

It was one of the main reasons why he wanted to claim a dragon more than anything else, because he believed that perhaps if he too had one, that could bring him closer to them, as they could fly together, but also to his father, who had always ignored him but who would perhaps change his mind if he finally claimed a dragon. He’d only ever wanted his brother and his nephews as well to make him feel like one of their own, and his words had only been meant to get Aegon to stop talking, but as he saw life leave his brother’s eyes, he knew he’d gone too far.

“I didn’t mean that”, he mumbled as his brother got off him.

“Don’t worry”, the elder said stoically as he began to walk away, “You’re right brother, and I can not fault you for telling the truth. I’m just sorry you all got stuck with me”

Aegon could hear Aemond calling to him, asking him to wait and apologising for his words, but he didn’t care. His little brother had only spoken what all knew to be true, and Aegon could not blame him for that. He had always known this, as his mother had ensured to remind him of this fact at any given chance, and yet for some reason hearing the words from Aemond had stung in a different way.

His mother had always hated him, and with time Aegon had realised that there had never been anything he could do to change that. But with Aemond it was different, because it was his own fault. He’d let his envy for his brother take hold of his heart, never being able to stand by him and watch as Aemond acted like the perfect son, always studying and training because he knew that even if he did that, it wouldn’t change anything.

He could be the perfect Prince and the perfect son, and that wouldn’t change anything. His mother would never love him and his father would never care for him, no matter how hard he tried.

He knew that he had been unkind to Aemond through their lives, as he had used his brother’s lack of a dragon as a way to make him feel less than, so that he could understand how Aegon felt, and though a part of him had always known he was being unfair, he’d never stopped. Aegon had done this all to himself, and now that Aemond had finally told him how he truly felt, he knew there was no going back. His brother hated him, and thought him unlovable just like his mother did, and Aegon was alone.

He’d intended on at least trying to make things right with his brother after that one conversation with his nephews, as he’d realised that his jokes had caused Aemond to think that getting a dragon was worth losing his life, but then he’d spoken with his mother. It had been almost a whole sennight since Alicent had told him that he and Helaena would marry, and Aegon still felt like he couldn’t breathe.

He just wanted to get to his chambers and disappear, but as it always was, the Gods were not on his side on this day, and as Aegon crashed against someone and looked into the man’s eyes, he knew that though he’d thought things could not get worse for him, he’d been wrong.

“Hello Aegon”

Chapter Text

Living with his grandsire was somehow even worse than Aegon had expected.

He did not remember much of how things were before the man had left, and though it might’ve been naive of him, he’d thought that considering how things had gone last time, Otto would’ve been less keen to immediately pick back up where he’d left off with his nefarious plans.

But alas.

“Is this what you do all day?”, Otto grunted as his hand collided with Aegon’s cheek, “Just lay in bed without a care for your duties?”

“I’ve already attended my lessons”, Aegon tried to defend himself as he cradled the injured side of his face, “I just wanted to res-”

“While you rest that whore is planning your death”, Otto hissed, “You are to be the King Aegon, and what exactly have you done so far to ensure your ascension? Do you have allies at court? Do you have people you know will fall on their swords for you? Have you given anyone reason to believe you should be trusted with their lives?”

Aegon remained silent, eyes falling on his mother as he noted the way she was shredding her already bleeding nailbeds, gaze stuck on the ground as she flinched at the noise of Otto’s hand hitting Aegon once more. Alicent had never once shied away from harming Aegon whenever she pleased, and yet it seemed that seeing someone else do it was having some effect on her.

“The people will stand by us father”, he heard her say, “Aegon is the King’s true Heir, and all know he will ascend when the time comes. Rhaenyra can do what she wants, but all will stand by us as Aegon takes his rightful place on the throne. We have all the allies we need because the people know-”

“Oh”, Otto said mockingly as he turned to his daughter, “Why Alicent, I didn’t know you had the wealthiest house in all of Westeros by your side as Rhaenyra does the Velaryons, or the entirety of the Vale, or the North, or nine fucking dragons to back you. Her bastards’ beasts may be small still, but they will grow, and how exactly do you plan to fight against them all when you only have two?”

For a second Aegon didn’t know what his grandsire was talking about, as he could only think of his Sunfyre, but then Daeron’s little face popped in his mind, and he remembered that his littlest brother also had a dragon. None of his siblings’ eggs had hatched in their cradles, something that annoyed his mother to no end as she often questioned how it could be possible that her true Targaryen children would not have dragons of their own unlike the Princess’ bastards, whose eggs had all hatched within a sennight after their births.

Aegon had not seen Daeron in almost two years now, as his little brother had been sent off to Oldtown as a cupbearer for their mother’s uncle, Lord Ormund. It was not an unusual practice for children of Great Houses to be sent to others to either learn their ways or form alliances, but Aegon had never truly understood what the purpose had been behind sending Daeron away.

And though he missed him, Aegon was glad to know that at least one of them had gotten away.

“Rhaenyra doesn’t have nine dragons”, Alicent argued, “And we don’t yet know that the North will stand with her, or that the Velaryons will stick by her, with all she has done to disrespect their house by sullying her marriage bed with another”

“That doesn’t matter”, Otto shut her down, “The North swore to her when we all did, and the Starks never break their oaths, and since they lead everyone else, they’re lost to us. And for the Velaryons, you’re the only one who cares about those bastards, because the truth is that by law they are Velaryons since Laenor has never rebuked them. Lord Corlys has always yearned to have one of his own sit the throne, and though Jacaerys will ascend as a Targaryen all will forever know that his father by law was a Velaryon. The only ones who might take issue with the boys’ true parentage are those in line for the Driftmark throne, as I don’t believe they’ll want a Strong to take what is rightfully theirs after Laenor dies, and that is something we can use to our advantage. But Corlys is healthy and Laenor is young, so for now Rhaenyra’s brood being filled with bastards is of no help to us”

“The throne belongs to the Targaryens”, the Queen mumbled, “Not those Strong bastards”

“Those boys are just as Targaryen as your children are”, Otto reminded her, “You say they look Strong, well some might say they look like Baratheons, as their supposed grandmother Rhaenys did in her youth, or even Arryns. Jacaerys would inherit the throne from Rhaenyra, not Laenor, so just stop talking about this Alicent because it doesn’t matter. If you truly want to focus on those bastards, then care about the fact that the three of them alone have more dragons than we have in total”

“Sunfyre is bigger than their dragons”, she said, “It would be an easy win”

Aegon let out a deep breath, eyes clamping shut at the thought of having to harm not only his nephews but their beloved dragons as well. He knew how attached they all were to their bondeds, and as a rider himself he could not even imagine the pain one must experience as they lose a creature that is so close to their own heart. Sunfyre was like a part of his soul, and the idea of having to take that kind of love away from Jace and Luke was harrowing.

“And what of Daemon?”, Otto taunted his daughter, “What happens when Daemon shows up on his own dragon, and his wife and daughter follow suit to support Rhaenyra? You truly think your little dragon will be able to put up a fight against Caraxes, who already has battle experience, or alas Vhagar, the biggest dragon in recorded history?”

Aegon could see tears well up in his mother’s eyes, as she subtly began to shake her head and brought her fingers to her mouth, beginning to tug on the sensitive skin without mercy as she stared at nothing. The look of fear in her eyes was one he was deeply familiar with, as he knew he wore it each time she visited his chambers.

“Between Rhaenyra and Daemon’s families they have nine dragons”, Otto continued, “But yes daughter, I suppose that with our house and the single other one you’ve managed to secure for us in over a decade, everyone will certainly bet on us and not the Princess who has everyone else but us and the Strongs by her side. And even then who’s to say that the new Lord Strong won’t turn against us to support his nephews, to get his own blood on the throne?”

Alicent continued to shake her head, refusing to look at her father as he stalked towards her and simply hovered over her, as Aegon noted how she shrunk into herself, much like he did whenever she screamed at him.

Perhaps in some ways they were more similar than his mother would like to admit.

“When I left I told you what would happen Alicent”, he grunted, “I told you that to survive we need to gather allies, and since you evidently have not done that in all your time here, with Lords and Ladies always at your disposal as there’s always someone of note here at the Keep, I must question what exactly you’ve been doing. I’ve heard reports of your childish squabbles with the Princess, and I can only hope that you haven’t forgotten what you must do in order to save your children in favour of publicly berating that woman, who many now see as the victim. The poor Princess, who after losing her mother saw her father wed her one friend, who then turned into an evil stepmother who forced her to walk up flights and flights of stairs just to see a fucking babe. What was that Alicent?”

“I didn’t force her to do anything”, Alicent mumbled, “I just wanted to show the King the new bastard so he might finally come to his senses, but I didn’t call for Rhaenyr-”

“It doesn’t matter”, Otto interrupted her angrily, “All people saw was the Princess bleeding around her own fucking home because you wanted to see her babe, and all know how attached she is to those kids. She would never have let it go, especially after what happened to Prince Baelon, and you knew that. You just wanted to use your power against her, and that is fine Alicent, but you must learn how to do it in a way that will actually look good for us”

Aegon felt out of place, just sitting in his mother’s chambers as he watched a woman he’d always thought of as all powerful, one who had striken fear in his heart since he could first remember, become smaller and smaller as her father repremanded her. Aegon knew that it would not bode well for him, but in his heart he swore that if his grandsire tried to raise a hand against her he’d place himself between them, though he didn’t know why.

His mother had never cared about Aegon’s suffering as she hit him, and though she’d seemed disturbed she hadn’t said anything as his grandsire hit him as well, and yet he knew that he wouldn’t be able to do the same.

“Apologies Your Grace”, Ser Criston said as he slowly opened the doors, eyes immediately falling on how close the Lord Hand was to his daughter, and how afraid she’d looked for that first second before regaining her composure.

“What is it Ser Criston?”, Alicent questioned as she cleared her throat and walked to him.

“His Grace the King has asked for you”, the knight answered, and though he didn’t know what it was about, Aegon didn’t miss the way a shiver ran down his mother’s spine at those words.

As the Queen left Aegon tried to do so as well, only to be stopped by his grandsire as he subtly grabbed onto his arm and held him back. The Prince shared a look with his mother’s shield, silently begging him to stay and not leave him alone, but the knight left.

His grandsire remained silent for some time, just observing Aegon who in turn would rather have found himself alone in a room with a wild dragon. Out of nerves he reached for the cup infront of him and filled it with some wine, just wishing to keep himself occupied as his grandsire continued to stare at him in complete silence.

He’d never really drank wine before, or at least not truly apart from the small amounts he would be given by his mother either to sleep, or to keep him calm during feasts when he was younger. It had not happened in some time, and yet Aegon still remembered how nice it felt to find his mind so quiet for a little while. So without looking at his grandsire, he took a sip.

“Your mother has told me that you often challenge her”, Otto pondered, “Is that true?”

“I don’t know what you mean”, Aegon mumbled.

“She’s told me that you refuse to acknowledge what we all know to be true”, his grandsire explained with such contempt in his voice, “She’s told me that you don’t want to do the one thing that has ever been asked of you”

If Aegon wasn’t so afraid of his grandsire hitting him for his insolence, he’d laugh.

Which one thing was Otto talking about? Was it him not wanting to steal his sister’s birthright? Or was it him not wanting to slaughter the only friends he’d ever had for a throne he didn’t even want? Or was it perhaps him not wanting to marry his own sister?

“That will not happen with me”, the man warned, “You were born to be a King Aegon, and that is what shall happen, no matter the cost. Rhaenyra is a woman, and as such she can not be allowed to rule, and though all know it to be true some may waver, so you must be ready to fight for your throne”

Aegon did not utter a word, just sitting on his chair as he stuck his nails into the palm of his hands and kept his eyes low to the ground, not wanting his grandsire to see the tears that were welling up in his eyes at his words and the weight they placed on his heart.

His mother had always spoken of war, and yet hearing Otto talking about it made it sound much more official, much more imminent. He took another sip.

“You must be ready to protect us all”, Otto continued, “Because trust me Aegon, Rhaenyra knows that you are the true King, and she will stop at nothing to get rid of you and your brothers, so we must act first. We must take advantage of Rhaenyra’s absence to solidify your place at court, so all might see that as the pretender abandons her duties, the true Heir picks them up without struggle. You will marry Helaena by the end of this year, and you must produce heirs quickly enough, especially since the one who opposes us already has three, who will be dealt with as well when the time comes”

Aegon’s mind blanked, flashes of Jace and Luke’s faces running through his mind as he was tormented by memories of all the time they’d spent together, and his heart hurt as he remembered that it had been over two sennights now since he’d sent his letter, and still no answer had come. He could imagine that they were not having the easiest time on Dragonstone as they mourned Ser Harwin, especially since he’d overheard his mother saying that they had not even been allowed to attend the funeral celebrations, and yet he’d hoped that they would answer him.

Jacaerys had promised that he would write, but nothing. He took another sip.

As his brother said, his nephews had already forgotten about him, and Aegon was alone with his grandsire, as the latter plotted their deaths. His mother would speak on it as well sometimes, especially when she’d find out that he’d spent time with them, she would just show up in his chambers and remind him that they could play nice now, but that a time would come when he’d have to kill them if he wanted to survive.

He’d never actually let the words sink in, as the reality his mother spewed had been perhaps too painful for him to truly process, and yet now he could think of nothing else. He took another sip.

“You understand how important it is for you to get Helaena with child, right?”, Otto questioned, breaking Aegon out of his spell as the Prince just stared at him with wide eyes, not wanting to speak of this to anyone, much less his grandsire.

“Helaena must bear you a son soon”, he continued, “Your mother never struggled with her fertility, and neither did her mother, so I’m certain that Helaena won’t have much trouble either. Alicent has spoken to me of your hesitance to lay with her, and I hope you know how vital it is that your sister gives you an heir, as I would hate for her to find out what happens to a future Queen that can not produce sons, as you should know that the reason behind her troubles means very little. Let it be because of her body or yours, if she does not give you sons that will be grave problem with dire consequences for her. You may not want to lay with her, but you don’t want her to end up like that, do you?”

Aegon continued to stare at the ground, tears pathetically making their way down his cheeks as he realised that there was no way out. He’d hoped to delay the actual consummation of his marriage for as long as possible, to spare them both the pain, and in truth a part of him did not think that he would be capable of laying with her, but his grandsire was leaving him no choice.

If he didn’t lay with her, then he was certain that they would either find a way to force him, or that his sister would have to suffer their grandsire’s ire just like he knew he would. If he did lay with her however, then he would be ruining her life forever, and there would be no going back. He would be taking something from her that did not and should never belong to him, and he would have noone to blame for her suffering but himself.

And the possibility of her losing her life in childbirth was not lost on him either. He took another sip.

“Is everything alright father?”, he heard suddenly, and as he turned he noted that his mother had come back into her chambers, eyeing him wearily as she saw the cup in his hand and the tears on his face.

“Yes”, Otto answered with no hesitance, “All is well, what did the King want?”

“The Lady Laena Velaryon has passed”, Alicent announced, “She lost her life in Pentos, but the funeral celebrations will be held at High Tide, and the King wishes for us all to attend”

“How did she die?”, Aegon questioned as he played with his cup.

“Complications in the birthing bed I think”, she answered, “From what the King was told she managed to walk to her dragon, and some say that Prince Daemon stopped her, whilst others say that she was actually set alight by that beast”

His mother continued to ramble on, as Aegon’s mind remained stuck on that first piece of information.

The Lady Laena, dead, childbirth, Helaena.

He reached for more wine.

Chapter Text

“It’s alright”, Alicent cooed as she caressed her husband’s back while he retched, “It’s alright my King, we’re almost there”

“I hate boats”, Viserys mumbled.

Aegon couldn’t help but agree with his father, as he too was finding the journey much more difficult than he had previously expected. He’d never been on a boat before, and he hoped it would never happen again. The way the waves continued to crash against one another was making him feel greensick, so he tried to focus on Sunfyre, who was flying atop as she followed them all on their journey.

He’d tried asking his mother if he could just fly to Driftmark and meet them there while they travelled on the boat, but she’d denied him, stating that they would be walking into unfriendly territory, and that they needed to present a united front.

Deciding that he could no longer bear the sounds his father was making as he continued to be sick, Aegon decided to walk around, quickly regretting it as the wine he’d been drinking made it much more difficult to find his balance on a moving surface. He grasped onto the first person he saw, trying to avoid falling to the ground and causing a scene, and letting out an embarassingly loud noise as he noted that the person he was hanging onto was Aemond.

He and his brother had not spoken since their fight, and Aegon was no more ready to face him now than he had been back then. These past couple of days he’d thought about speaking with Aemond, to try and clear the air between them as it had become heavier than ever before, but in the end he hadn’t done that, as he’d been busy with their grandsire.

Otto had not left Aegon alone for a single second, always outside his chambers early in the morn to ensure that he attended his lessons, always by his side as they walked around the Keep and making sure to introduce him to whichever Lord was present at the moment, and always there before he went to sleep, to fuel his nightmares with his tales of an imminent war.

He didn’t know why exactly his grandsire was doing it, wether his talks truly were out of genuine concern for his safety, or if he simply enjoyed terrifying him. But either way, Otto was always there, and Aegon couldn’t breathe anymore.

Hence why he’d taken to drinking.

He found that the more he drank the less clear his thoughts were, and that was a feeling he quickly welcomed into his heart, as there was nothing he dreamt of more than to just be at peace. His grandsire did not seem too fond of his new habit, and yet he seemed to have noticed that the more Aegon drank, the less he tried to resist him, so he just let his grandson drink himself into a stupor every single day.

“You smell vile”, Aemond commented as he brushed Aegon’s hand off his arm, “You know brother, if you put that cup down for a second, then maybe you won’t have so much trouble standing up”

“Mh”, Aegon mused, “I suppose we may never know”

As Aemond turned to him, in his eyes Aegon saw something confused, something between hatred, contempt and pity. His brother pitied him. His little brother, who had always envied him for having been born first, pitied him.

Perhaps this should’ve been an eye opening moment for him, to realise just how far down he’d fallen, but instead of allowing his mind to linger too much on all the reasons his brother had to pity him, he just continued to drink.

“An eye for an eye”, Helaena whispered as she walked behind them, “A son for a son”

“What was that?”, Aegon questioned, allowing his drunken mind to guide him as he followed her toward the other end of the boat, away from all who were instead looking to their destination.

Helaena fell silent, face deathly pale as she turned to him, though by how very lost the look in her eyes was, Aegon was almost certain she was somehow looking through him.

“An eye for an eye, a son for a son”, he repeated in a mockingly serious tone, “What does that mean?”

As his sister’s eyes finally focused on him, she looked so very desperate. There was a deep sadness within her in that moment, one he’d never seen before as one of the perhaps few perks of his sister’s supposedly simple mind, was that she always seemed able to just separate herself from any situation, something he’d hoped would come to her aid as they consummated their marriage.

But whatever was troubling her mind now, seemed too daunting for her to just ignore.

“An eye for an eye”, Helaena said lowly as she lightly traced her finger over his left eye, staring at whatever was behind him with such despair, “A son for a son”

Aegon didn’t know if it was the wine, or the seriousness of his sister’s tone and almost grief striken look in her eyes, but as she said those last words and her hand pressed harshly against his heart, the latter stopped for a moment. Helaena’s words immediately began to haunt his mind, as not even the wine could stop him from believing that their meaning was more tragic than he could ever comprehend.

“A son for a son”, she repeated almost meanly, “A son for a son Aegon”

As she spoke Helaena’s voice remained barely above a whisper, and yet to him it felt like she was screaming in his face, hand pressing against his heart like she was trying to carve it out of his chest as she repeated herself over and over again.

“A King’s name he’ll have”, she continued, “But he won’t wear a crown”

“Helaena”, Aegon tried to interrupt her, as she was honestly beginning to scare him.

He’d been curious about her odd words for his whole life, using them to play a game with his nephews as they tried to decipher their meaning, something that had only happened once as his mother had found out and had not been too happy about him “parading” his sister’s issues with others. He’d tried to ask her about it sometimes, and yet she’d always looked so terribly confused so after a while he’d just given up, until now.

His drunken mind allowed for his spirit to feel more free to do as he pleased without much worry, so he’d approached her thinking it would be fun to once again try and guess what she was saying, but he was starting to regret it now.

“One’s shroud will be made of water”, she insisted frustrated, as if her words were supposed to make any sense to him, “But his will be green”

“What shrouds?”, he questioned, “Helaena whose son are you talking about?”

And at that she finally fell silent, her eyes boring into his as he could see tears welling up in them, as her hand left its place on his heart, only to find a new one on her neck. Aegon wanted nothing more than to look away, as whatever was happening with his sister was truly scaring him, and yet he found that he could not. He followed the path her finger drew over her neck, and even though she was gently tracing it, Aegon could almost see the blood as it began to pour out of the non existent wound.

“An eye for an eye”, she spoke, “A son for a son”

Her last words had almost felt like an order, and so Aegon had found himself mindlessly nodding in understanding, before he watched his sister leave and immediately began to question wether this interaction had actually happened or if there was something in his wine, as it had been much too strange for it to have been real.

And yet it had felt real, and the way Helaena continued to stare at him even as they reached High Tide told him that it had been.

Before Aegon could find some place to hide, his grandsire grabbed onto his arm and began to subtly force him to walk behind the King, who much to Aegon’s displeasure was heading toward the Velaryons. He didn’t have anything against them per say, but he didn’t know them, and since he already felt like he didn’t really belong at the funeral of a woman he’d never even met, he certainly didn’t feel alright standing before her grieving parents.

“Cousin”, his father began to say with a shaky voice.

Aegon tuned the King out, distracted by a pair of eyes he could very clearly feel as they bore holes in the back of his skull. He turned around slightly, not daring too far as he knew his grandsire would not be happy about him not actively partaking in the conversation the King was having, but then before he could worry too much about Otto noticing him, he saw him.

Daemon Targaryen, the fearsome Rogue Prince, was staring at him.

Aegon had never met his uncle, not in truth at least as he knew the man had been around for some time when he was a babe, but he’d been much too young to remember anything about it. His mother often spoke of how his uncle’s dalliance with his sister had been the reason behind her father being unjustly sent away. Aegon had always felt like there was more to that story, something Alicent was purposefully hiding from him, and yet he’d never dared question her about it.

She’d also made it very clear that ever since he was first born, Daemon had hated Aegon with all his might, because as the King’s firstborn son he could not be as easily supplanted as Rhaenyra, something his mother was certain Daemon would try to do in order to take the throne for himself. But Alicent would always say that though Aegon’s right to wear the crown could not be denied, his life could be taken, and that out of all people Daemon Targaryen was one who she knew would not care about sullying himself as a kinslayer to get power in return.

Aegon had always feared his uncle, as from the way his mother spoke about him Daemon truly seemed like the monster from the stories the maids would read to him as a child. He knew of his uncle’s reputation, and vaguely remembered some tales Mellos had shared with him about his time in the Stepstones, and how incredibly violent and heartless he could be when confronting his enemies.

Enemies like Aegon.

From what he knew his uncle had always been fond, perhaps even too fond of Rhaenyra, so maybe if she had been his only contender for the throne he would’ve simply taken her to wife and then wielded the power in her stead. But he could never do that with Aegon, so he’d just have to kill him. And as he found himself staring back at his uncle and heard what he could only assume was the roar of the infamous Blood Wyrm, Aegon almost considered throwing himself into the sea.

Thankfully the conversation between his father and the Velaryons didn’t last very long, so Aegon quickly made his way to the first servant he saw to ask for some wine. He tried to be as discreet as he could, to avoid his grandsire’s ire as though Otto didn’t necessarily take much issue with him being drunk when it was just the two of them, he didn’t want Aegon to cause a spectacle in public. And this was a funeral in the end, so Aegon would try and restrain himself as much as he could, though it would be most difficult as he knew someone else would be showing up sooner or later.

And he didn’t think himself ready to see his nephews again after they’d rejected him so by never writing to him, or at least he didn’t feel ready to do that without a cup in his hand.

Quickly enough Aegon found himself staring at the sea, drinking some wine as he tried to make out who was kneeling in the water, quickly looking away when he finally realised that it was Ser Laenor, as he did not wishing to intrude on the man as he mourned his sister. Though Aegon had never met the Lady Laena, and had never had much of a relationship with his goodbrother, his nephews had always told him that the two had shared an incredibly close bond, and that most people actually thought the siblings were twins as they were so close.

He couldn’t even imagine how Laenor was feeling, and as the dreadful thought settled in his mind, he made his way to his brother.

“What are you doing?”, Aemond questioned irritated.

“Sitting next to you”, Aegon mumbled as he continued to drink his wine, beginning to feel its effect as he accidentally spilled some on the floor.

“Mother is staring at you”, his brother warned him.

“Everyone is staring at us”, he said annoyed, “We’re the only ones wearing green, and since this is a funeral and everyone is wearing black, we stand out when donning this cursed colour”

“It’s mother’s colour”, Aemond chided him, “She wears it with great pride as a way honor her house, and we do the same for her”

“The colour of house Hightower isn’t green”, he said, “And even then, we’re not Hightowers, just like mother isn’t a Hightower either wether she likes it or not. For a woman so obsessed with those of pure Targaryen blood, she certainly hates our house with the greatest might”

Aemond sighed, eyeing his brother wearily as he could tell that the elder had already had more than enough wine to not know what to say and when to say it, and his eyes widened as he noticed who was walking toward them, quickly elbowing Aegon to get him to stop talking and resisting the urge to walk away, as to avoid leaving his brother alone since he was so drunk.

“There you are uncle”

Chapter Text

The second Aegon saw his nephews his mind went blank, and he found himself speechless as he saw those two little smiles he’d so missed this past moon, but that now caused him naught but sorrow.

He’d sent that first letter to give his condolances for Ser Harwin, but nothing. He’d then sent another one to ask how the boys were doing, but nothing. He’d sent a third and final one, to ask about Joffrey’s dragon as his sister had sent her own letter to alert the King about her youngest son’s egg hatching.

And he’d received nothing back.

Before Jacaerys left Aegon had pleaded for him to write, desperate to know that his nephew wouldn’t forget about him once he was finally free of the prison they'd both found themselves trapped in for so long, and Jace had promised to do it, but nothing. Alicent had always told him that his nephews were simply toying with him because they thought him gullible, as he couldn’t understand that they were not his true friends, but his enemies that would strike him down when given the opportunity. Aemond had then said it as well, that they only used him to kill time when at the Keep because they had nobody else.

And Aegon hadn’t believed them truly, because he hadn’t wanted to. But as the sennights went by and no letter ever came, he found that he could no longer enter the world he’d evidently made up in his own mind, where his nephews actually cared about him.

“Hi uncle”, Lucerys said once more, “Uncle?”

When Aegon refused to respond to him, Luke gave him one of his infamous pouts, knowing that it usually worked wonders with his uncle when it came to helping him sneak into the kitchens to get some sweets. But his attempt failed, and Aegon’s gaze fell to the floor.

“Uncle, are you alright?”, and this time it was Jacaerys who questioned Aegon, but the latter kept to his silence, “Was it the boat? Luke became ill as well, and muña said it happens sometimes. She had the maids bring some sweets that can help with it, do you want some?”

Aegon didn’t know what to do, desperately wanting to hold his nephews close and force his way back into the fantasy world he so loved, but finding himself stuck in place, as a sense of hopelessness filled his heart now that he knew for a fact that it had all been a lie. Jacaerys and Lucerys had never cared about him truly, and he’d made a fool of himself by playing along with them, and yet he couldn’t move.

“How is Iēdar?”, Luke questioned as he moved to stand in front of Aemond, “Is he with you?”

“No”, Aemond said almost startled, evidently not having expected to be acknowledged by his nephews, as in truth it never really happened whenever Aegon was around.

“Why not?”, the little boy asked alarmed, “You’re telling me that you left him alone? But uncle, you promised me that you would take care of him for me”

“It’s an object”, the elder argued, “It’s going to be just fine, and anyways I’m far too old to bring toys around with me”

Just as Luke looked like he was about to vehemently deny Aemond’s claim, Rhaenyra approached them all, throwing a worried glance at Aegon before Jace leaned to speak into her ear, after which she gave an understanding smile.

“The sea is beautiful, but it’s not kind to everyone”, she conceeded, “If you want I have some biscuits that are supposed to help you Aegon”

He’d been staring at the ground this whole time, and at the sound of his sister’s voice he almost flinched, keeping his head low but eyes immediately falling on his grandsire, and just one look from the man told him that he needed to get away. Aegon knew that Otto would not be happy after seeing him simply sitting there with his nephews, but he did not want to know what would happen if he saw him even just breathing the same air as Rhaenyra.

So he got up and moved toward his grandsire, faintly hearing his nephews calling out to him and though confusion was evident in their voices, he just kept walking until he couldn’t hear them anymore.

“What did she want?”, Otto questioned immediately.

“I don’t know”, Aegon mumbled, “She just came to get Jace and Luke”

“It does not bode well for you to be seen with them”, his grandsire whispered, “For a future King to be seen speaking to bastards and whores is much too unseemly, so just stay here. And stop drinking”

Aegon flinched as his grandsire not so gently grabbed onto his wrist and then snatched the goblet off his hand, using the grasp on his wrist to force Aegon’s arm down and hold him close to his side, probably to avoid him running off. As he stood there he saw his brother approach Lady Laena’s twins alongside Jacaerys and Lucerys, with the latter being much too young to truly appreciate the gravity of the situation he found himself in, and sitting down next to the girls while trying to start up a conversation with them.

“What is he doing?”, Aegon heard his mother hiss to her shield, “Who knows how those girls were raised, with a craven like him for a father, and I don’t want my Aemond anywhere near them. Bring him back here”

Aegon barely managed to stifle a drunken chuckle at his mother saying “my Aemond”, as he tried to imagine what would need to happen for her to ever refer to him as “my Aegon”.

“Get a hold of yourself”, Otto grunted from where he stood by his side, and Aegon immediately fell silent, his wrist hurting as his grandsire’s hold on it only tightened, “The ceremony is about to start, and you will not make a fool of me in front of all these people”

His mother was looking at him, perhaps some concern in her eyes as they fell on his caged arm, but she said nothing, barely shaking her head before turning away from him. Wether she was annoyed with him for his behavior, bored by the whole event, worried by the presence of those she didn’t like, or maybe even concerned by her father’s treatement of him, Aegon didn’t know.

And yet he doubted it was the latter.

As Laena’s coffin was brought forth, Aegon resisted the urge to feel ill, finding it incredibly unsettling to just stand there as that poor woman’s body laid before him while caged in that wooden structure. His grandsire’s grip on him did not lessen at any point, even tightening when the King neared them to stand by his wife’s side, as the woman was much too busy staring at Rhaenyra to pay him any mind.

The look on his mother’s face was one of both disgust and contempt, and though Aegon knew that that’s what Alicent looked like most of the time, or at least when she was with him, he didn’t understand what Rhaenyra had done to earn such a look in that moment. From what he could see his sister was just standing there with her children, a sad look in her eyes as she placed a hand on her husband’s arm, as Laenor looked like he could barely hold himself up on his own.

Rather than focusing on the coffin, as it merely being there made Aegon incredibly uncomfortable, he chose to observe his mother. Alicent’s obsession with Rhaenyra had been everpresent through all his life, and yet he’d never quite understood why. He knew that his mother did not take kindly to his sister’s indiscretions with her now late shield, and she did not care for the fact that Aegon’s supposed birthright as his father’s eldest son was being ignored in her favour, and yet he’d always suspected that there was something more to her anger.

Whenever his mother spoke of the Princess’ sins, she did so in comparison to herself. Because Rhaenyra wasn’t as dutiful as she was, she didn’t understand what it truly meant to give everything for one’s family and for the good of the Realm, not like Alicent did. And though Aegon might not be the brightest, as she often reminded him, he was not slow enough to not catch onto what his mother spoke of whenever she talked about the sacrifices she’d made to become the Queen.

She never spoke of her youth, or at least the little of it she’d gotten to experience before she was wed to the King, and yet it was more than obvious in the way she behaved that she was not content with her current life, and Aegon had never once doubted that his mother had not wanted to be the Queen. He knew it was a role that many envied, as the position granted one all the luxuries they could ever dream of, and yet it came with great burdens, ones that his mother had never wanted to carry. And yet she’d had to, because his grandsire wanted the throne.

His mother had given her life for her father’s greed, and now she would just watch on as Aegon and Helaena did the same.

“Gods”, Rhaenys mumbled suddenly, bringing Aegon back to reality as the Princess rolled her eyes.

Ser Vaemond had been chosen to give the speech and bid his niece the final goodbye before her body was given back to the sea, as was custom for house Velaryon, and yet it seemed that even in a moment such as this, he couldn’t help but make some unsavoury comments about Rhaenyra's children. Aegon didn’t speak much High Valyrian, apart from the few words he’d learned as a child to command Sunfyre, as his mother had never been keen on her children speaking what she referred to as a cursed language, but he did catch Vaemond’s not so subtle jab at his sister and her boys, as he spoke of how important it was for Velaryon blood to remain pure.

The look of hurt that immediately took over Jacaerys’ face was not lost on Aegon, and neither was the way Rhaenyra’s grip on her sons' shoulders tightened as she pressed their backs against her chest, her instinct to protect her children so evident that Aegon was once again forced to wonder why his mother wasn’t like that with him. He didn’t know his sister very well, that was true enough, and yet seeing the way she immediately shielded her sons from just a couple words, he knew that she would never stand by as someone harmed them as Otto had been doing to him.

Or as Alicent herself had done for all his life.

His sister might be a shameless whore as his mother always said, but at least she loved her children, and that was something Aegon couldn’t help but admire. He’d never cared much for the prospect of having his own children, even though he’d always known that he’d have to at some point in his future, and yet as a young boy he’d vowed to love those kids no matter what, so they’d never have to know the pain Aegon himself suffered at being ignored by his father and hated by his mother.

The thought of having these children with Helaena made him question wether he could actually honor the vow he’d made, as he could not even fathom having to look after the result of something that was forced onto him and his sister, and yet thinking back to someone who had been in a similar situation, and knowing how those kids could feel as they were punished for something that was not their fault, he promised to at least try.

His mother had resented him since the day he’d been born, and though a part of Aegon understood her struggles, he would not put his own children through that.

“An eye for an eye”, Helaena mumbled as her voice made him flinch, “A son for a son”

Nobody paid her any mind, as the King was too busy staring at his brother and the Queen just let out an annoyed sigh and rolled her eyes, as she always did whenever Helaena spoke her riddles. His grandsire just glared at Helaena, who in turn shrunk into herself before her eyes fell on Aegon, who couldn’t help but stare back at her as she mouthed the words once more.

She was trying to tell him something, as she had been when they were on the boat, and yet he couldn’t catch the meaning of her words. He could tell that it was something important, and by the despair that took hold of her very being whenever her mind was taken over by whatever it was that forced her to say the words, he could tell that a grave tragedy laid in them.

But he just couldn’t understand her.

As all watched Laena’s coffin fall into the sea, Aegon’s eyes found his goodbrother once more, as the man looked like he was about to jump and follow his sister in the sea. Rhaenyra was by his side, evidently worried for her husband though her gaze fell elsewhere, and as Aegon followed her stare he found that it laid on their uncle.

“Absolutely shameless”, his mother hissed, “Look at them both, his wife’s body hasn’t even reached the bottom of the sea and they already look like they’re about to jump on one another”

“What else can one expect from someone like her?”, Criston whispered in response.

The knight was always incredibly composed, never once letting anyone see what was in his mind as he’d mastered a hold on the same stone faced look the Queen always wore, and yet just as it was for Alicent, his composure was quickly forgotten whenever he spoke of Rhaenyra. A look of disgust and contempt took hold of him whenever the Princess was around, and though Aegon knew that the knight had been his sister’s shield before he turned against her to follow his mother, he’d never really figured out what had happened between them to make him act this way with her.

Either way, for some who claimed to hate her so, both his mother and her knight spoke of nothing but Rhaenyra, and Aegon couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him as he imagined the many days the two must’ve spent with her occupying their every thought. Rhaenyra may have left the Red Keep, and yet the mere thought of her was still more than enough to break both Alicent and Criston, so for two who claimed that his sister had no power at all, they certainly let her have much power over them.

Once people started talking amongst each other Otto’s grip on Aegon’s arm finally lessened, though his grandsire made sure to send him a look so he would understand that he could not stray too far, and Aegon didn’t, just once again finding the first servant he saw and requesting more wine.

The amount of his beloved red liquid that he ended up consuming meant that he did not remember much of what had happened through the rest of the day, and much less how he’d ended up sprawled on some random floor on the outskirts of High Tide, but alas he was there.

“Get the fuck up”, an angry voice grunted as a foot kicked into his ribs, “Get up Aegon”

“What?”, he mumbled confused as he looked up, mind still hazed by the wine as for a second he thought himself back at the Keep.

But between the look Otto gave him and his hand coming to grab on Aegon’s arm to roughly force him upright, he quickly sobered up. Aegon wasn’t sure how long he’d been on the floor, but night had fallen over Driftmark, and before he could even process what was happening he was being dragged around the halls of the castle by his grandsire.

“You’re a fucking embarassment”, the older man hissed, “I don’t know how your mother has let you turn out this way, but trust me Aegon, I will not do the same. Alicent’s heart is weak, as is that of all women, but I will not allow you the same comforts she did”

Aegon let out a drunken chuckle at that, thinking back to all the times his mother had screamed in his face and placed the weight of the world on his shoulders, and how she’d hit him whenever upset with either him, someone else, or just life itself, wondering how that could ever be a comfort to anyone.

“You listen to me”, Otto said angrily as he grabbed onto his shoulders and pinned him against a wall once they had finally reached Aegon’s chambers, “Everything that happened did so so you might be the King, and that will happen Aegon, no matter how hard you try to fuck it up for us all, because I won’t let you. I told your mother this many years ago, and it remains true, you must be the King if you want to survive”

Aegon had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as his grandsire began spewing the very same words his mother had been screaming at him for his whole life, but the way Otto got closer and closer until they were nose against nose made him freeze.

“Rhaenyra will kill you all”, he whispered as he stared into his grandson’s eyes, “That whore will put us all to the sword the second the crown is placed atop her cursed head, so you must fight if you want to survive and to save the lives of your family. Your mother has told me of your idiotic fondness for your nephews, and trust me Aegon, those bastards will gut you to get their whore of a mother on the throne, because as bastards they are naught but sinful cravens, just like their mother and her uncle. There is only one thing you can do to stop this from happening, and that is to take the throne before they do, and in order to do that you must wake up and learn something about what duty truly is. Your mother understood that well enough, and now she’s the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, so just listen to me and all will be well”

After his speech Otto left, as Aegon let his body sag against the wall and fall onto the floor, mind sadly clearing up as his grandsire’s words roamed around freely. If he’d been even more drunk he might’ve argued that yes, his mother might be the Queen, but that she was one of the most miserable people Aegon had ever met in his life, and that in truth a part of him would rather die than live out the rest of his days in the cage they’d built for him, as he saw what that could do to a person. But his grandsire had brought up his siblings, and Aegon had once again felt himself crushed under the weight of a responsability he’d never cared for, and that he didn’t feel he could handle.

His mother always said he’d been born to save them all, and yet in his heart Aegon knew that he would just fail them all, as he was not the Prince they needed, and would never be the King they wanted. He didn’t want to kill anyone, let alone his own kin, especially since in truth Rhaenyra had never done anything to him, and though he understood his mother’s reasoning, he couldn’t bring himself to kill someone because of something they may or may not do.

“What the fuck do I do?”, he mumbled as he began to stammer toward his bed, before a knock on his door made him stop on his tracks.

“Uncle”, a voice whispered from outside, “Uncle are you awake?”

Chapter Text

Aegon had tried to ignore Jacaerys, he really had.

He was in no condition to see anyone, let alone his nephew who he’d once thought of as his one true friend, but whose actions had been naught but a confirmation of all the hateful words his mother had been spewing for years. He’d wanted to ignore him truly.

But Jacaerys just kept knocking.

“Uncle”, he heard for the nth time, “I just want to talk to you”

Aegon was laying on his bed with a pillow over his face to try and stifle his nephew’s voice. His wrist pained him greatly and his head was hurting, and wether that was because of the wine or because of the way his grandsire’s words had yet to escape his mind he didn’t know, but it was hurting nontheless.

“Uncle please”, the little boy begged from outside, knocking again as Aegon just couldn’t stand that damned noise anymore.

“What?”, he questioned angrily as he swung the door open, immediately confronted with Jacaerys’ face as his nephew bore a small pout and flinched at his harsh tone.

“I just wanted to talk to you”, Jace mumbled as he looked to his feet, hands wringing together as he played with his fingers, something Aegon had seen his sister do with her rings when she was nervous.

“What could you have to say to me?”, Aegon chuckled without much humor.

Jacaerys finally looked up at him, a look of both hurt and confusion in his eyes as he brought his hand to his hair and brushed it off his face, before not so subtly looking behind Aegon as he silently asked for the elder to allow him entrance to his chambers.

Aegon knew he should hate Jace after all that had happened, or rather what hadn’t happened, as the younger boy had promised to write only to then disappear into thin air. He knew he shouldn’t fall for this again, as he should’ve learned by now that his mother and brother had always been right when they said his nephews didn’t actually care about him, but alas his heart was weak.

“Whatever”, he sighed as he moved to the side, eyes stuck on Jace as he slowly walked into his chambers, just standing there awkwardly as he evidently hadn’t expected Aegon to treat him this way.

The two just observed each other for some time, Jacaerys not knowing what to do as he had not anticipated that his beloved uncle would treat him with such unkindness and not understanding what he’d done to deserve this treatment, and Aegon’s mind far too clouded by both wine and resentment to know how to properly express what he felt.

“Why won’t you talk to me?”, the little boy finally asked.

“I have nothing to say to you”, Aegon lied in a snarky tone, hoping that his nephew would understand that their distance had allowed him to realise that he’d been toyed with, and that he would not allow himself to be treated like a fool ever again.

For so long he’d tried to ignore the horrible truth his mother would speak whenever she talked about his nephews, never wanting to even consider the thought of his only friends not actually caring for him, as they’d been the only ones to ever act like they did, but now things were different.

It pained him greatly, to know that for so long he’d desperately tried to hang onto those who did not truly love him, desperate to fill his own delusions about the bond he felt he shared with his nephews, but he couldn’t do that anymore.

“I don’t know what I did to upset you so”, Jace mumbled, “But whatever it is I’m sorry uncle. If you tell me what I did to make you so angry, then maybe I can make it rig-”

“I think you’ve done more than enough”, Aegon scoffed, “Playing me for a fool for all these years when you knew I had noone else, but that won’t happen again. I’ve become wise to your tricks nephew, and I’ll be damned before I allow myself to be toyed with by someone like you ever again”

He was angry, the Gods knew he was angry, and yet there was a certain desperation in his voice that he couldn’t hide no matter how hard he tried. He hated Jacaerys for using his misery to get him on his side, because though he’d never spoken the truth about his relationship with his mother, his nephew had always known that above all Aegon was alone, and he’d used that against him. He saw how the boy flinched at the contempt in his voice as he spoke those last words, as they implied something he was greatly ashamed of, something Jacaerys had never thought his uncle capable of bringing up to wound him, and something Aegon regretted mentioning the second the words left his mouth.

“I think you should go”, he stated finally, turning away from his nephew and hoping that the anger in his voice would be enough to get the boy to understand that he wished to be alone, or at least not in his company.

But much to his dismay, Jacaerys stayed put.

“No”, the boy rebutted as frustration grew within him, “I will not leave until you tell me why you’re so angry at me. I won’t leave until you tell me what I did to make you so mad. I will not leave until my one friend tells me why he never answered any of my letters”

“I didn’t answer any of your letters?”, Aegon asked bewildered, “Me? How about all the letters I sent you? All the ones I risked everything for just to send your way and that went unanswered?”

Jacaerys became frozen on the spot, a look of confusion on his face as he finally looked up at his uncle. He walked to him, and hated the way Aegon moved away from him, heart still struggling to understand what had happened, though his mind was beginning to catch up.

“I never got any letter”, Jacaerys revealed, “I wrote you the very second we landed on Dragonstone uncle, and I wrote more after that first one, but I never got anything back”

“Do not lie to me”, Aegon warned, “I sent those letters, putting myself at great risk just to try and speak with you, but you’re the one who never answered me as you evidently had better things to do”

“No”, his nephew denied vehemently, “No uncle please, you must believe me. I’d barely stepped foot into my new chambers before I asked for Maester Gerardys to fetch me some parchment paper, and I watched the raven fly away to King’s Landing. You must believe me uncle”

Aegon shook his head, refusing to let his nephew’s words sink in as he knew he’d written the letters, had walked to the Maester’s chambers and tied them to the ravens himself, and had watched on as they took fli-

Oh.

“Aegon please”, Jacaerys begged as he once again walked to him, “I mean my words uncle, I really did write the letters, and Luke did as well. He even wrote some to uncle Aemond, and was very upset as he received no response, thinking our uncle was still mad at him for that stupid prank. We even questioned Maester Gerardys to ask if maybe the ravens had gotten lost, but those very ravens had taken muña’s letters to the King, who responded to her”

Aegon let out a wet chuckle, hand coming to grab at his hair as he cursed himself for being so stupid. He had tried his hardest to be careful when sneaking into Mellos’ chambers, but he’d never actually seen those godsforsaken birds take flight, as he’d ran out of the rooms as quickly as he could after tying the letters to the ravens to avoid being caught. He’d hoped that the bird would take flight by itself, or that the Maester would perhaps just not think much about it and send them on their way.

He’d been foolish to think it could ever go his way, and yet hadn’t doubted that the letters had been sent because his mother hadn’t said a word about them. The reason why he’d been so weary of anyone seeing them was because he knew his mother would berate him for it, and yet it seemed that she had found out about it, and hadn’t said anything.

Was that the reason why she’d announced he would marry Helaena on the very day he’d tried to send out his first letter? Was his forced marriage to his sister naught but punishment as consequence for his own actions?

Was he the reason why Helaena’s life would be lost to her soon enough?

Aegon had had much trouble understanding why his mother had thought of this match, not believing her when she said it was all about showing the people that they were true Targaryens, as he believed that their father being a Targaryen was more than enough proof for all. But perhaps his mother had found that first letter, where Aegon sent his condolances to the boys and worse of all to his sister, and had decided to give him the ultimate punishment by stripping both him and Helaena of any ounce of freedom they ever could’ve dreamed of.

All because of him.

“Did you really write to me?”, he questioned his nephew, hating how weak he sounded.

“Yes”, the boy sighed exasperated, “I swear this to you uncle”

“I wrote to you as well”, he admitted, “I wrote many times to ask how you were doing, and to say I was sorry for Ser Harwin”

Jace shifted uncomfortably at that, evidently not wishing to speak on the matter as Aegon saw the flash of pure pain that took hold of his nephew for a moment. He could not imagine how complicated it must’ve been for him to hear of Ser Harwin’s death, as he most certainly had not been able to truly mourn him, as even on Dragonstone he could not trust that none would report back that the little Prince had been left broken by the death of he who many thought was his true father. He had not been allowed to cry and he had not been allowed to attend the funeral, because perception mattered more than anything, and a little boy losing his father could not change that.

“I didn’t know”, Jace whispered, “I never received anything from you, and though I’m happy to know you at least tried to write to me, I don’t understand what happened. Muña sent many letters over to King’s Landing, and the King answered each and every one of them. How is it that mine own and Luke’s never got to you?”

Aegon knew the answer to his nephew’s question, as in truth it was more than obvious that his mother had somehow got her hands on them before they could ever reach him, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He’d always been extremely close to Jace, and yet he’d never trusted him with his greatest secret. Jacaerys had, immediately bearing his soul to Aegon when he’d first figured out that Ser Harwin was his true father, and showing how he trusted his uncle with his life as he said that his mother had pretty much confirmed it, and yet Aegon had not been able to do the same.

Many times in his life he’d wanted to, as Jacaerys often questioned him whenever he showed up with nail marks on his face or when his mood was soured by one of his mother’s visits, but Aegon had never found the bravery he needed to share the nightmare he’d been living in for so long.

Perhaps he should have, as though Jacaerys might not have been able to actually help him, it would certainly have done Aegon well to have someone to confide in, but he’d always feared his nephew going to his mother. If the Queen’s words rang true and Rhaenyra planned to kill them all for the throne, to learn that Alicent was speaking such treason might seal their fate. When it all started happening Rhaenyra was still living at the Keep, and though a part of him doubted that his sister would ever be so bold, Aegon had often feared that she might get rid of him before his father died. It certainly would’ve made things easier for her, to stop the war before it could ever start, and so he’d remained silent.

“I don’t know”, he said finally, “But it doesn’t matter”

Before Jacaerys could deny Aegon’s claim, the elder sat on his bed and patted the spot next to him, inviting his nephew to sit by his side as he began asking him about his life on Dragonstone, wishing to distract him as best as he could.

“It’s been odd”, Jacaerys admitted, “I like Dragonstone, and Luke and I have already found ways to keep ourselves entertained when we don’t have lessons to attend. Maester Gerardys is much kinder than Grand Maester Mellos, so that has been a nice change. Kepa has also taken it upon himself to teach us all he knows about wielding the sword, though I don’t believe that will happen again for some time as he grieves aunt Laena”

“What happened to her is horrible”, Aegon agreed.

“Kepa is broken”, his nephew said, “Aunt Laena has been dead for almost a whole sennight, and he hasn’t uttered a word since he first found out. I tried speaking with him and being by his side, but he rejected me. He locked himself in his chambers after he read the letter that told him of her death, and muña actually had some guards break the door down as I heard her speak of how worried she was about what he might do if left on his own. After that he just wanted to hold us close, but still didn’t say much”

“Perhaps now that he’s said his final goodbye things will get better”, Aegon pondered, though he doubted that seeing a wooden box falling into the sea would ever be enough to dwell one’s pain.

“I hope so”, Jace said though he did not sound convinced, “It hurts me to know someone I love so much is suffering this way, and yet I don’t know how to help him, especially when he doesn’t speak to me”

As he said those final words Jace’s eyes found Aegon’s, making it clear that he was talking about him as well, but Aegon quickly brought his own gaze onto the ground, feeling somewhat ashamed at being called out so plainly. He knew he should talk to Jacaerys, but he didn’t know how.

How could he ever explain that his mother had told him that Rhaenyra would kill him the second the King died, and that in order to prevent that from happening he would have to kill them all first? How could he ever expect his nephew to believe that his most beloved mother would ever do something like that? And how could he trust that Jacaerys didn’t know it all already?

How could he explain to his nephew that he had to die because Aegon’s mother said so?

“I don-”, he tried to say.

And then suddenly someone began to violently knock on his door, making both boys jump as it seemed that whomever it was was trying to punch a hole through it. A frantic voice could be heard as the person continued in their relentless pursuit to gain entrance in his chambers, and just as Aegon placed himself before Jacaerys to try and protect him from a possible attacker, he heard it.

“Aegon”, the voice said, “Aegon the eye. Aegon please, the eye”

Helaena.

Chapter Text

Helaena wasn’t crying, she was sobbing.

Aegon didn’t know what to do, just staring at his sister as her body shook and violent sobs escaped her. She had a manic look in her eyes, much more haunted than the one she usually wore, and that was saying something. He tried to grab onto her at first, instinctively wanting to hold her up as it seemed she would fall to the ground at any moment, but the second his hand touched her arm she reeled back.

“The eye”, she repeated, “The eye Aegon, it will be lost and all will be forfeit”

Aegon was at a loss, as his sister continued to repeat those cursed words that had been tormenting him since she’d first spoken them. He’d been thinking about them for the whole day, and much to his frustration he had yet to figure out what they truly meant.

“What eye?”, Jacaerys questioned quietly, “Whose eye are you talking about?”

He was gentle as he spoke, eyes switching between Helaena and Aegon as he slowly walked to his aunt as the latter worked herself into a meldtdown. Helaena just shook her head, hands coming to grab at her dress right above her stomach, continuing to ramble on about eyes and sons as her mind became lost to her.

“I tried to get to them but the seahorse was already gone”, she cried desperately, “The seahorse will fall. The eye will be taken and the seahorse will fall, but the boy will be cursed. His existence forfeit for an eye”

“Helaena please”, Aegon whispered, “What are you talking about?”

Aegon had never been closest to his sister, as he’d never understood her and hadn’t really cared too much about even trying to understand her. Their relationship had certainly soured in his mind after his mother had told him that they were to marry, as just the thought of being near her when he knew how he would be forced to ruin her was too much for him to cope with, but he couldn’t stand seeing her like this.

“The rats will take him”, Helaena continued to ramble, “The eye will be lost and the rats will kill the boy because of the seahorse, the scared little seahorse who just wanted his mother. He cried for her I think, but it didn’t matter. The boy cried for me too, but it didn’t matter”

“What?”, Aegon questioned again as he tried to get his sister to look at him, but to no avail.

“They can’t”, she said suddenly, grabbing onto his arm and beginning to drag him out of his chambers, “They can’t Aegon, the rats can’t do this. I can’t do it, I can’t”

Aegon tried to get his sister to stop, not understanding what she was talking about and not knowing where she was taking him, but she ignored him. He tried to rip his wrist away from her grasp, but she kept her hold on him with a strength he didn’t know she possessed, turning to him with wide eyes and repeating that she just couldn’t do it.

“Uncle what is happening?”, Jacaerys questioned as he followed them, “Is aunt Helaena alright?”

Aegon just shook his head, knowing that the answer to his nephew’s question was quite obvious, and yet not being able to speak as fear rose in his heart. The corridors of High Tide were dark, and though Aegon was completely lost as to where they were, and he could tell that Jacaerys was as well, Helaena continued to walk. His sister had never been at High Tide before, and Aegon doubted that she had studied a map of the place before coming here, and yet she walked without doubt in her heart, almost running through each and ever corridor with such purpose that he couldn’t help but believe that she somehow knew where she was going and why.

He didn’t know how, but she just knew.

“An eye is not worth a life”, Helaena muttered almost angrily, “My life, his life, our lives. My boy”

Aegon felt his heart plummet at that, thinking back to the way Helaena’s hand had pressed against his heart as she rambled on about a son for a son. He hadn’t understood her words then, and in truth he didn’t know if he truly understood them know, and yet he suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown atop his head as Helaena continued to mumble about her boy.

“Uncle what is hap-”, Jacaerys tried to question once more, and just before Aegon could stop Helaena and beg her to explain what an eye had to do with her boy, or who that boy was, she stopped.

Aegon would never admit it, but the screech he heard coming from the barely lit tunnel to his left almost made him wet his pants, instinctively walking backwards to get away but being forced to stay put by Helaena. He could hear faint cries coming from the end of the tunnel, and as he tried to lean closer and perhaps finally understand what was happening, Jacaerys ran past him.

“Luke”, the boy screamed as he ran toward the noise.

Without even realising it Aegon found himself running behind his nephew, heart pounding in his chest as the voices he could hear became more and more clear, and as cries of pain and fear only continued and became louder, Aegon could only pray that whatever had happened was salvageable.

The image before him was haunting, as the lit flames that hung on the walls allowed him to see that Daemon’s twins were on the ground, as one sported a bloody nose and the other one would soon enough find herself with a black eye as the bruise was already beginning to darken. But worse than that were the two figures that still stood before him, as his little brother held their nephew by the neck and held a rock over his head.

“Aemond”, Aegon tried to call out to him, though the shock meant that his voice came out as naught but a whisper, “Aemond wait”

“This bastard attacked me”, his brother screamed as his wide eyes focused on him.

“Uncle please”, Lucerys pleaded.

“Shut up”, Aemond grunted as his grip on the boy's neck tightened, “You and those girls attacked me for no reason, why should I let you go now?”

“Let him go uncle”, Jacaerys intervened as he tried walking to his brother and attempted to make his voice sound threatening, though the fear in his heart was obvious.

The boy walked a mere two steps toward his brother and uncle, before the latter sneered at him and the hand that was holding the rock wavered, making Jacaerys back down as the threat was obvious.

“You bastards think too highly of yourselves”, he hissed, “I should bring you both before my dragon, so you might burn as your father did. Aren’t you happy Luke, your stupid toy dragon actually helped me find mine own, and now she will finally reunite you with your dead father”

“My kepa’s still alive”, Lucerys cried out, little hands coming to grab onto Aemond’s wrist as he tried to pry his uncle’s hand away from his neck, “Uncle please”

“He doesn’t know, does he?”, Aemond chuckled meanly as he turned to Jace, “My Lord Strong”

“Aemond stop this”, Aegon finally said as the shock began to wear off, “This is not the way brother”

“Fuck you”, was the answer he received, “You’ve always liked these little bastards more than me, even now as I tell you that this one attacked me you still choose them. I’m your fucking brother Aegon, why do you always turn against me for them? Always cheering them on as they dared make fun of me, but now I have a dragon. I hope you had fun pinning the wings to that cursed pig, but who’s laughing now huh?”

“That was my idea”, Aegon blurted out, “It was my idea brother, put the rock down please”

“You always pick them”, his brother cried, and Aegon finally noticed the tears that had began to well up in his eyes, “No matter what they do you always pick them, everyone fucking does. I do everything to be good but it doesn’t matter, because all of you always pick them. I tell you that they tried to kill me for no good reason, and even now you choose them instead of defending me”

“I’m here now”, the elder said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t before brother, but I’m here now. Please just let him go and I promise things will get bet-”

Taking advantage of Aemond’s distraction as he listened to his brother, Jacaerys threw himself on his uncle, making the latter fall to the ground as he finally let go of his grip on Lucerys. Aegon suddenly found himself with his arms full of his younger nephew, who cried out of both fear and pain as Aegon finally noticed that his nose had been broken at one point on this night.

He threw a look behind him, noticing that Helaena was sitting on the ground with her ears covered as she rocked back and forth, while the twins were huddled together as they looked at the boys fighting before them. Aegon didn’t know exactly what had brought the children to the tunnel, but the sound of his brother groaning in frustration followed by a roar coming from outside made his blood turn cold.

“It’s Vhagar”, one of the twins said, “He stole Vhagar”

Before Aegon could even question how and why the twins would think that anyone could steal a dragon or what that had to do with them all being there, the sound of punches being thrown reminded him where he was and what was happening, so without having much time to think about anything he just threw Lucerys to the two girls.

“Go get help”, he muttered hurriedly before turning around, hearing the faint sound of someone running away as he once again faced his brother and nephew as they fought.

The two were barely a couple moons apart, and even then Aemond was just a little taller than Jacaerys, but he was a better fighter. Ser Criston had been the boys’ tutor for their whole lives, but he’d never truly bothered to train Aegon’s nephews, evidently not thinking them worthy of his time, but he had always doted on Aemond. His little brother had taken to the sword with such ease that he had actually begun to wield a steel one before Aegon himself had, as he could not say that he’d ever cared much for the art of swordsmanship. Ser Criston had always shown great pride in Aemond’s skill, and Aegon was certain he would be terribly proud now as Aemond won over Jacaerys without much struggle.

“Do you miss him?”, Aemond taunted, “Do you miss your father nephew? Well worry not, Vhagar and I will reunite the two of you soon enough”

“Get off of me”, Jacaerys grunted as he struggled while remaining caged underneath his uncle’s body.

“You always walked around with such pride for a little bastard”, Aemond hissed, “You sinful creatures shouldn’t even be alive in the first place, and all know it, so none will fault me for making things right. Perhaps it’s time you and your whore of a mother face the consequences of your acti-”

Aegon acted as fast as he could, grabbing onto his brother and lifting him off their nephew as the latter scrambled to stand up and take something out of his pocket. Aegon didn’t see what it was, as he was much too busy trying to contain his brother as it seemed he’d let all the pent up anger he’d been storing away all those years finally take hold of him. His wrist throbbed painfully as Aemond resisted him and tried to escape his grasp, but Aegon used all the strength he had to keep him at bay.

“Let me go”, Aemond screamed.

“This is not the way brother please”, Aegon tried to get him to see reason.

“They attacked me first”, the younger insisted, “That bastard and those girls fucking attacked me for no reason, I have a right to defend myself, and now that I have a dragon I can finally make them pay for all they did to me”

“I was there as well”, Aegon reminded him, “If you want to get justice for those pranks then take it up with me brother, Lucerys didn’t even want to do it and he only did because I told him to. It's all my fault”

Perhaps bringing up Lucerys and the pranks was not the greatest idea Aegon had ever had, as it seemed to only rile his brother up even more as he began to violently thrash around in his arms.

After that it all happened so quickly.

Aemond escaped from his grasp by backing his head against Aegon’s face, and before the elder could regain composure his brother jumped on Jacaerys, who was thrown to the ground once more as his uncle hit him and then wrestled something out of his hand. Jacaerys just laid there unmoving, Aemond stood up, Helaena screamed, and Aegon put himself between his brother and his nephew.

He didn’t know exactly what had happened, but suddenly he heard himself scream.

Chapter Text

Aegon didn’t understand what was happening.

He’d been carried like a child to a room he didn’t recognise, his shoulder hurt and he could faintly hear someone screaming, that is all he knew. He was barely conscious when he got here, and could not say that he was truly awake now, but he was slowly coming back to reality.

“This will sting my Prince”, an old man said as his face was much too close to his own for Aegon’s comfort, “Try not to move”

Aegon could barely feel it as the dagger was removed from his shoulder, or perhaps he felt it too much to actually process it, but he remained still. His other hand gripped the arm of the chair he was sitting on, and almost didn't notice when someone placed their own above it.

He couldn’t turn his head as the Maester had a firm grasp on his face, but by his side he noticed his mother, whose eyes were filled with both disgust and anger as she stared at him, and next to her was Helaena, who in turn had an oddly peaceful look on her face.

“The pain is great but the boy is safe”, she whispered.

Suddenly an odd warmth made its way to Aegon’s heart, and for some reason he felt compelled to tighten his grip on his sister’s hand, needing her to know that he’d heard her and had understood her words, though in truth he wasn’t certain that he had. But it didn’t matter, because for the first time in days if not sennights she seemed at peace, and that was enough.

“Will he heal?”, his mother questioned.

“The scar will heal Your Grace”, the Maester answered calmly, “But I don’t know if our Prince will regain use of his arm, and if the wound gets infected we might have to amputate it”

His mother let out something akin to a wail, her body sagging against the wall as she brought her fingers to her mouth and looked around as if searching for someone to blame, and within a second it seemed like she found it.

“What happened?”, she screamed toward someone Aegon couldn’t see, “I will have the truth of the matter right now”

“Alicent calm down”, the King said.

“Calm down?”, his mother grunted, “My son may lose his arm”

“He is my son as well”, his father stated firmly, and none missed the way the Queen chuckled at his statement, evidently too lost to her anger to remember herself, “We will have the truth of it when all the children are present”

In the corner of his eye Aegon saw his brother, who stood far away from them all, just staring at him with his mouth clamped shut as he almost hid behind Ser Criston. Aegon did not remember getting to the chambers, as in truth he didn’t remember much apart from the terrible pain he’d felt as his brother stabbed him, but it seemed that nobody knew that yet.

He tried to talk, wishing to reassure his mother that he was alright, though he wasn’t truly. He wanted to get her to calm down, knowing that she was never really good at minding her words when she was angry, and fearing the trouble she could get herself into if she dared too far in front of the King.

His mother knew very well that she was not the King’s favorite bride, and that her children were not his favorite either, no matter the fact that she had given him three sons, something that any man but Viserys would have loved her for. She knew he didn’t care for her as he once had for the late Queen Aemma, and because of that she’d always tried to keep certain opinions of hers to herself, knowing that he wouldn’t just stand by as she called his daughter a whore and proclaimed her son as the rightful Heir, but Aegon feared that in her rage she might let some things slip.

His father couldn’t ask for an annullment, and Aegon didn’t think him a violent man, and yet he feared what may happen if his mother publicly went against his favorite child.

“Who cares about the other children?”, Alicent screamed, “My son has been stabbed, and whomever did it must be punished my King”

Though none but him were paying attention, Aegon noticed how his brother’s entire body trembled at their mother’s words, and for a second he wondered if the Queen would regret her statement once the truth was finally revealed. If Aegon had been harmed by one of his nephews or even by Daemon’s girls, he did not doubt that she would have fought for them to lose both their arms in return, probably more to spite their parents than out of love for him.

But what would she do when she found out that Aemond was to blame?

Aegon would fear for his brother if he didn’t know that he’d always been their mother’s most favorite child, and that she would never allow anyone to touch a single hair on his head, but he couldn’t trust that his father would do the same. Viserys had never once cared for him, and though in some ways Aegon hoped that he would wish for justice after he was stabbed, he did not care for that to happen at the cost of his brother.

Aemond had lost himself to his anger on this night, and Aegon knew that he was the one truly at fault for ensuring that his brother lived with such rage in his heart, so he couldn’t find it in himself to blame him for harming him.

“Where is he?”, Corlys thundered as he burst through the doors.

“My son is here Lord Corlys, as is the dagger that once laid his shoulder”, his mother talked back angrily, “Where are your granddaughters is the real question, as they might provide some answers as to what happened. I saw how the Princess Rhaenys took them away as soon as we arrived, but they will not be allowed to just stick to their silence while my son is-”

“Your son broke my granddaughter’s nose”, the Seasnake raged, “Your son broke one of my granddaughters’ noses and punched the other one in the face, my how proud you must be to have raised a boy that would harm little girls in such a way”

“Aegon would no-”, his mother defended him, much to his surprise.

“It wasn’t Aegon”, a female voice said suddenly.

The hall fell silent, as Aegon’s mother stopped herself as she had evidently meant to talk back to that as well. She looked at him with wide eyes, breath caught in her throat as she then slowly turned around to look for her second son, who remained frozen where he stood.

“My Aemond would never”, she said wearily, though by the way her voice shook her uncertainty was obvious, “And I demand to know where the Princess is, or her sons for that matter, since from what I understand they were present as well, and I’m certain they had something to do with this since they always have been so cruel to my son. If Aemond ever partook in such violence I’m certain it was only to defend himself, and I know that those boys had something to do with-”

“My sons are with the Maesters”, Laenor announced as he walked in, a broken man standing as he looked worse than Aegon had ever seen him, his eyes lost as he made his way to stand next to his parents and nieces.

Between the pain and everyone screaming, Aegon hadn’t had much time to think of anything else, but his heart stopped once he realised that his nephews weren’t there. He’d given Lucerys over to the twins and the boy had been fine, and since the girls were here he assumed that they had gotten him somewhere safe.

But what about Jacaerys?

“And where is my daughter?”, the King questioned.

“My wife is with our children”, Laenor answered slowly, a somber tone in his voice as he just seemed so lost, “Lucerys has a broken nose, and the Maesters are trying to figure out how to close the gaping wound that cracked my Jace’s head in two”

Not a word was uttered as the King stumbled back as if struck, being held up by Ser Westerling as the man immediately went to stand behind him. Aegon could barely find the air he needed to breathe, and yet his chest began to heave rapidly as he turned to face his goodbrother, desperately looking for a sign that he may have been lying, or perhaps even just exagerating.

But nothing.

“That’s not-”, Helaena muttered panicked, “He wasn’t suppos-”

“Is the Prince?”, his mother whispered, not finishing her sentence as that last word hung in the air and tormented the heart of all those present.

“I don’t know”, Laenor answered honestly, “The Maesters told us that he may wake and be perfectly fine, just as he may die and never see the sun rise for him ever again”

“He will be fine”, Alicent said surely, “I’m certain the Maesters will do their best and he will be fi-”

“Did you not hear me?”, Laenor questioned with both annoyance and grief most evident in his voice, “I said he might die. My son’s head was smashed against a rock, and he now lays in a bed that is covered in his blood because his wound just won’t close. Do you see this Alicent?”

As he spoke Laenor began to walk toward his mother, legs shaking underneath him and yet he strode to her with such conviction, as if being driven by naught but pure and utter rage.

“This is my child’s blood”, he said angrily as he pointed to his hands and his shirt, “I’m covered in my child’s blood, just like his mother is. Rhaenyra is currently laying in the bed with him, holding our son’s skull together with her bare hands as she prays for him to live, just as she did when he was first born. Do you remember that Alicent? Do you remember when my wife had just birthed our child, just as you had but a couple moons earlier, and instead of focusing on him you chose to call for mine own to be stripped away from his mother’s arms? Perhaps if you had paid your children more attention rather than focusing on mine, then that beast wouldn’t have turned out as he did”

“My Aemond didn’t do anything”, his mother spat angrily, “It was your sons that mocked him all his life for not having one of those creatures, and now that he bonded with one they meant to take it from him. It was not my son that wielded the blade on this nig-”

“But it was”, Laenor grunted, “Baela told me everything, it was your son that wielded the blade and stabbed his own brother, and it was your son that crushed my child’s skull against a rock. Such a fine young man your Aemond is, I’m certain you are very proud of him, as he has given you many reasons to defend him as you do. I will make sure to let you know before anyone else if your beloved Aemond turned himself into a kinslayer on this night”

That word hung heavy in the air, and as all turned to his brother, Aegon noticed how Aemond shrunk into himself and almost cowered behind Ser Criston to hide from their gazes, though there was an odd look in the man's eyes. The knight’s eyes were stuck on his goodbrother, and though he knew it to be impossible, he could’ve sworn that the look in Criston’s eyes matched Laenor’s.

A look of grief and misery, of a father who thought he'd just lost his son.

“My King”, Otto Hightower spoke as he moved toward him, “Tensions are high right now, so I believe it is best for us all to go to bed and deal with this in the morning. I’m certain that all will be made better once we figure out why the Princess’ children attacked Prince Aemon-”

“No”, Corlys denied outraged, “We will speak of this right now, and I hope you all know that I will not be granting hospitality to he who may have just killed my grandson”

“Corlys please”, Viserys mumbled, “I understand your anger, but Aemond is just a boy. I’m certain that your Maesters are more than capable of caring for Jacaerys and that all will be well, but there is no need for things to get out of control. Perhaps Otto is right, and we should all just retire for the night. I will go see Rhaenyra and I will speak with her, as I’m certain that she will understand that her brother did not mean any harm”

Aegon couldn’t believe his ears, just staring at his father as if he’d grown a second head. In his heart he knew that if things had gone the other way around, if Rhaenyra’s boys had been the ones to cause one of his siblings any harm, then of course Viserys would have protected them. But why was he doing it for Aemond?

His father had never once cared for any of them, so why was he choosing to stand up for them now that the situation was so dire. Aemond might have just killed Jacaerys, his daughter’s eldest son, and yet the King did not wish him to be punished?

“But he did”, one of the twins spoke up, “He did it on purpose, I saw it. He grabbed Jace’s hair and smacked his head against the floor, it wasn’t an accident. And then when Jace was on the ground he went to attack him with a knife, that’s when he hit his brother”

Alicent looked around frantically, desperate for someone to come to her aid as she knew that those words did not bode well for her son. Aegon could see her mind working as she tried to figure out a way to get Aemond out of this mess, and for a second he wondered if she would’ve done the same for him.

What Aemond had done was grave, because although it was true enough that he had been provoked, his brother had gone too far, and not even the King himself could make all forget about something like this.

“And why were you all there in the first place?”, is all she could come up with in the end, “My son claimed a dragon, and you all attacked him for no reason, he had a right to defend hims-”

“Defend himself?”, Laenor questioned startled, “Is that what you would call this? To defend himself against two little girls and a boy of six he just had to break their noses, and then to defend himself against Jace he just had to bash his skull in and then move to stab him? I don’t see a single scratch on your boy, so while I might agree that the children shouldn’t have cornered him, his reaction is naught but proof that he can not control himself, something that is not good considering he now rides the biggest dragon alive. What happens if he loses control while atop of Vhagar? Will you say he was just defending himself while he slays another dragonrider or sets fire to innocents?”

“The seahorse is safe”, Helaena whispered as she tugged at his hand so he might turn to her, nodding to him as if to reassure him with her words, “Both boys are safe”

"A boy like that should not be allowed on a dragon”, Rhaenys spoke as she looked at the King, “You know as well as I what happens when those who can not control their dragons take to the skies, and after tonight I fear your son might be a little too similar to someone we all know to just be allowed to ride Vhagar as he pleases”

“Rhaenys please”, Viserys sighed, “Aemond has bonded with Vhagar, and there is nothing we can do to change that. I understand that tonight’s happenings have shaken us all, but please don’t turn this into something it’s not”

“A reckless Targaryen man riding the biggest dragon alive and slaying his nephew”, the Princess mused, “We’ve seen that before Viserys, and we all know how it turns out”

Aegon had never been the greatest student, much preferring to just lay in his bed than to attend Mellos’ lessons or much less pay attention to the man, but even he wasn’t ignorant enough to not understand who Rhaenys was talking about. The name Maegor was said to have been cursed, as was the title of kinslayer, and in truth the current parallels between the Cruel and his brother could not be ignored.

His father was breathless, staring at his cousin as all fell silent. Nobody knew what to do, as perhaps most thought that Aemond deserved to be punished for what he’d done to Jacaerys and Aegon as well, but nobody could go against the King. If Viserys said that nothing would happen to Aemond, then nothing would happen because that would be his will as King, but he knew that this was not something he could just sweep under the rug as he usually did with anything that bothered him.

Perhaps this was the reason why he suddenly cared enough about his son to come to his defense, because he knew that once this got out it would never leave the family, Viserys in particular. He was the King and he was Aemond’s father, so all looked to him for his choice of discipline for his son, but everyone knew he was much too meek to actually do anything.

Rhaenyra and her sons had gained much from Viserys’ refusal to act, but it seemed that on this day it would work against them.

“This is done”, he declared once more, trying to sound kingly as he evidently wished for all to simply back off him, “There is already enough strife between us all, and I do not wish for things to worsen. What Aemond did was grave, but punishing him will not make things right. The boy suffering would not fix anyone’s nose, nor would it wake Jacaerys up or patch up Aegon’s shoulder. I need you all to go back to your chambers, and get the rest I know we all need. I will go look for Rhaeny-”

“No need to go anywhere”, a new voice said, “I’m here father”

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra had always been one to hold her composure.

Never once in his life had Aegon seen his sister as anything but the image of a true Princess of the Realm, always walking around with her head held high and with a level of pride that annoyed his mother to no end. And no matter what happened, she never lost her composure and she never appeared angry, as all knew her to be naught but their little Realm’s Delight even now that she was a woman grown.

But on this night something was different.

Rhaenyra was covered in blood, her hands drenched in it as if she’d dipped them in a bowl filled with the thick red liquid, as it also covered her chest and the ends of her hair. There were some smears of blood on her face as well, a little red handprint on her cheek, and Aegon could imagine she had brought Jacaerys’ hand to her face to comfort herself, as he’d seen her do with her children whenever they were upset. He’d seen it more than once, the way their mother’s touch would be more than enough for his nephews to immediately calm down, something he’d always envied.

His mother’s touch had never done that for him.

“My girl”, Viserys choked out the words as he looked at her, “Rhaenyra I-”

“I must know what is being done”, she stated, “I demand to know what is being done to avenge what was done to my son”

In some ways Rhaenyra had always been a fairly meek woman, as Aegon could not think of a single moment when he’d seen her while she wasn’t smiling to her children, painting the very image of the Mother Herself as she loved them so. All knew how the Princess adored her children more than anything, as she was never without them by her side, so to see her now, alone as she stood covered in her eldest’s blood, was a sight none would ever forget.

She had shown what she did to love her children, and it seemed that she would now let them all know what she’d do to avenge them.

“Rhaenyra please”, Viserys sighed, “What happened on this night is a tragedy, but you must see that your brother is but a child”

“A kinslaying child”, she said.

Aegon’s heart failed him, and for a moment he would’ve sworn that it had stopped, and he saw how his mother paled and began to sway as if about to faint. Otto didn’t look so well either, immediately nearing the King and trying to speak with him, but the other man wasn’t listening, though in truth Aegon wasn’t even certain that his father was breathing.

“No”, Helaena muttered confused, shaking her head as if she knew for a fact that what Rhaenyra was saying could not be true.

Aemond was still cowering behind Criston, his eyes wide and lost as he grasped onto the man’s armour with one hand, while gripping something in the other so tightly that Aegon thought he saw some blood run down his brother's hand. Aemond appeared to be silently begging the knight not leave him alone, but Criston looked worse for wear, his mouth agape as he just stared at the Princess, looking like he was about to feel ill at any moment. Aegon had never known the knight to care about his nephews, so he couldn’t understand why he’d be so upset by one of the “lowly bastards” he hated so much being dead.

Laenor began to shake before bending over in a corner and retching, his sobs thundering through the room as all held their breath. Rhaenyra didn’t look right, like something had broken within her, and her eyes had yet to move from their father. Aegon had always known the two to have a great relationship, especially when compared to the one he or his other siblings had with Viserys, but in that moment Rhaenyra looked like she was but a second away from setting their father alight.

“Is he dead?”, one of the twins cried as the two held onto their grandmother, “Is Jace dead?”

“He probably will be soon enough”, Rhaenyra stated with such harshness in her tone that it made Aegon flinch, never having seen this side of his sister before.

Even though the two had never had a true relationship, as they’d never even spoken to each other much through Aegon’s life, he’d always known her to be a gentle soul, hence why he’d never truly been able to see the monster his mother feared so much. He could see it now, but he understood. The rage Rhaenyra was feeling was palpable, and yet the way her eyes remained dry and her tone calm made her so much scarier than if she had began yelling.

His mother used screams and slaps to install fear in his heart, and yet Aegon had never feared her as he did Rhaenyra now. There was something dark that had taken hold of his sister's heart, and for a moment Aegon pondered if she would kill them all on this night.

“Oh Gods”, Laenor sobbed as he remained sat on the floor, a small figure approaching him as Lucerys finally made his appearence, crumbling in his father’s arms as the two hugged each other and cried.

“Rhaenyra”, Viserys pleaded, “There is no- I don’t even know what to s-”

“You will say nothing”, she shut him down, “But you must do something. My son will be dead by the morrow, and I demand that he who is responsible is punished”

“My son is just a child”, Alicent intervened as she eyed the Princess wearily, knowing that she had to do something and yet knowing that there was nothing she could do, “He’s been tormented for his whole life and on this night he was attacked, he was also harm-”

The roar that thundered from outside the walls of High Tide made the whole castle shake, and Alicent’s mouth fell shut as the Princess strode towards her. Alicent was the Queen, so technically some of the Kingsguard could have tried to protect her, and yet it seemed that none wanted to.

“I held my son’s broken skull in my hands for almost an hour”, Rhaenyra said as she placed herself before the other woman, nose to nose as she spoke, “I held it together as the Maesters tried to force it back into one piece. They say my son will be dead in hours Alicent, and your own will become a kinslayer, and there is noone more cursed than those who commit kinslaying”

“You can’t kill him”, the Queen begged.

“And why not?”, a male voice made its appearance, “It’s what he deserves”

Daemon Targaryen walked into the room with the confidence only he could possess, looking to his daughters for a moment and moving on when the two nodded to him. The way he walked made Aegon think he would unsheathe his sword and strike his mother down without a second thought, but then he stopped on his tracks before he actually reached her.

“No Daemon”, Viserys denied, “Aemond will be punished, but you will not harm him. He is still my son”

“The Princess may have lost one of her own tonight”, Daemon declared, “A son for a son, ‘tis only fair”

Aegon felt a chill go down his spine at his uncle’s words, eyes immediately falling on Helaena as his sister shook his head, eyes becoming haunted as she mouthed those words over and over again. She’d been spewing them herself for the whole day, and here they were, coming back to torment her. Aegon himself had said them, but it seemed that for some reason hearing their uncle speak them aloud had shaken his sister to her core.

He had thought them some kind of warning, and it seemed he’d been right.

“No”, Helaena whispered as she shook her head in disbelief, “I did it, the eye was not taken, so the boy must be safe”

Aegon tightened his hold on his sister’s hand as she continued to shake her head, repeating those words as if trying to convince herself that they rang true, thought she did not seem certain.

“You can not kill Prince Aemond”, Otto spoke, “He is the King’s son and he is in line for the Iron Throne, you have no right to-”

“My son is also in line for the Iron Throne”, Rhaenyra interrupted him, “My son is second in line for the Iron Throne after me, and Aemond is what? Seventh? If such matters are of importance to you Lord Hand, then you’re not doing yourself any favors. A spare of a spare of a spare and so forth just killed the Heir’s heir, and he must be punished”

Aegon’s eyes found his brother once more, and though Criston was still standing before him to shield him somewhat, he could see that the knight was wavering. There was something odd in the way Ser Cole looked, as if some part of very soul had been ripped away and he was struggling to stand on his own two feet. His sister’s gaze found Aemond as well, who in turn cowered behind the knight and began to tremble in fear.

Rhaenyra’s eyes were filled with rage, and yet for the one moment they met Criston’s, pain took hold of them both.

“Please”, Alicent begged as tears streamed down her cheeks, “Rhaenrya please don’t-”

“I don’t want him dead”, the Princess stated firmly, and though it should’ve perhaps been reassuring to hear, it was not, “I want him gone”

“What?”, the Queen questioned confused.

“I shall not sully myself as a kinslayer”, his sister said, “But I will not suffer the presence of one either. It would be a great dishonour to the crown and my family as a whole, to remain caged within the same halls as someone who would commit such an act. The Targaryen line has already been tainted by such abhorrant things, and I think one kinslayer is more than enough”

“He’s a child”, Viserys mumbled under his breath, eyes low to the ground as his sister’s gaze had been deadly enough to make the King behave like a scolded babe.

“So is my son”, Rhaenyra said angrily, “My son who is currently dying in a strange place and without me there, because I have to deal with you. I would think anyone would know how to behave in the presence of a kinslayer, and yet I knew naught would be done without me, and I’m disgusted to know I was right”

“Prince Aemond’s home is the Red Keep”, Otto spoke once more, “I understand that grief guides you now Princess, but you dare too far, as you don’t have the right to-”

“Alright”, Viserys interrupted his Hand, “Aemond will leave”

“No”, Alicent pleaded as she neared her husband, “Viserys please, you can not take him from me. He’s your son Viserys, your blood, please husband he’s just a boy. He’s our boy Viserys please, you can’t force him away”

“Daeron is our boy as well”, the King reminded her, “And yet you insisted I sent him to Oldtown. I did not deny you as you are his mother and I thought you knew what was best for him, but this can not stand Alicent. As his father I don’t want Aemond to leave either, but I am also the King, and I must do what is right by our Realm, and to have a kinslayer in our midst is not what is best for any of us”

“He can go to Oldtown as well”, she tried, “He will be with family, and when Jacaerys wakes up he’ll come back and we’ll all be together again”

Aegon could see his mother crumble before him, almost falling to her knees in front of her husband as she begged him so. Though things had been different since his grandsire had arrived at court, and Aegon had seen a different side of his mother as she seemed much weaker when around her father, he’d never seen her like this. For his whole life she’d been so strong willed, even if for the wrong reasons, but now all that was gone. She looked much younger than she was as tears streamed down her face, and though Aegon had never truly thought about the difference in the power that was held by their parents, as his mother was the one who actually ruled their home in many ways, it all became very clear now.

Alicent looked like a child when compared to her husband, as she always had, but this time she did not have the little power she’d always wielded so fiercely, and she looked afraid.

“Give him to me”, Daemon proposed with a smirk on his face.

“No”, Alicent said immediately, “Absolutely not”

“How would giving Aemond to you solve this?”, Viserys questioned as exhaustion was beginning to take hold of his very being.

His father did not seem too keen on the idea, but Aegon could tell that the fighting was wearing him down, and perhaps one further push would be enough to win him over.

“The boy has a dragon”, Daemon said, “He has bonded with Vhagar, and that is something we can not change, but we can work with it. It pains me to say this brother, but from what I’ve seen and heard about what goes on in your home, it seems that things have gone array since I’ve been gone. Give me the boy, and I promise to reel him in”

“No”, Alicent insisted, “I will not let my son end up in the hands of someone like you. Viserys please you know your brother, he will harm our child. I beg you husband, there are other options”

“Like what?”, the Prince asked with a chuckle, “You want the boy to take the black? Or perhaps you want him in the Citadel, so he might be close to your people and they might continue raising him as you have. We’ve seen how that turned out, so I don’t think that’s a good idea Alicent”

“You will mind yourself when speaking to your Queen”, Otto grunted angrily, losing composure as Aegon saw his fists clench by his sides, eyes stuck on Viserys as he evidently did not appreciate the way the King was slipping away from his grasp, “Prince Aemond is the King’s son, and he will not be thrown to you for something like this, for killing a-”

“A what?”, Daemon mused, “Killing a what Otto?”

To his credit his grandsire caught himself quickly enough, immediately shutting his mouth and stepping back to the King’s side, as the latter just let out a deep breath and rubbed his temples. Everyone knew what the Hand had meant to say, and yet that little word had not left his mouth, so Otto’s head would stay on his shoulders for now.

“If this does happen, you will not harm him in any way”, Viserys told his brother, “If I find out you have, I will strip you of every title you have brother, I will take away all the luxuries you love so much, and that is a vow I make as your King”

“I won’t touch a single strand of his hair”, Daemon promised, though the smirk on his face was not too reassuring, “I swear it”

“We will speak more on this later”, the King said finally.

His mother immediately went to the King once more, begging for him to change his mind, but his father just waved his hand at her, as he evidently believed that the matter had been settled. Aegon did not know his father very well, but he did know that he hated conflict more than anything else, much happier to just sit in his chambers and play with his model, ignoring everything that went on around him in favor of living in his own mind, where all was good.

As he turned to him Aegon saw the way Aemond’s mouth opened and then quickly slammed shut, and he was glad to know that his brother understood that speaking would do him no favours in this instance, as he was fairly certain that him remaining hidden this whole time was the only reason he would leave this room unscathed.

He knew that Aemond had done something horrible, and in his heart he knew that he would never be able to forgive him if Jacaerys died, and yet he didn’t want to see him dead. He as well had played a role in the pranks they’d played on Aemond, perhaps the greatest role as he’d planned them all, so he understood that the anger his brother felt was also because of him. But Aemond had gone too far, and worst of all the wrong person was now suffering for Aegon's actions.

By the time he'd gotten there Aemond was chocking a six namedays old child and threatening to bash his head in with a rock, and after he’d told his brother that it was all his fault, and that if he truly just wanted justice for those cursed pranks then he should’ve taken it up with him, Aemond had smacked Jace’s head against the floor anyways. From what Aegon had seen Jacaerys had not been attacking Aemond, so his brother had done that unprovoked, and a chill ran down Aegon’s spine at the thought of what else he may have done in the future as he was certain that with the proper training and now with a dragon, Aemond would have become unstoppable.

But the Gods had willed differently.

Chapter Text

In the early hours of the morn Aegon found himself in the Maester’s chambers.

He hadn’t slept much if at all, and the shock of the previous eve had worn off some time after everything had happened, so the wound on his shoulder was causing him great pain. At first he’d tried to ignore it, not wishing to cause anyone any trouble as he knew things were dire enough without him moaning about his shoulder, which compared to everything else that was going on did not seem like the biggest issue.

But then in a moment of frustration his grandsire had shoved his injured shoulder, and after Aegon’s scream of pain he had been confined to the Maester’s chambers, as the men prodded him every two seconds to figure out how much damage his arm had sustained. Aegon had heard the Maester tell his mother that he was not certain that his arm would ever recover, as the point Aemond had caught with the knife apparently held the reason why he was able to move it at all. The Maesters had not found much success in their pursuits, as Aegon had yet to so much as wiggle a finger, but he could feel it when they poked him, and they said that that was a good sign.

Which was better than nothing.

“I don’t want that thing near my granddaughters”, he’d heard someone say outside his room when he’d first woke up some time ago, “He’s already hurt them once, and I don’t feel comfortable knowing that he will be living with them”

“I trust that Daemon will treat him accordingly”, a male voice had answered, “I know you’re not too fond of him, but we both know that he will not let that boy just roam around and do as he pleases, he will be lucky if he’s not thrown in a room and the key is tossed away”

Aegon’s heart had hurt a little as he heard the Princess Rhaenys and her husband speak like that about his brother, and yet he knew they had a point. In their place he never would’ve allowed someone capable of what Aemond had done to live around his grandchildren if he could’ve prevented it, and yet he knew they could not. Daemon was the girls’ father, and Aemond was now his warden, which in truth was naught but a polite word for hostage, so they would all be living together wether the Princess liked it or not.

It seemed that during the night his father had made his decision about Aemond’s fate, and Agon didn’t know how to feel about his brother leaving, and much less about him going to live with Daemon, as though he knew his mother exhaggerated many things, her fears about the Rogue Prince were not just unfounded thoughts. His uncle had a reputation, and though he’d sworn that he would not harm Aemond, who knew how much his word could be trusted.

Aegon had thankfully been spared of being with his mother during the night, as he could imagine the state of hysterics she was in, as her most favorite son was given to a man she believed would kill him on the spot the second she left. He didn’t know exactly where she was, but after the King had told them all to retire to their chambers, she had began screaming as she begged him to change his mind, and then berated him when he refused to. After that the King had been uncharacteristically stern with his wife, calling for the Kingsguard to bring her to her rooms and to make sure that she stayed there, alone.

He didnt’ know anything about what was going on outside his room, let it be how his mother was doing, if his grandsire had lost his mind after losing an asset like Vhagar, where Aemond was, and most importantly what had happened to Jacaerys.

Just hours before Rhaenyra had announced with a worrying certainty that the Maesters had declared that her son would probably be dead by morn, and morn would be coming soon enough. He knew it was stupid of him, and that he stab wound on his shoulder would be the least of his concerns if he got caught, but he had to know what had happened.

The thought of his nephew’s dead body already growing cold in the room in that very hallway too much for him to cope with, and he just had to know.

Slowly and trying to make as little noise as possible he stood up, quickly regretting it as his arm throbbed, but he pushed through the pain. He walked to the door, and just as he was about to open it he heard something.

“I just want to know how he is”, a familiar voice said.

“What do you care?”, another one answered coldly.

“I just-”, the man tried to say, but stopped as a heavy sigh left him, “Please Princess, I just need to know how he is”

As quietly as he could Aegon opened the door just a little, curiosity taking hold of him as he tried to peek through the small opening to see what was happening. The scene he found was not one he had been expecting, or that he ever would have expected truthfully. Ser Criston was there, outside of what Aegon presumed to be Jace’s rooms, and he was speaking with his sister.

Never once did Aegon remember seeing his mother’s shield interact with his sister, and since he was fairly certain that their shared hatred for the Princess was the one thing that bonded the knight and the Queen, he found it most odd that he would talk to her, especially now.

“Did she send you?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she let out a wet and humorless chuckle, “Even now as Balerion Himself hovers above my son, you people just won’t leave him alone. You may hate me all you want, both of you, but he has no fault in any of this. He is just a boy”

“He’s my boy”, the knight hissed before quickly shutting his mouth and looking around wearily to see if anyone had heard him, “Please, I just need to know that he still lives”

Aegon couldn’t help the way his mouth fell agape, just staring at his sister and Ser Criston as he tried to process what he’d just heard. He’d always known that there was much that still remained hidden about whatever had taken place before he could remember, as the relationship between his mother, her shield and his sister was much too complicated for there to not have been something between them all in the past.

But he certainly had not expected this.

“He’s not your boy”, his sister grunted, “You had a choice, and you made it. Laenor is his father in all ways that count, and Harwin was as well. You are nothing to him Criston, apart from the mean man who berates him on the training grounds and pokes fun at him for his hair, which is quite ironic considering who he got it from”

“I just wan-”, Criston tried to say.

“I don’t care”, Rhaenyra shut him down, “I don’t care what you want. You didn’t care about him at the time, when I first told you I was with child, choosing to side with her and call me a wretched whore if I remember correctly instead of being by him. I knew you hated me, but I wanted you to have a chance at being with him, and instead you were the one who ripped him from my arms when your master asked you to. You made your choice Criston, and you will have to live with it. Jace never knew you because you didn’t let him, and that falls on you. You don’t get to care about him now, not after all he’s suffered at your hands and at the ones of those you support with such loyalty”

After that his sister shut the door, and Aegon saw the way Criston immediately went to knock, frustration and fear, and perhaps even guilt evident on his face, before he stopped himself and just sighed. For a moment his forehead hit the door, and if Aegon didn’t know any better he might’ve thought that the knight had shed a single tear before harshly rubbing it off his face and stomping away.

Aegon didn’t know what to do with such information, though in truth there was not much he could do. He’d always known that Jace was not Laenor’s son by blood, as that was most obvious, and yet now that he thought about it, he’d never found many similarities between Jacaerys and Ser Harwin either. All knew how close the Princess and her shield were, and there was no doubt that Lucerys and probably Joffrey had been fathered by him, but Jacaerys had always looked a little different.

Where his brothers had Harwin’s curls and his blue eyes, a different shade than the one Aegon and his siblings had, Jacaerys had straight hair and brown eyes, something Aegon now knew he’d inherited from Criston.

The more he thought about it the more he could see how the two were father and son, and yet this new reality confused him like few things ever had before. Criston had never once faltered in his outmost hatred for his nephews, and had always spoken of them with such disgust that Aegon just did not understand how he could’ve done it knowing his own son was amongst them.

He didn’t know what had happened between Ser Criston and Rhaenyra that had driven them apart, to the point where the knight had moved on with the one person at the Keep who despised Rhaenyra just as much as he did, and where he’d apparently refused to even be with Jacaerys when given the chance to, all because of his hatred for the boy's mother.

Quickly remembering that while interesting, Criston’s relation to Jacaerys was not the main point of focus in that moment, Aegon slowly peeked out of his chambers, and once he was certain that nobody was around, he made his way to Jace’s rooms. Once he actually got there however, he found that he didn’t know what to do.

What was he supposed to say?

- Sorry my family has been treating yours like shit for decades, and sorry that my brother tried to kill your son and might have succeeded, can I come in just to check that he’s not dead yet? -

That did not sound right, so as Aegon’s mind worked and he forgot that he was not supposed to be standing there, and that if anyone saw him and reported back to his grandsire he would be begging for death by the time Otto got to him, he just stood motionless as his hand hovered over the door.

He didn’t know how long it had been since he’d first left his chambers, but suddenly he heard a sound, almost like a chocked sob coming from Jace’s rooms, and without even thinking about it he just threw himself in. He’d been wondering why there were no guards outside the chambers, and his question was answered quickly enough as he found himself staring at Dark Sister and the tip of the sword almost poked his eye out.

“What are you doing here?”, Daemon questioned with great contempt and yet also anger in his voice.

Before Aegon could even think of an answer, and thankfully before he could wet his pants as his uncle taunted him by inching Dark Sister closer and closer to his eye, a small figure ran to him.

“Uncle”, Lucerys cried as he hugged his leg, “You’re here”

Aegon patted Luke’s hair, eyes still stuck on Daemon’s as the man had yet to lower his sword. In his heart Aegon hoped that his uncle would not slaughter him before Lucerys, who was still a mere babe all things considered, but since he was not certain of that, he slowly bent down to Luke’s level and picked him up with his good arm, shamefully and yet readily using his nephew as a human shield.

“I’m sorry”, the boy sobbed into his neck, “I didn’t want any of this to happen”

“It’s not your fault”, Aegon said immediately as he tried to soothe the boy, “None of this is your fault Luke, did you hear me?”

“But it is”, his nephew continued to cry, “If I hadn’t gone with Baela and Rhaena then Jace wouldn’t have come looking for me, and we would all be home now”

From what Aegon understood of all that had taken place before Helaena had come to collect him and Jace from his chambers, Daemon’s twins had seen Vhagar take flight, and under the conviction that someone had stolen their late mother’s dragon they’d wanted to see who it was, and had gone to look for Jace so they might all go together, but he hadn’t been there.

“You’re not the one to blame my love”, Laenor said as he suddenly appeared, taking his son from Aegon’s arms and pressing his face against his curls, “You called for help, and that was very brave of you, and it might be the sole reason your lēkia survives”

“And will he?”, Aegon questioned before he could bite his tongue, “Survive I mean”

“We’re still not sure”, Laenor mumbled as he hid Luke’s face in the crook of his neck, as if trying to shield him from the harsh truth his words revealed, “The Maesters all give different opinions, and my mother has gone to retrieve Gerardys so he might have a go as well. I wanted to go myself, but the thought of leaving and then finding out that while I was gone Jace died was jus-”

Laenor stopped himself, rubbing his forehead against Luke’s curls in an obvious attempt to find some comfort as he held his son close, making Aegon feel terribly out of place as he wondered if he should perhaps just leave, or if coming here had been a good idea to begin with. Jacaerys had been his closest friend since he could first remember, but this moment was for his family, and though they were technically related Aegon didn’t know if anyone in this room apart from Lucerys actually thought of him as family.

“Aegon”, Rhaenyra called for him, “Come here”

Slowly and feeling more uncomfortable than he ever had in his life, Aegon made his way to his sister, a greeting getting stuck in his throat as he was finally faced with his nephew. He’d heard both his goodbrother and his sister speak of how bad Jacaerys’ condition was, of how his skull had been roughly sewn back together by the Maesters, and yet the scene before him was much worse than he had expected.

Jacaerys laid unmoving on his bed, head covered by layers and layers of bandages as Aegon could see some old ones scattered next to the bed, tinted red by blood as a reminder of what had happened. His nephew’s skin had always been much too light when compared to his father’s side of the family, and yet he’d never looked so pale, almost matching with the white sheets he laid on. Rhaenyra was holding one of his hands tightly in her own, and Aegon cringed as he noted how Jacaerys’ hand fell limp when his mother adjusted her hold on it.

He looked dead.

“He still breathes”, Rhaenyra whispered, “And that is more than enough”

Aegon nodded mindlessly, not knowing what to say as his sister sat there, still covered in blood and holding onto her dying child while Aegon just stood there, once more questioning wether he should’ve come here in the first place.

“I wanted to thank you”, she continued, “Luke told me that you helped him and Rhaena escape, and Baela told me of how you placed yourself between Jace and Aemond. You took a knife to the shoulder to save my child, and for that I thank you”

“He’s my best friend”, Aegon mumbled, “I’m just sorry I didn’t do more”

The thought had been tormenting him the whole night, as his mind was riddled with guilt at knowing that perhaps if he hadn't been so deep in his cups, he could’ve done more. Maybe he could’ve ran faster, or maybe he could’ve held onto Aemond for a little longer to allow Jace to get away, or maybe he could’ve chosen his words more carefully when speaking to his brother and avoided the bloodshed all together.

“He won’t kill him”, Rhaenyra stated, anger most evident in her voice and yet she remained composed.

Aegon didn’t need to ask who she was talking about, as all knew that Aemond’s family had reason to fear for his safety as he moved to live with Daemon. Rhaenyra seemed certain of her words, and yet Aegon was still filled with doubts.

“Daemon is a craven”, she conceeded, “But he promised me that he won’t kill him, and I trust his word. He’s not a good man, but he cares for our family, and no matter what he does Aemond is family, and Daemon won’t see our blood wasted. I can’t say that Aemond will live a good life with him, but he will live”

“Thank you”, he whispered, “Thank you sister, truly”

Rhaenyra’s eyes fell on him for a moment, as Aegon realised that this might be the first time he’d actually referred to her his sister. The two had never had any kind of relationship, as they would barely acknowledge each other as two people who had lived in the same place for over a decade, let alone as siblings, and yet that’s what they were.

“Mandia”, Rhaenyra corrected him with a sad smile, “I’m your mandia valonqar, though I know I haven’t been a good one, and I’m sorry for that”

Aegon remained silent, eyes widening as she spoke the very words he’d yearned to hear from her for most of his life, and yet now that she’d said them he didn’t know what to say. Despite his mother’s taunts about his sister being this horrid monster who would kill him for a crown, Aegon had always felt saddened by his non existant relationship with her, especially as he saw her with his children.

Rhaenyra might want him dead, but perhaps if they’d had the opportunity to bond she would’ve treated him as one of her own, and Aegon would’ve known something akin to a mother’s love before dying.

“I regret many of my past actions”, she continued, “And leaving you behind is one of them. We actually spent time together when you were a babe, though I don’t think you could remember that. I once tried teaching you how to say my name, but you could never quite figure it out, you used to call m-”

“Nyra”, Aegon mumbled as an unclear image showed up in his mind, of him in a carriage with his parents, and Rhaenyra sitting before him as she smiled at his attempt at pronouncing her name.

“I let less important things come between us”, she said with the lost look of someone who was haunted by memories of the past, “And I’m sorry for that. Things were not easy for me at the time, and after I had my boys they became somewhat more difficult, but I should not have let someone’s hatred of me, or even mine own misplaced anger drive me away from my family. I tried to patch things up when I first had Jace, wishing for you children to grow up together as kin, but I was denied”

Aegon felt breathless, trying to figure out how to best react to Rhaenyra’s confession. He’d always known that his mother’s hatred for his sister was the reason why she didn’t want him to interact with his nephews, and yet Alicent had always told him that Rhaenyra had rebuked him from the start. His mother had said that his sister had hated him since he’d taken his first breath, and that from that moment on she’d known that she would kill him.

“I even hoped to unite us all through a marriage”, she continued, “But I was denied that time as well. I am not faultless in this and I do not claim to be. I was not in my right mind when you were first born, for many reasons, and I took it out on you because you were everything I never would be, and because you had everything I wanted. But I was wrong, I know it doesn’t make it better, but I need you to know that. Life is so short, and though I’ve always known that I think this night has shown me more than anything what can happen when one lets hatred control them. I don’t want things to remain unsaid, especially not when they matter so much to me”

He wanted to speak, desperate to tell Rhaenyra that he was still here, that they both still breathed and that not all was lost, that they could still be a family. Wanted to break down into tears and beg her to understand that he wanted nothing more than for her to show him the love she showed her children, and yet he wavered. His mother’s words rang in his ears, her screaming in his face that Rhaenyra would gut him, that she’d have his head and those of his siblings, all for a throne. A part of him didn’t want to believe her, wanted to use this moment as an opportunity to reassure Rhaenyra that he did not want the crown and that he wouldn’t be a threat to her claim, that they could be a true family if she just believed him, and yet he feared.

And just as Rhaenyra turned around to face him, giving him a small and sad smile before slightly opening her mouth to speak, Jacaerys’ bed started shaking.

Aegon could do nothing but stare as his nephew’s body twisted in ways that were much too unnatural to be voluntary, and right after Rhaenyra threw herself on her son to hold him still, screamed for someone to get a Maester and Laenor joined her on the bed, Daemon grabbed onto him and Aegon was thrown out of the rooms.

“What is happening?”, Lucerys cried as his uncle brought him outside as well, with a little more kindness than he’d shown Aegon, “Uncle what is happening?”

He just stood there, his nephew in his arms as he continued to sob, asking Aegon over and over again if his brother was dead, begging him to do something, and oh how Aegon wished that he could. An old man ran much faster than Aegon would think possible for someone his age as he burst through the doors and entered Jace’s chambers, and in his haste to do that he pushed Aegon backwards and he almost lost his balance, only to be saved by a hand as it came to rest on his back and held him up.

Aegon turned to face this person, and he found that the look of pain and loss in their eyes matched his own.

“Is Jace dead?”, Luke continued to cry as violent sobs shook his little body.

“I don’t know”, is all Aegon could say as he stared at Criston.

Chapter Text

“This is a fucking disgrace”, Otto grunted angrily as he sat in the chambers his daughter had been given for their stay at High Tide, “How could you let this happen?”

“Me?”, Alicent cried, “I didnt’ do anything”

“Exactly”, her father raged, his wish to scream most evident on his face, though he kept his voice low as they were not in friendly territory, “You are the Queen Alicent, your one job is to look after your children, and how will you do that for Aemond when Daemon gets his hands on him? If you had done your job as a mother none of this would’ve happened, and if you’d done your job as a wife you could’ve won the King over, but you failed”

Aegon watched as his mother’s entire body froze, finally putting a stop to the pacing she’d been doing since he’d first entered her rooms. Alicent had been beside herself, as apparently she’d asked to see Aemond, only to be told that the King would only allow that to happen once before Aemond left with Daemon. She had been crying hysterically this whole time, the blood from her shredded fingers falling onto her dress as she walked, until she stopped.

The look in her eyes as she turned to her father was that of a crazed animal, and as he saw the pent up anger that finally ruled her, he realised how alike she and Aemond actually were.

“I did everything I could”, she hissed, “I’ve been naught but a dutiful and loyal wife to Viserys for most of my life, never doing anything but what I was told and trying to live by your rules and those of my faith. I tried as best as I could with those kids, but I did it all alone. My Aemond is not the monster they painted him out to be, he is but a scared little boy who was attacked and had a right to defend himself, he doesn’t deserve this”

“Then speak to the King”, Otto insisted.

“He doesn’t listen to me”, Alicent almost screamed, “Nobody ever listens to me”

I do, Aegon thought bitterly.

“Why don’t you speak to him?”, she questioned her father, “You say I failed because Viserys won’t do as I ask, then you try. You speak of all I did wrong as if you think you know what is right, so do it”

Aegon knew that his mother would never have dared speak to his grandsire this way if she had been in her right mind, and yet she was not. Between Aemond being taken away from her and the King humiliating her by demanding that she be locked in her chambers for the whole night, Alicent was losing it.

“It could work in our favour”, Otto said, “Having Aemond by Daemon’s side could work for us, so he might report back whatever it is that the Prince and his niece plan against us. He must be careful, but Viserys did threaten to take away Daemon’s titles and his wealth if he harmed the boy, and from what I know of that wretched man that is all he cares about, so perhaps he might actually stay his hand with Aemond”

“That’s not enough”, she insisted, “My son should not be in that position at all. He was attacked and defended himself, if it had been the other way around nothing would’ve happened to those bastards or those girls. Any one of them could have stabbed my kids and they would have been just fine, because Viserys would never dare go against Rhaenyra’s will”

“He defended Aemond”, Aegon dared to mumble, “The King stood up for him mother, that has to mean something”

A part of Aegon also really wanted to remind his mother that as she spoke of how Rhaenyra’s children would’ve gotten away with it if they had harmed one of her own, he was currently sitting there with a wound on his shoulder after Aemond had stabbed him, the same Aemond she kept insisting had done nothing wrong. His brother had not meant to harm him, and Aegon had placed himself between him and Jace, and yet he knew that even if one of the boys had harmed Aemond and it had been a true accident, his mother still would’ve called for revenge. But it seemed that she didn’t care enough to do the same for him.

In the end he decided that trying to argue with his mother would be of no use, as she was not making any sense, and she knew it too. Alicent was desperate to find a way to keep Aemond close to her, as he had always been her favourite child, and the more she thought about it and realised that there was nothing she could do, the more ridiculous her statements became as she tried to make up a new reality for herself to live in.

She'd doted on Aemond for his whole life, giving him the love she'd never dared share with any of her other children, and he'd almost killed someone. That reality was far too harsh for Alicent to cope with, so she just grasped onto a new one, where he was still her innocent little babe who had not bashed another's head against a rock, and who hadn't stabbed his own brother.

“You keep your mouth shut”, Otto hissed as he grabbed onto his face, “Where were you while your brother was being attacked? Why were you not with him as he approached that beast?”

Aegon just sat there, not even bothering to answer his grandsire as he knew that the man didn’t actually care for what he had to say, so much as he simply wanted to rage and let out some frustrations, much like his daughter in that sense. He didn’t even flinch as he dragged his blunt nails against his cheek, for his mind was elsewhere.

It had been less than an hour since the guards had taken Luke from his arms and had brought him to his mother’s chambers, and yet to Aegon it had felt like a lifetime. The images of Jace’s body convulsing as it had were haunting his every thought, as he tried to think back to the one time he’d seen something similar to that.

Some years earlier, for the tenth anniversary of the marriage between his mother and father, a great tournament had been held at King’s Landing, and Aegon had gotten to attend. He’d never much cared for such events, as he found them rather boring, but that time something had caught his attention, as one of the knights had fallen to the ground after being hit in the head by another knight’s lance. The man had fallen, and as all cheered for the winner, Aegon had noticed the way his body had begun to shake uncontrollably, stopping after some time as he had already been dragged to the side.

That man had been declared dead soon after.

“Where do you think you’re going?”, his mother questioned allarmed as without really thinking about it Aegon had stood up from his seat, “We are not amongst friends here Aegon, we must remain close”

“My arm hurts”, he mumbled, “I just wished to ask the Maesters if they had something for that”

His mother stared at him for some time, as if studying each inch of his face to determine wether or not he was telling the truth, but alas her own face relaxed a little. She did not look necessarily concerned, but she also didn’t look like she would deny him.

“Ser Criston”, she called, “Please escort the Prince Aegon to the Maester’s chambers”

“Yes Your Grace”, the knight answered as he gave her a small bow.

“You can ask for milk of the poppy”, she said, “But tell them to dilute it, your father takes it sometimes, and too much of it can mess with your mind. He usually takes it with some tea just to help with the taste, and I brought some with us for this journey, so he might not have to suffer the bitter taste to stop his pains, just ask for it to be put in the cup”

Aegon was surprised by the almost tender tone his mother used as she spoke of her husband, and by the act of kindness she’d thought of on her own just to help the King somewhat, something that had no hidden agenda behind it, as none knew about the tea but her and now him, as she handed the little bag over. The relationship between his parents had always been an odd one, as it was obvious to all that though the Queen tried to act as a loving wife, she did not care for her husband as a wife should. But Aegon knew that in her own way she did care for him.

She was always by his side when they were forced to suffer those family suppers that Aegon hated so much, and she always held his hand as she sat next to him, something she did not have to do since none but her children were watching them. Aegon also knew that his mother often spent time with the King in his chambers, just reading to him as he worked on his model, sometimes even helping him.

She would always run as fast as she could whenever the Maesters reported that the King had felt ill, or even just that he was experiencing some discomfort, evidently feeling the need to be by his side. It was a wife’s duty to care for her husband, and though Aegon knew that his mother valued duty before all else, the worry in her eyes in those moments had always seemed true to him.

His mother might hate the King and she might hate her husband, but she did care for Viserys.

The walk to the Maester’s chambers was longer than Aegon would have preferred, especially since he could feel Criston’s eyes boring holes through his skull, as the knight evidently wished to ask about what had happened mere hours ago, but knew he shouldn’t. Aegon was still somewhat shocked by what he’d discovered that morn, but most of all he was confused by Criston’s behavior, and how the man could’ve just stood by as all berated one he knew to be his son by blood, and more than that how he could actively partake in mocking the poor boy.

He’d never really liked Criston, mainly because he saw him as naught but an extension of his mother, and yet he’d always respected him. The knight had always been the very image of what a brave and loyal soldier should be in his eyes, and though Aegon supposes that Criston was not the first man to forsake his child, and he certainly would not be the last, he did feel his respect for the knight dwindle a bit. But on the other hand he knew that the situation was more than complicated, as Criston was a knight and Rhaenyra was a Princess, and if anyone had found out about Jace being his then Criston would have lost his head.

But still, why go out of his way to make his own son’s life worse? Why not just ignore him?

Aegon remembers the many times the knight had mocked his eldest nephew for the most minuscule thing, or the way he had made things much more difficult than they needed to be for Jace as they trained with him, or all the times he’d heard Criston and his mother speak of the Princess’ lowly bastards.

After all Criston had done to Jace, Aegon could not find it in his heart to fault Rhaenyra for not allowing the knight what might’ve been his last chance to see his son by blood, and yet he knew it must’ve stung for him.

“My Prince”, the man called for him as he stopped, “These are the chambers you were assigned”

“No, it’s thi-”, Aegon began to say as he stopped in front of a different door, before actually looking at it and realising that it was Jacaerys’, “Oh”

The Maester did not have much to say about Aegon’s shoulder, apart from the fact that the wound was deep and that it would take a long time to heal, and that Aegon should try and avoid moving his arm to prevent further injuries. He slowly unwrapped the gauze to observe it better, and Aegon almost gagged at the smell of both his wound and the salve the Maester smeared on top of it, explaining that it should help avoid infections.

The scar the stitches had left behind was an ugly thing, red and sore as it burned while the man wrapped it in various layers of gauze. For a moment Aegon wondered if his shoulder would ever look normal again, but then as he remembered how the Maester had also spoken about how he might never recover full motion of his arm, he decided that the scar was not his biggest issue.

“I think you will be able to use your arm after the wound is given more time to heal”, the Maester mumbled as he carefully moved Aegon’s arm, “But I can say nothing for certain about your hand my Prince, as that is something we will discover later on in the healing process”

“Will I be able to ride my dragon?”, Aegon questioned wearily, the thought of never taking to the skies again already breaking his heart.

“I will have to look into that”, the Maester answered, “I must admit I am not too familiar with the structures of the saddles that dragonriders use, because although I’ve lived on Driftmark for many years I have never seen a dragon upclose, thankfully. I think that if you do have issues with your hands, it will mainly have to do with fine skills, such as writing and gripping things, like a sword or-”

“Reins”, he finished for him, “You think I won’t be able to hold Sunfyre’s reins?”

“Please my Prince”, the man said in a soothing tone as he noticed how Aegon’s face had fallen, “As I said before, we will know more in due time, for now all you must worry about is keeping your arm as still as possible, because that is the one sure way I know to prevent further injueries. Perhaps as things are now you will be more than capable of riding your dragon, but one more injury could put an end to that. I understand how difficult this must be for you, but you must remain calm”

Aegon remained still, eyes stuck on the Maester’s as if asking the man to vow that he was telling him the truth, and that there was still a chance that he could one day ride Sunfyre once more. This godsforsaken journey to Driftmark had already cost Aegon a brother and possibly a nephew, he would not let it take his dragon as well.

“Did this also happen last night?”, the man questioned as he gently patted the bruise around Aegon’s wrist.

“Yes”, he said quickly, hoping that the Maester wouldn’t ask any more questions about how ex-

“How did you get this?”, of course, “Did it happen during the fight? ’Tis an odd looking wound my Prince, almost like someone with a much bigger hand than that of a child twisted your wr-”

“Do you know anything about my nephew?”, Aegon questioned hurriedly, hoping to take the man’s attention away from his bruise, and also wanting to know about what had happened to Jacaerys.

“The Prince’s condition is grave my Prince”, the Maester answered with a somber tone, “I won’t lie, we were not certain that he would make it to the morn, and yet he did, and I believe that that is not only a testament to his strength, but a sign that he might actually pull through”

“Will he be alright?”, he asked, “If- when he wakes up, will he be alright?”

Aegon could not bring himself to doubt that Jacaerys would wake up, he just couldn’t, and the sharp intake of breath when that little “if” escaped him, told him that he wasn’t the only person in the room whose heart could not bear the thought of his nephew never waking up again. His eyes fell on Criston for just a moment, and he noticed that the knight was still on his post right by the door, but the way he was leaning in just a little bit told Aegon that he was listening closely to the conversation.

“I can’t say”, the Maester sighed defeated, “It is my opinion that the Prince will wake, but I can say nothing of how he will be once he does. I told the Princess Rhaenyra yesterday that if our Prince made it through the night, then he would wake soon enough, and I can only hope and pray that I am right. I’ve seen injuries less grave than the one he sustained take many, but I’ve also seen some with worse wounds pull through and lead normal lives. The Prince’s fate is in the hands of the Gods now”

After his mother had warned him of the consequences of consuming too much milk of the poppy, Aegon had almost been weary of drinking it, fearing what might happen if his mind became lost to him, as he still regretted the various cups he’d consumed the night before, since perhaps if he’d been sober he could’ve saved his nephew. But after hearing how incredibly unsure the Maester sounded as he told him that Jacaerys would wake, he drank the whole cup without hesitation.

He’d sworn off of wine that night, as he laid awake on his bed thinking back to each and every second of what had happened, and thought about how perhaps he would’ve been faster if he hadn’t been so deep in his cups, or maybe he could’ve chosen his words more wisely and convince his brother to realise he’d gone too far, or even to just turn against him if he wanted justice.

But now he just needed his brain to stop, so he drank the milk.

Its effects were quite immediate much to his surprise, and Aegon quickly found himself stumbling out of those chambers with much less grace than if he’d drank all the wine the Red Keep had to offer. The Maester had counciled Ser Criston to bring him straight to his chambers as he felt that Aegon needed to sleep, and thought that perhaps it would do him well to try and do so in a room that held some of his things, so he might find some comfort in what felt like home.

Sadly the man did not know that there was little comfort to be found anywhere in Aegon’s home.

His mind did not feel right, as he could barely form a coherent thought. It seemed as if all the thoughts he’d ever had were just running through his mind, and yet not one of them stuck around long enough for him to actually process it. His limbs felt incredibly heavy and he tried to play it off at first, bringing his hand to the wall and trying to find his balance as he walked, but then he stumbled.

“Be careful”, Ser Criston whispered as he caught him and subtly placed a hand on his back.

The knight had never been gentle with Aegon, and not once could he think of a moment when Criston had treated him with anything other than contempt, since Aegon believed that he shared the Queen’s opinion about him not caring enough about his duties or whatever. Aegon knew that Aemond thought of Criston as some sort of substitute for their father, but he’d never been able to do the same, no matter how hard he’d tried when he was a boy, seeing the bond between his little brother and the knight and wishing for nothing more than to just be there with them. But nothing, because no matter how hard he tried on the training grounds or how much attention he paid during his lessons, it was never enough for any of them.

He was never enough for them, but he had been enough for someone.

“What happens if he dies?”, he questioned the knight as his mind became more and more clouded by whatever magic laid in the milk of the poppy he’d drank.

Criston did not turn to him, continuing to walk as he tried not to react, and his attempt could’ve worked if it hadn’t been for the way the his breath got stuck in his throat and he forrowed his brows. His grip on Aegon’s waist tightened just a little bit, and though the Prince was perhaps not in the right mind to judge what was going on around him, it seemed like the knight had picked up his pace.

“I like Jace”, Aegon mumbled, “I don’t want him to die, do you?”

“No my Prince”, Criston sighed, nervousness seeping out of his every pore as he tried to get Aegon to his chambers as quickly as he could, evidently not caring to have this conversation with him.

“He’s a good boy”, he continued, “He’s a good and kind boy, and you people were always so mean to him. Bet you’re regretting that now huh? Having been so very mean to a little boy who’s dying now, how rude of you Ser”

Ser Criston stopped on his tracks, staring at Aegon with such sorrow and guilt in his eyes, a look of grief that the Prince missed as he could barely see the man, and yet somehow saw two Cristons standing before him. He tried to touch the shiny version of the knight, but his hand reached through him as Aegon let out a confused noise of surprise, and before he could do it again, Criston opened the door behind him.

“Will you wake me?”, Aegon whispered that last question as he settled on his bed, “If he dies please wake me, and make sure to bring a torch. If my friend is taken from me then I need to say goodbye, and Jace hates the dark, so I hope that wherever he goes isn’t dark. Do you know if the afterlife is dark Ser Criston?”

“I don’t know my Prince”, Criston mumbled.

“I hope it’s not”, he said finally as his eyelids began to feel heavy, “Jace deserves better than that”

Sleep welcomed him faster than ever in his life, and before Aegon could even shut his eyes he was lost to this world.

“Yes he does”, the knight whispered to noone.

Chapter Text

“I can’t do it”, Alicent cried, “I can’t do this, Viserys please”

“We must”, the King stated firmly, “I understand you’re upset Alicent, but please try to remember that it could’ve been so much worse than this”

“How?”, she questioned desperately, “How could anything be worse than my poor boy being sent to live with that craven you have for a brother?”

“Aemond almost killed someone”, Viserys grunted with such rage, something Aegon had never known his father to possess, “Your poor boy as you call him cracked someone’s head against a rock, that someone being his own nephew. Our child was ready to make himself a murderer Alicent, and the worst kind of murderer at that. Kinslaying is the gravest of sins, condemned by Gods and men alike and the one thing all agree should be punished with death, and I don’t know how many would say that a different fate should befall those who attempt it. Aemond meant to kill Jacaerys, and from what Baela, Rhaena and Lucerys have said, he meant to kill Luke as well”

His mother continued to plead for her husband to change his mind, to allow for Aemond to remain with them in the Red Keep, and even suggesting that she would take him to Oldtown herself and stay there with him for some time until things cooled off. His father raised an eyebrow at that, and just as it seemed like he might actually be considering it, someone knocked on the door.

“Your boat awaits you brother”, Daemon announced as he gave them all a fake smile, one that quickly turned into a knowing smirk as his eyes fell on Alicent and her state of distress.

“No”, the Queen denied, “No Viserys. You promised me that I could see him before we left”

“Why?”, the Prince questioned mockingly, “You want to drop some more poison in his ear? Want to tell him that he did nothing wrong by almost killing his nephew just one last time?”

Viserys let out a heavy breath at his brother’s words, frustration pouring out of him as though he was getting annoyed by his wife’s refusal to understand why this had to be done, he did not care for his brother’s gall.

“Please”, Alicent whispered as she turned to her husband, looking into his eyes and taking his hand into her own as she moved him further away from his brother, “My love please, you promised me. He’s my babe Viserys you know this, please just let me say goodbye”

Aegon saw the way his father’s gaze switched from his wife to his brother, evidently wanting to give into Alicent’s pleads but also not caring to hear the comments Daemon would probably make. He wasn't certain wether he wanted to see Aemond or not, especially after seeing Jace’s condition, but a part of him couldn’t stand the thought of not saying goodbye. As these past few days had proven things could change within the span of but a couple seconds, and lives could be forever altered because of a single moment, so Aegon knew that he needed to bid his brother goodbye.

“The eye was saved”, Helaena mumbled as if to reassure him, “Not all is lost”

“You can go Alicent”, Viserys finally conceeded, “But make it qui-”

“I think the boy should come here”, Daemon proposed, “He is my ward now, and I do not wish for him to be alone with those I can not trust”

“She is his mother Daemon”, the King chided him.

“And yet he is under my care now, as is your will as King”, the Prince said with a sneer, “I don’t care for the two of them to be alone, so I think it best that they meet with us here”

“No”, Alicent tried to resist.

“And why not?”, Daemon questioned mockingly, “Do you not want your husband or other children to bid him goodbye as well Alicent? Or do you have something to tell him that we can’t also hear?”

The Queen fell silent, frustration and anger pouring out every inch of her being as she once again turned to her husband, silently begging him to just abide by her will. Aegon understood his mother’s desperation, as he knew how scared she was at the prospect of Aemond being alone with Daemon, and yet his uncle seemed to have caught onto what had been going on at the Keep, so he had his reasons to not want Alicent to get her hands on Aemond.

“Ser Westerling”, the King called for his shield, “Bring my son here”

Aemond looked miserable as he walked in the room, a look of utter sadness and despair as he was brought in by Ser Westerling like a common criminal or even a prisoner, though in some ways he was both of those things. There was no hiding the misery in his heart, and yet Aemond tried, holding his head up high as he faced them all, much like their mother did when around the Keep.

The Queen immediately tried to throw herself at her second son and drag him to the side, only to then stop herself as the Rogue Prince placed himself between the two, reminding his brother’s wife that they had agreed that whatever she needed to say to Aemond, she could do so before them all.

“I’m alright mother”, Aemond mumbled, though it was obvious to Aegon that his words were empty, and that they were only being spoken in an attempt to soothe Alicent’s worries.

“You will be fine”, his mother choked out the words as she tried and failed to keep the tears at bay, “No matter what happens I’m here, alright? If he does anything you just write to me”

“I already vowed that I won’t touch him”, Daemon sighed as he rolled his eyes.

“As if I have any reason to trust your word”, she hissed.

After that little exchange his mother went back to ignoring the Rogue Prince in favor of her son, caressing his face with utter devotion as if trying to memorize each and every feature, as if convinced that she wouldn’t see him again. Though he knew the timing was wrong, Aegon couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart as he thought of what his mother would’ve done if he had found himself in that situation, and if she would’ve cared enough to treat him with such kindness.

She would’ve fought for him to stay, but just because she wanted him to be the King, not because he was her son. She would not have reassured him as she was doing to Aemond, and she certainly would not have held him close to her. He was naught but a pawn for power to her, just like she had been to her own father.

Never a child, only a tool to gain something for herself.

“You will be safe”, Helaena whispered when Aemond walked to her, “The road will be long and the tower will weigh heavy, but the God’s Eye will not cry for you brother”

Aemond gave his sister a confused look, slowly nodding to her as he knew that she meant to tell him something she deemed important, no matter how hard it was for him to understand. Aegon heard the way his mother sighed, rubbing her temples as she always did whenever Helaena spoke her riddles that everyone usually ignored, and yet there was someone present who had never paid witness to this phenomenon, and he seemed quite intrigued. Daemon's eyes focused on Helaena with a little too much interest for Aegon's liking, and he was but a second away from placing himself before his sister to shield her from their uncle's gaze, when he noticed that someone was now standing in front of him.

“Does it hurt?”, Aemond questioned lowly as he nodded to Aegon’s shoulder.

“Yes”, the elder answered truthfully.

“I’m sorry about that”, his brother mumbled, “I didn’t mean to”

Aegon wanted to accept Aemond’s apology, as he could tell that the younger desperately needed him to, and yet he couldn’t say a word. He knew that his brother’s outburst had been partially his fault, and that perhaps he’d deserved to get a dagger to the shoulder for all the times he’d mocked Aemond, and yet he couldn’t say a word. He could not forget the look of pride and victory he’d seen in his brother’s eyes as he held Luke by the neck, and as he jumped on Jacaerys before almost killing him.

Couldn’t forget the look on his face as he went to stab his only friend.

“You can keep your empty apologies to yourself”, Daemon chimed in, “Nobody cares to hear them, and the one who you should truly direct them can not hear them, so they mean nothing”

“Daemon”, Viserys hissed, “Aemond understands what he’s done, there is no need to be so mean”

“You ignoring the boy and your wife coddling him is the reason he turned out like this”, the Prince said mockingly, “I will not do anything of the sort”

“Oh because I can only imagine what a great father you are”, Alicent intervened, “With your daughters running around this place all alone in the middle of the night, such proper Ladies you’ve raised”

“I care not for my daughters to be proper Ladies”, Daemon huffed, “You of all know that that kind of life takes much and gives little back, and hey, my girls might not be perfect Princesses but at least they didn’t kill anyone, can you say the same of your son?”

His mother went to talk back, immediately rising to her feet from where she’d been crouching to be at Aemond’s eye level, but the second she stood up the Prince got closer to her, and though Aegon knew that Daemon would not dare harm his mother before the King, it seemed that she was not so certain.

“And perhaps you are not the one who should speak on what young girls should and shouldn’t do alone at night Alicent”, he whispered as he looked into her eyes with a mean smile on his face, “I may not have been there, but I know everything”

“You dare insinuat-”, Alicent began to say as her eyes became wide.

“Stop it”, Viserys intervened, “Both of you just stop this. Daemon you promised that you would behave, and Alicent you begged for Aemond to be brought here to bid him goodbye, so let us just do that”

After that nothing of note happened, as Alicent continued to tell Aemond that all was alright and that he would be safe, whispering to him that if anything were to happen she would be there for him. There was a certainty in her voice, as if she knew she would know immediately if Daemon were to try anything, and though Aegon could not be sure of it, he would be willing to bet that no matter where the Rogue Prince meant to go, his grandsire had already arranged for some of his own people to follow him.

Daemon himself seemed to be paying close attention to Alicent’s words, and from the little smirk on his face, Aegon doubted that his grandsire’s spies would make it out unscathed if discovered.

“Where will you go?”, Viserys asked his brother.

“I don’t know yet”, Daemon mused, “Perhaps we’ll go back to Pentos”

“Why don’t you stay here?”, the King questioned, “I’m certain that Rhaenys and Corlys would appreciate having their granddaughters so close”

“And yet I don’t think Rhaenyra would care for Aemond’s presence”, the Prince said, “I think she’s made it abundantely clear that she doesn’t want him anywhere near her or her children”

“She doesn’t get a say in this”, Alicent hissed, “Lord Corlys is the only one who can decide who sta-”

“And you think he’ll want his grandson’s murderer here?”, Daemon chuckled, “You should be thankful that my niece showed such mercy Alicent, because I can assure you that if your boy had cracked one of my girls’ skulls, I would not have done the same”

As his mother and uncle began to bicker once more, the King evidently grew tired of hearing them both and bid Aemond goodbye himself before sending him and Daemon away, much to Alicent’s dismay. Aegon could tell that his mother was but a second away from throwing herself on Aemond and grabbing onto him before he could leave the rooms, but alas he did, and the Queen cried.

She went back to begging her husband to change his mind, using a softer tone than what Aegon was used to hearing from her, probably trying to get the King to feel some pity for her and let Aemond stay, but nothing.

“All this for that kid”, was the first thing she hissed the second her husband took his leave, “Just bastard blood shed at war, no more no less. The Gods are punishing Rhaenyra for her sins, and my Aemond is suffering for no reason”

Aegon could not bear to hear her manic rambles anymore, so he just quietly left the chambers, with Alicent far too focused on losing her mind to pay attention to him. The second he stepped foot out of those rooms he knew where he had to go, and yet he feared he would not be able to do it.

He would be leaving soon enough, and he had to say goodbye.

As he made his way around the castle, he tried to do so without grabbing anyone’s attention, since he was not certain of where exactly his grandsire was, and knowing that he would be stuck on a boat with that man for days, he did not care to earn his ire. There were few people around, as most were probably gathered outside to look at the dragons that had begun to take to the skies, and for a moment Aegon was happy as he looks outside the window, seeing Sunfyre and little Vermax flying together one more time. But that happiness didn't last too long, as the dragon was but a reminder of his rider, and Aegon's heart broke as he thought of all the times himself and Jacaerys had dreamed of flying together, and of how that might never happen.

Aegon hated that he had to leave, if it were up to him he would stay here until Jacaerys woke up to make sure that his nephew was alright, as he would hate getting back to the Keep only to receive a letter that brought news of Jace’s death. He didn’t know what he would do if his nephew died, and his mother’s speech on how it would be naught but the Gods’ way of punishing his sister had made him angry, both at her and at the Gods Themselves.

How would it make any sense for the Gods to punish Rhaenrya’s sins by killing her child? Jacaerys was an innocent, and Aegon had always hated how his mother would make it sound like his nephew was somehow at fault for having been born, though in truth he supposed that she thought the same of him, blaming her eldest for having been born as if he’d had any choice on the matter.

He’d never been a man of faith, and yet as he made his way to Jace’s chambers he prayed silently, begging whichever god may have been listening to spare his nephew.

“My Prince”, a guard bowed to him as he stood outside of Jace’s rooms, “I don’t know if-”

“It’s fine Qarl”, Laenor whispered as he opened the door, “He can come in”

After that both Laenor and Qarl took their leave, telling Aegon that they would be back soon and reassuring him that the knights of Driftmark would guard the hallway, before then asking him to keep his voice down since Lucerys was sleeping. Aegon slowly walked into the rooms, eyes immediately finding his nephew as he slept on his bed with a small frown on his face and a wooden statue in his hands. For a moment Aegon thought of Ser Harwin, and how he would so love to know that even though he was gone, a part of him was still bringing Luke some comfort in such a dark time.

Memories of his final moments with the knight flooded Aegon’s mind, as he was reminded of how much the little family that resided in this room had already lost, and he once more prayed for the Gods to not take anyone else away from them all.

Rhaenyra was sitting by Jacaerys’ side as she had been for days now, just sitting there in silence with her son’s hand cradled within her own as she held it close to her cheek. Her other hand was gently caressing his head, and Aegon couldn’t help the small pout on his face as he noted that his nephew’s hair was gone, as he’d always liked it so much. Rhaenyra was evidently much too lost in her own mind to notice him, and Aegon felt a pang in his heart as he thought of how she must be feeling.

He too was suffering greatly because of what had happened, and yet he could not imagine what Rhaenyra was going through. She’d been forced to leave the only home she’d ever known because of how people were treating her and most importantly her children, the man she loved had been taken from her so abruptly only to then die so tragically, her cousin had lost her life, and then her son was almost killed.

His mother said this was all a punishment, and perhaps it was, but that did not mean it was a fair one.

Before Aegon could even think of something to say, someone knocked on the door. Without even thinking about it he stuck himself in the first wardrobe he found, eyes wide and chest heaving as he irrationally feared that his mother had shown up. He’d heard her speak to her own father about it, as Otto believed that perhaps the Queen could use her previous relationship with the Princess to get her to be more leniant with Aemond. His mother had not seemed convinced, and yet in this moment Aegon feared that actually seeing Aemond one last time had made her change her mind.

If she found out he was here he would never hear the end of it, so he remained hidden.

The second Rhaenyra got up Aegon could tell that all the fight that had driven her for the past few days had left her, as she slowly made her way to the door. There was a look of despair in her eyes, as if she’d given up. Aegon knew that the Maesters had pretty much moved into Jace’s rooms after whatever it was that he had suffered the last time Aegon saw him, and from the look on his sister’s face, he feared what the men may have said about Jace’s condition.

“Go away”, he heard Rhaenyra say, the desperation in her voice making her sound like she was begging whomever she was speaking to, “I can’t do this right now, just go away”

“Please”, Criston whispered, “Please Princess, I need to see him”

“No”, his sister denied.

“I beg you”, the knight insisted, “If this is to be the last time I just wish to see him, just once”

Aegon couldn’t see much, as the wardrobe he was hiding in was infront of Jace’s bed while Rhaenyra and Criston were by the door, and though their voices were muffled as well, he heard it just fine when his sister let out a small sob. Rhaenyra had never been one to show such emotion or vulnerability, especially not infront of someone like Criston, and yet it seemed that in this moment everything had become too much for her to bear.

As he faintly heard the back and forth between his sister and the knight continue, his eyes remained stuck on Jacaerys, and his heart almost failed him when he heard odd sounds coming from the boy.

“It’s alright”, Rhaenyra cooed as she ran to her son, “It’s alright my love, just breathe”

The second she reached Jacaerys, Rhaenyra gently moved him to lay on his side, grabbing a random cloth and placing it over his mouth as the boy continued to cough. From what Aegon could see his nephew’s eyes remained closed, and though his body was not shaking as it had on that horrible day, the image was still disturbing.

“What is happening to him?”, Criston questioned lowly as he made his way to the bed, “Should I call the Maesters?”

“They can’t do anything”, she snapped angrily, frustration and desperation evident in her voice as she threw the cloth to the side, leaving Aegon to stare at it as he noticed the blood spatters, it wasn’t much, but the fact that there was any at all was concerning enough.

“Not even Gerardys knows what to do”, she continued, “That night they told me he would die, and that there was nothing they could do to change that. I sat on this very bed holding his head together as they continued to say that he would be dead within the hour, and yet he lived. They told me he would die by the morrow, and yet he lived. But now they don’t know why he won’t wake”

Rhaenyra looked to be on the verge of some kind of meltdown, one that would either lead to her crying or to her setting the whole place alight. She grabbed onto the sheets on Jace’s bed like her life depended on it, and as she began to almost rip them apart she took a hold of her son’s hand, and that seemed to calm her down somewhat.

“After what happened a couple days ago they had to cut his hair”, she mumbled as she caressed Jace’s head, “His body shook so violently and without control that his stitches opened once more, so they cut his hair off to see the wound better. You must be happy about it, as I know you hated it so much”

“I don-”, the knight tried.

“I know everything Criston”, she shut him down, “My boys are much too reserved to say anything to you, but they tell me everything. I know of each and every time you made fun of them, of him, let it be for his hair or his weakness as a swordsman. You come here begging me to let you see him as if it isn’t your fault that he’s here in the first place”

“How is this my fault?”, he questioned, “I wasn’t there when Aem-”

“Luke and the twins told me of all that happened on that night”, she said, “I didn’t bring it up because I did not care for you to try and take the attention away from what happened to my son by calling me a whore or whatever you or Alicent would’ve come up with this time. Aemond called my sons bastards”

Thinking back on that night, Aegon had been much surprised that nobody had mentioned this happening. Aemond had not attacked Jace and Luke because they were bastards, and yet he had stated plainly that because of their birth they were less worthy of life, and Aegon knew exactly who he’d heard that from, as his mother had said that many times before. In all fairness to him Criston had never said anything akin to that, but she'd stood by she who had, so he was not innocent. His sister’s reasoning made sense however, as Aegon knew for a fact that if anyone had brought up the discourse around the true parentage of Rhaenyra’s boys, all would’ve forgotten why they were actually there in the first place.

Because who cares about a dying boy when you can call out the sullied Princess?

“Aemond said that my boys didn’t deserve to be alive”, Rhaenyra hissed, “And I can only wonder who he heard that from. I know my sons played those stupid pranks on him, but I also know that they both apologised for them. Aemond’s anger certainly stemmed from that as well, but it was yours and Alicent’s words that convinced him that he could kill them without consequence, because they’re just lowly bastards right?”

Criston did not utter a word, but he did at least have the decency to look ashamed. Aegon did not know what had happened between the two adults in the room, and in truth he did not care much, but he just could not fathom how Criston could refer to Jace in such terms, especially since he’d apparently always known that that was his son.

But it seemed that just like the Queen, her shield was incapable of separating his anger for Rhaenyra from her children, who in turn were forced to suffer his ire for reasons they did not understand.

“I’m sorry”, is all he said in the end.

“It doesn’t matter”, she sighed defeated, “If he doesn’t wake up nothing matters anymore”

“He will wake up”, Criston mumbled, “He has to”

Rhaenyra just shook her head, letting out a deep breath that expressed both her frustration with the knight and her utter desperation as her eyes remained stuck on her son. In some ways Aegon could imagine that it hurt to hear Criston’s words as he insisted that Jace would survive, because in truth none knew that to be true, and from experience Aegon knew that losing hope hurt more than anything.

The Maesters had said that since Jace had survived the night that he would probably live, giving Rhaenyra reason to hope, and yet her son had yet to wake, and she was beginning to lose herself.

“He looks like my mother”, the knight whispered as he got closer to the bed, eyes stuck on Jacaerys as he stood by his side, “She would not be proud of how I behaved with him, but I know she will protect him from this”

The room fell silent after that, as Aegon could tell that a part of Rhaenyra wanted to scream at Criston to stop talking and get out, and yet she couldn’t. All her strength had abandoned her, and she could do naught but sit there and cling to her son, holding onto him with such might as if daring Balerion Himself to take him from her. Aegon did not know if he would’ve allowed Criston to be anywhere near Jacaerys after all he’d said and done, and yet he was almost glad that the knight had gotten this one moment with his son, even if he didn’t deserve it.

Before taking his leave Criston gave Jacaerys one final look, daring to place his hand on the boy’s and caressing it gently before whispering that they would see each other again, and Aegon saw how Rhaenyra’s entire body shivered at his words, head falling forward and crying softly as soon as the door closed.

He remained stuck in place in the wardrobe, deciding that this had not been his wisest move to date as he did not think it an appropriate moment to get out and finally reveal his presence as his sister cried. He’d never seen her like this, and didn’t know how to behave. She had been kind to him last time, understanding that he simply wanted to be by Jace’s side, but he did not know if she would take kindly to him having witnessed her in such a state.

Soon enough little Joffrey woke up and began fussing for his mother from the other room, and Aegon took advantage of Rhaenyra’s temporary absence to quickly get out of the wardrobe and sprinting to the entrance of the rooms, deciding that pretending like he’d just gotten there was the best course of action. Rhaenyra might not mind him seeing her cry, as it was more than obvious that her desperation for her son was making it impossible for her to care about upholding appearences, and yet to know that Aegon now knew about Criston might be a bit too much for her.

“I came to say goodbye”, he said quickly the second Rhaenyra’s eyes landed on him, “I don’t mean to distur-”

“It’s alright”, she interrupted him.

The two sat by Jace’s bed, as Rhaenyra’s hand immediately took his once more while holding her youngest to her chest, cooing at him softly whenever he made some noise. Aegon could not imagine how difficult it was for her to care for a babe with everything that was going on, and yet Rhaenyra’s devotion to her children seemed to be the one thing that never faultered no matter what happened.

The whole word could fall to pieces, and she would still be by her boys’ side.

“I’m so sorry”, he whispered after some time, and wether he was speaking to Jace or Rhaenyra he did not know.

He subtly placed his hand on Jacaerys’, looking to Rhaenyra to see if he could or not, but as she gave him a sad smile he grasped onto his nephew’s hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of it and feeling somewhat relieved as he finally felt the warmth of Jace’s body against his own. His nephew didn’t look well, but he was alive, and that was all anyone could ask for at this point.

“I know I have no right to ask this of you”, he mumbled quietly, “But I hope you might keep me updated on his condition. I know you will tell the King, and that is alright, but I don’t know if he will tell me. And I’m certain that you have much more pressing concerns than to bother writing letters to me of all people, but I was just wondering if may-”

“Yes”, she said, “You’re Jace’s greatest friend, you deserve to know”

“I never got his letters”, he admitted without looking at her.

Aegon knew he shouldn’t say it, and that he was perhaps daring too far, because in the end this was still the woman who according to his mother would slaughter him for a bunch of melted swords, and if anyone found out he would suffer until his last day, and yet he couldn’t risk Rhaenyra’s missives being taken by his mother or his grandsire.

“Jace told me that he wrote to me”, he continued, “And I wrote to him as well, but the letters disappeared”

Rhaenyra looked confused for a moment, but then a look of understanding dawned on her, one of disappointment and sadness, and perhaps even anger. She knew that her boys were very close to their uncle, and that in many ways apart from herself, Harwin and the Velaryons, Aegon was the only person who truly cared for them, one who they cared for in return. And to know that those who hated her so had tried to get between them angered her greatly, because as always her children were paying for her mistakes. She understood that Alicent hated her, and perhaps she even had reason to, but her boys had no fault in any of it, and yet they had become the Queen’s favorite target.

“I will write to you”, she said surely, “Don’t worry, I will make sure my letters get to you”

Leaving Jace’s rooms was much harder than Aegon had expected, not wishing to bid his nephew goodbye and struggling to cope with the fact that this might be the last time he saw him alive. He lingered by his bedside for much longer than he should have, just standing there staring at him as he couldn’t find the air he needed to speak.

He didn’t know what to say, but he needed to say something.

In the end he remained silent, just tightening his hold on Jace’s hand a couple times before letting go and walking away, knowing that if he turned back just once he would never leave. He looked to Lucerys as well, happy to see that his little nephew was still asleep and yet saddened to see that the frown on his face had yet to budge, carefully fixing the blankets that had begun to slip away from the boy’s body and walking to the doors.

“Aegon”, Rhaenyra called to him, “You can write to Jace as well if you want, I promise that I'll read him your letters”

“Hopefully he will read them himself”, is all he managed to say.

And then he turned to leave, eyes closed as he prayed that his words rang true, and that the next time he saw his nephew wouldn’t be at his funeral.

“Valonqar”, Rhaenyra called for him once more.

“Yes?”, he questioned as he looked at her.

“Happy nameday”, she said with a sad smile.

Aegon had never cared for his nameday, and had never loved the feasts his parents threw for him, as his mother would often use them only to parade him around as the King’s firstborn son, and not caring to actually celebrate the birth of her child, though in truth Aegon doubted that to her that was something worthy of celebration. He’d almost forgotten about it this year with everything that had happened, and he’d thought that all had forgotten about it as well.

But it seemed that not everyone had.

Chapter Text

“Stop crying Alicent”, Otto huffed annoyed, “It is most unbecoming of you as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms to be seen weeping. You must show strength now more than ever, because what happened on Driftmark is most grave, and we must find ways to make up for-”

“I don’t care”, Alicent screeched, “I don’t care father. My Aemond is gone, left alone with that beast as we just went back home without him. I was forced to leave my babe behind, and you scold me for crying?”

“Crying is of no use to us”, he insisted, “Noone will feel for the mother of someone who did what Aemond decided to do at High Tide, as most will probably think that the consequences he suffered were not enough. You saw the way everyone looked at that girl and her brood of bastards, and if you thought she could do as she pleased before, you must know she will be able to get away with anything now, and you have your beloved Aemond to thank for that”

Alicent sighed, shaking her head as she continued to cry, clinging to her Seven Pointed Star pendant as she prayed for the Mother to keep her son safe, as she’d been doing since that cursed night. Aegon on the other hand just sat there, cringing at the way his arm throbbed from the pain, and yet not daring to ask for more milk of the poppy. He didn’t remember much of what he’d said to Criston when he’d drank the liquid, but the way the knight had been avoiding him since then made him fear that he may have perhaps dared too far while not in control of himself.

And he was not about to do that infront of his grandsire, so he suffered in silence.

“Some people already saw her as a victim because of your petty actions”, Otto continued, “But now that your son may have killed hers? All know Rhaenyra is most devoted to her children, and if that bastard dies none would fault her for killing Aemond, or those who stood by him. I told you Alicent, all those years ago I told you we were all in danger, and now more than ever my words ring true. You must compose yourself because we must act”

“What do you want me to do?”, she questioned frustrated, “I can’t turn back time and stop those kids from attacking my boy, and I can’t get anyone to understand that my Aemond was just defending himself. I can’t do anything father”

“But I can”, he said, “Once things settle a bit we will speak to Viserys and convince him to grant Aegon a place in the Small Council, perhaps as a cupbeare-”

“Aegon is the future King”, Alicent intervened, “It would be most unbecoming for him to be seen serving wine to those who will one day serve him”

“You think he should have a seat at the Council?”, her father asked mockingly, “He who is not the Heir to the Iron Throne and who has never given anyone reason to believe he would be of any use to anyone, let alone the Lords of the Small Council. Aegon will be the King Alicent, you are correct, but we must play our cards right if we wish for that to happen without anyone putting up a fight against us. The people know Aegon will be their King, but it is up to us to show them all that he will be a good one”

Aegon tried to separate himself from the situation, playing with his fingers as he resisted the urge to just get up and leave. He had too much on his mind as it was, and did not care for his grandsire’s talks of him sitting the throne. He turned to the side, watching the clouds as they slowly moved in the sky and trying to focus on them, tuning out Otto’s voice as it got closer and closer.

But ignoring his grandsire was never a good idea.

“Listen to me”, the man grunted as his hand collided with Aegon’s face, “Your brother’s actions have caused us enough trouble, and it now falls on you to make it up for us all. You must behave Aegon, you must show everyone that one bad apple does not make for a rotten batch. Having a kinslayer for a brother does not help your case as King, but that does not mean all is lost”

“My Aemond is not a kinslayer”, Alicent cried, “The bastard still lives, yet another reason why I don’t understand why Aemond was taken from me. Jacaerys is alive is he not? So why must Aemond suffer for killing someone who isn’t dead?”

“Because he purposefully broke the child’s skull against a rock Alicent”, Otto argued back, eyes wide as he turned to his daughter and sighed heavily, evidently annoyed by her insistance that Aemond had done nothing wrong.

Aegon knew that when in public his grandsire would bend over backwards to lessen the gravity of what his brother had done, mainly to salvage their family’s reputation, and yet not even he could deny the seriousness of Aemond’s actions. His mother was trying, desperate to convince both herself and those around her that her favorite son had just been defending himself, so she might perhaps get him back sooner rather than later.

But no matter what she said, Aegon knew that she understood very well that that would not happen.

Alicent knew that what Aemond had done was wrong, and that no matter what she said or did there would be no erasing that night from anyone’s memory, and that it would follow her son until his last day, but she couldn’t accept that. She’d always held Aemond closest to her heart, with him being the only child she showed any kind of true affection toward, and yet he’d still done what he did. She was desperately trying to find a way to make excuses for him, though she knew it was an impossible feat, and yet she was willing to try, much to Otto’s annoyance.

From the first moment his grandsire had stepped foot in the Keep, Aegon had seen that Otto was an overly ambitious man and that he dared way too far than he ever should have, and yet it was most obvious that he also knew what he was doing. Otto was but a second son, and yet he’d risen far above what anyone of his station should ever dream of, and he wasn’t going to let anyone ruin it for him. He was a ruthless man, and as Aegon knew that he had sold his only daughter to get closer to the crown, he did not doubt that his grandsire would be capable of anything to actually get it.

“Rhaenyra not being here is good for us”, Otto continued, “If all saw the Princess as she was when we left, and if they saw the boy’s condition then many of our possible allies would be lost to us, but the longer she stays away the more time we have to make things right without her getting in our way. Aegon must become a constant presence at court, so all might see that he can uphold his duties as a Prince but also as his father’s rightful successor. Soon enough himself and Helaena will be married, and that will help us as we-”

Aegon had vowed himself that he would not drink anymore wine, and yet it was as if his grandsire’s words had made the goblet magically appear in his hand, and suddenly he was drinking as many cups as he could muster. With everything that had happened he’d almost forgotten about his upcoming marriage, and in some way had hoped that perhaps it would be called off, as it would not look good for him to be seen celebrating so soon after his brother had almost killed their nephew.

But alas.

“By losing Aemond we also lost Vhagar”, his grandsire said, “But that does not mean that they will not help us when the time comes. A dragon such as Vhagar is the greatest asset we could’ve asked for, and while Aemond learns how to wield his new-found weapon he will also be giving us information about our enemy, and I’ve already arranged for that to happen often enough to keep us updated on whatever Rhaenyra and her uncle plan to do. We on the other hand must bring more people by our side, and I think the wedding festivities are our greatest occasion to do that, hence why I think they should happen soon”

“Father wait”, Alicent tried to intervene, “There is still time”

“Oh but there isn’t”, Otto grunted frustrated, “You saw your husband Alicent, he’s been sick for years but what happened at High Tide shook him to his core, and it seems that his health will also suffer as a consequence of that godsforsaken night. We've been back here for but a mere day and already he's locked himself in his chambers, and as I tried to gain entrance this morn I heard him weeping, and I was later told that he called for Mellos to brew him some sleeping draft, so he's just getting worse. Rhaenyra will gain too much power once everyone finds out what Aemond did, as all will see her as a victim and our family as the villains, and since we’re not certain of how long Viserys still has left on this earth, we must act quickly to ensure Aegon’s claim is strengthened by heirs”

“Helaena is too young”, Aegon mumbled, beginning to feel the effects of the wine, “She’s not even thirteen namedays old yet, just give her more time and maybe in a couple years you can ruin her li-”

Wether his grandsire slapped him or punched him Aegon did not know for certain, but either way he quickly found himself on the floor, too deep in his cups to hold onto the table after Otto hit him. He heard his mother gasp and this time even she realised that Otto had gone too far, walking to him and placing a hand on her father's arm as if to force him away from Aegon, but the snarl he let out as he turned to her made her back away in fear.

Between the pain on his shoulder as his injured side hit the ground and that on the side of his head as his grandsire struck him, Aegon just laid there motionless, staring at Otto as the man crouched down by his side and grabbed his face.

“You have one job, just one”, he hissed, “I don’t need you to be a political mastermind or a great swordsman, or even a good person for that matter, I just need you to be quiet and do what is asked of you. As a Prince and future King you have more privileges than you will ever understand, and all that is asked of you in return is to listen to he who allowed you to live such a life. It is thanks to me that you all live in such comfort, and both of you should remember that before ever daring to presume that you know better than I. You will do your duty and marry Helaena, and she will be with child by the end of the year Aegon, and that babe better be a son”

Aegon felt like he could not breathe, as his grandsire's elbow dug into his chest and no matter how much he wanted to, he could not stop looking into his eyes, so full of hatred and disgust that it made tears well up in Aegon's eyes.

"You are a Prince", the man grunted, "You are a Prince and one day you will be a King, that is the truth Aegon, so you may as well stop acting like a child. Your very life depends on you taking the throne, or do you think Rhaenyra will spare you? You think she will spare you because what, because she loves you? You think you can just take your little dragon and go to her, and that she'll take you in? With that fucked up arm you're not flying anywhere Aegon, not even to your death. Or even better, you think she'll spare you because you think her children love you. I read those ridiculous letters you wrote boy, and all I will say about them, is that you're lucky I need you alive"

Aegon could do naught but remain silent, eyes locked on his grandsire’s as Otto’s words rendered him speechless, before the man then let him go and turned to his daughter, whose wide eyes remained stuck on the floor.

“And you”, he grunted as he neared her, “You will stop complaining this second and remember who you are and what you must do. Your second son is gone Alicent, and there is nothing you can do about that now. You must however work on your husband, to take advantage of the fact that Rhaenyra isn’t here and get him to see Aegon for who he was always meant to be, the Heir to the Iron Throne. That is the only way you have to save Aemond, you do know that right? Rhaenyra may have granted him some mercy now, to show all how good of a Princess she is that she would spare he who harmed her son, but you and I both know that the second that whore gets her hands on the throne she will kill him. So we must act”

As mother and son remained frozen on the spot, both breathing heavily and yet not daring to move a muscle, Otto just left. The man’s words hung in the air and weighed on their hearts, and without knowing it they both thought the same thing.

Why me?

Aegon had always thought that he was much too different from his mother for her to see anything of herself in him and maybe feel some affection towards him, as he thought that the similarities between them were the reasons why she preferred Aemond, but perhaps it had always been the opposite. In the end both were nothing but pawns, and they knew it. Alicent had given up her life for her father’s ambitions, and she knew it. Aegon would give up his own for his mother’s and grandsire’s, and he knew it.

And though perhaps they could’ve found comfort in each other, they remained silent.

“My Queen”, Criston called for her as he opened the door, “His Grace the King has become ill, I thought you would want to know”

“Of course”, Alicent said immediately, snapped out of her trance as worry took hold of her heart and she left, scurrying to get to her husband.

Aegon remained on the floor, unshed tears in his eyes as he continued to stare at nothing, far too lost in his own mind to even notice the man as he walked to him after closing the door. His grandsire’s words tormented him, as he had once more made sure to remind Aegon that everyone’s lives depended on him, and he just couldn’t move.

If it was true enough that Otto knew about the letters he'd sent Jacaerys, then Aegon was as good as dead. His grandsire had spoken plainly, if he didn't need Aegon to get the throne, he would've killed him for all he wrote to his nephews, but murder was not the only way one had to kill someone. Aegon found himself hunched over on the floor, hand grasping at his chest as his eyes frantically looked at the floor, trying to make sense of how he would survive what his grandsire had in store for him. Panic took hold of his heart, and as Aegon heaved, he failed to notice that the door had been closed and a man was now approaching him.

“My Prince”, the knight whispered, “My Prince are you alright? Let me help you stand up, and then we will get you to your roo-”

“Let go of me”, Aegon grunted, wine and fear clouding his mind as he slapped the man’s hand away from his arm, “Follow your master like the good pup you are and leave me alone”

Criston let out a heavy sigh, straightening himself up but staying put, much to Aegon’s annoyance. The Prince didn’t stand up, choosing instead to almost crawl to the table, reaching up just high enough to get his wine and then sitting back down, immediately downing another cup before the knight could stop him.

Aegon just wanted to be alone, and definitely didn’t care for his mother’s dog to be the one keeping him company right now. He wanted to be alone and drown his sorrows in wine, and the knight’s presence was infuriating him. He’d never much liked Criston, mainly because he only saw him as an extension of his mother but also because of how he treated his nephews, and now that he knew the truth of his relationship to Jacaerys things were so much worse.

The thought of his nephew haunting his mind as a part of him had convinced itself that Jace had died the second they left, and that Aegon wouldn’t know until it was too late and that he would not be allowed to attend the funeral, and that Jace would think think that he hadn’t cared enough to be with him in his last moments.

Could Jace hear him even while asleep?

Should he have spoken to him?

Did Jace know that he had left?

Did he understand that he never would’ve done that if he hadn’t been forced?

Did Jace know that he’d taken a knife to the chest for him?

Did he know that he would’ve taken another if it meant his nephew would be alright?

“My Prince”, Criston tried once more, even moving to grab onto his cup, “You should st-”

“Fuck you”, Aegon hissed, “Nobody here fucking cares about what happened. All of you are just too fucking worried about yourselves to care about the fact that a boy might die. Jacaerys never did anything to anyone, and yet you all hate him so that you can’t ever bother feel bad for him now that he lays there dying, because of things you put in Aemond’s mind. Because of me. My best friend is fucking dying because of me”

“That’s not true”, the knight said, trying to use a soothing tone as angry tears ran down the Prince's cheeks, “You’re not at fault for this my Pr-”

“But I am”, Aegon insisted, “All those cursed pranks were my doing, all because I wanted Aemond to feel as miserable as I do, and that is your fault. You all treat me like shit and then complain that I lock myself in my rooms, and they treat Jacaerys like shit and now they don’t even have the decency to even try and look like they care. And you treat him like shit too, and yet that remorseful look on your face angers me more than their lack of interest, because at least they’re being honest”

The knight did not utter a word, just looking back at the door to make sure it was closed and that noone was coming in, worried that they would hear the Prince and yet not knowing how to stop the boy from talking. He wanted to leave but feared what might happen if he left Aegon alone since he was so upset, but also very much did not care to have this conversation with the evidently drunken Prince.

“You’ve always treated Jace like shit”, he continued, “Always mocking him and making him feel less than for naught but your own enjoyment, and now he’s dying and you have the gall to look guilty? Well you should, all of you should. You can dislike Rhaenyra all you want, but you don’t need to take it out onto her children, and yet you do. He might be dead already, do you realise that? My nephew might be dead as we sit right here, and what would you do then Ser? Would you follow my mother as she insists that ‘tis just worthless bastard blood shed at war?”

In truth Aegon wasn’t even that drunk, but he was angry. He was angry at everything and everyone, and Criston was such an easy target. The man had been miserable for days after everything that had happened, and the way his entire body flinched when Aegon quoted his mother made him chuckle. The guilt the knight felt was obvious to anyone who had eyes to see, and in some ways Aegon relished in it, in knowing that apart from him, another person who should feel bad actually did.

“My father’s heart would fail him, that’s for certain”, he mused, “And my mother and grandsire would throw a great feast to celebrate Jace’s death, before Rhaenyra came to kill us all that is, as she should. Would you celebrate as well Criston? Would you toast to the death of a child who had no fault in this world but to have been born to a whorish Princess and her sworn shield?”

The speed at which Criston’s wide eyes immediately found Aegon’s was almost comical, as the knight evidently tried to understand which shield the Prince was referring to. Aegon knew that it probably would not bode well for him if Ser Cole found out that he knew everything, and he could only imagine how fun the training sessions would be as the knight sought revenge for having been caught, and yet he didn’t care.

His nephew was dying and if that happened his older sister would set them all alight, his brother was gone and in his heart Aegon knew that if Daemon killed him it would be his fault, his younger sister had gone mad and he would be forced to lay with her by the end of the year, and there was a chance that he would never ride his dragon again.

He had nothing to lose.

“I think it’s best you go to bed”, Criston said finally.

“Why?”, Aegon mocked, “Am I being rude? Or am I speaking the truth, something nobody dares to do in this fucking place. If people spoke plainly things would be much different. All would know my mother is naught but a creature of envy that lives off the misery of others, that my grandsire is the most ambitious man on earth and that he would skin us all alive if it meant he got a throne in return, and that you fucked my sister”

Criston’s lips pressed together so tightly that Aegon just knew it had to hurt, and he was glad of it. The man had never been kind to anyone, let it be Aegon or his own son by blood, and he was happy to know that after Jace had suffered so at his hands, he was now suffering as well.

“Or maybe people do know”, he taunted him, “Is that yet another reason why my mother hates Rhaenyra so much? Is she jealous? Are you fucking my mother too Ser Cole? Has the incorruptable Queen sullied herself with a lover? Is that why you didn’t notice when we all snuck out of rooms at High Tide? Were you too busy fucking my mother while your son’s head was cracked ope-”

“Please just stop it”, Criston grunted both angry and exasperated as he stood up to tower over him.

Aegon flinched at his tone, instinctively curling into himself as the man’s figure suddenly became much bigger, and for but a second his grandsire appeared in his stead. Without meaning to he let out a small cry of fear, and that seemed to snap the knight out of the rage fuelled spell he’d fallen under for but a moment.

“I’m sorry”, the man said immediately as he approached him, “I’m sorry my Prince, I didn’t mean- it was a mistake- please my Prince I did-”

“It’s alright”, Aegon mumbled as he let out a humourless chuckle, trying to regain some composure as he suddenly felt embarrassed by the noise he’d made, “It’s alright Ser, don’t worry about it”

“No wait”, Criston insisted as he tried to stop Aegon from standing up, probably worried that he would run and tell his parents that a member of the Kingsguard had screamed at a Prince of the Realm.

“I won’t tell anyone”, he reassured him, “Not that they would care”

Alright, perhaps he was a little drunk.

“That's not my concern”, the knight said, “That wasn’t right of me. I never should have raised my voice with you my Prince, and I beg for your forgiveness”

Aegon just waved his hand, stumbling to the chair and sitting on it while pouring himself another glass of wine, staring at the red liquid as it filled his cup, cringing as its color reminded him of all the blood he’d seen on his nephew, an image that only spurred him to drink more.

“Aegon please”, Criston spoke once more, “I shouldn’t have screamed at you, and I’m sorry if I scared you, I was jus-”

“Mad that I called Jace your son”, he finished for him, “Is that not what he is though? The lowly bastard you hate so much, one you trained my brother to hate alongside my mother, and one who will probably die, and he is yours. I won’t tell anyone Ser, don’t worry about it. My sister already has enough to worry about as her son lay dying before her”

He could tell that Criston wanted to say something, mouth opening and closing over and over as he just stared at him, probably wondering wether it was worth trying to deny Aegon’s words. He could tell that the knight was panicking, and yet there was some shame in his eyes as well, and wether that was because of Aegon knowing his big secret, or because someone but him knew how he’d been treating his son and his son’s mother all this time Aegon didn’t know, but it didn’t matter.

All knew Jacaerys was not Laenor’s son by blood, and nobody actually cared about who his father was. By the time Jace was born Ser Harwin had already become Rhaenyra’s shield, so people just saw two heads of dark hair and decided that that was proof enough. The story of a sullied Princess was one they all had heard before, as though Aegon could not remember her name he knew that another Targaryen Princess had done much the same many years ago, but she had left.

That Princess had found her way out, and if Mellos was to be trusted she and her children were living their lives without worry of judgement from those of the court, something Rhaenyra and her sons could not dream of doing.

Aegon wondered if his sister would ever step foot back in King’s Landing, and though he knew that he would not have done it, as if he did have a choice in the matter he would’ve left when on his very first flight with Sunfyre, and yet he hoped that she would. He knew it was foolish, as just like his grandsire said Rhaenyra now had more reasons than ever to want him and his family dead, and yet he hoped to see his nephews again.

His life at the Keep had never been easy, and what awaited him in the future would somehow be worse than what he’d known so far, and he knew that just seeing his nephews would help him a little.

“I hope Jace comes to visit”, he mumbled, “Once he wakes, if he does, I hope he comes to visit”

“I do as well”.

Chapter Text

“He doesn’t want to see me”, Aegon sighed frustrated.

“Of course he does”, his mother chided him, “You are his son Aegon, of course he wants to see you”

He wanted to chuckle at that, wishing to ask his mother when she had ever wanted to see him, or when his father had ever asked to in all his fifteen years of life. He had vague memories of his childhood, and of spending some time with the King here and there, mainly at big events like his nameday celebrations, and from what he remembered his father had doted on him, but that was long gone.

“He called for you himself”, she said with a small smile.

“And why would he do that?”, Aegon questioned.

“Because you are his son”, she insisted, “I know that your father has not been too present in your life, but these past couple of days he’s done naught but tell me that he wishes to see you. I don’t know what spurred this change within him Aegon, but ‘tis a good thing”

Aegon sighed, wondering what may have happened for his father to suddenly care to see him, as he never had before. He didn’t know what exactly he’d done to deserve for his father to set him aside in such a way, because even though he knew that the King did not wish him to be his Heir, he was still his son. The two had lived in the same place for Aegon’s entire life, and yet he could not remember the last time they’d had an actual conversation, or the last time he’d been in his father’s chambers, hence why he did not feel too comfortable entering them with his mother.

“My King”, Alicent said as she gave her husband a small curtsy, using a soft and gentle tone and smiling at him as Aegon knew she was probably still trying to make up for the outburst she’d had back at High Tide.

It had been almost a sennight now since they’d been back at the Keep, and thankfully Aegon had spent most of this time alone in his own chambers, as Mellos had determined that he needed to rest if he wanted his arm to have the slightest chance of healing properly. His mother visited him every day, sadly, and Aegon had heard her paranoid rants about what she was convinced was happening to Aemond while in his uncle’s grasp, though in truth she actually hadn’t heard anything from him yet. His grandsire had promised that his spies would deliver and that Aemond would communicate with them soon enough, and yet they’d received no missives so far.

His mother was truly beginning to lose it at this point, and Aegon didn't know what to do about it. It seemed that the letters she'd been waiting to receive from Aemond were but the one thing keeping her sane, and the longer she went without hearing from her son, the less she could care about anything else.

She had seemingly stopped focusing on Rhaenyra or her children, now referring to the boys by their actual names rather than just "those bastards", and only speaking of Aemond. He understood how difficult this all was for her, as with all her faults, his mother had been whole heartedly devoted to one of the four children she had, and she'd just lost him. Aegon did not believe that his uncle would kill Aemond, and yet he knew that out of all the paranoias his mother harboured deep in her heart, her fears of Daemon were not unfounded.

By the Gods the man had walked in the Hall of High Tide declaring that Aemond deserved to die, so Aegon could see why his mother was so concerned, but he still didn't know what he could do about it, or why she came to speak of it to him in the first place, though in truth she didn't really have anyone else. She certainly could not count on her father to listen to her, and Ser Criston had seemingly abandoned her as well, still by her side physically as was his duty, but to anyone who had seen how the two behaved with one another before Driftmark, it was most obvious that the knight was not as devoted to the Queen as he once had been.

Aegon stood there in silence, watching as his mother went to sit next to the King, who in turn continued to play with his beloved model. He knew that the argument that had taken place at High Tide had certainly soured the already shaky relationship between his parents, and yet also knew that they had somewhat patched things up some days before, after his mother had gone to help the King when he became ill.

Those two certainly had a weird relationship, and though Aegon knew that they didn’t truly love each other, and that at least his mother had never really loved her husband, they seemed to care for one another in some odd way.

The King began to take some wheezy breaths, seemingly choking on thin air as his mother immediately stood up to gently pat his back, almost looking like his caregiver rather than his wife, though in truth that’s what she’d become since she’d stopped bearing his children.

“Come here”, she whispered as she saw him just standing there.

And so he did, taking slow steps as he got closer to the two, unsure of what to do once he reached them until his mother not so subtly pushed a chair his way. The King remained silent, continuing to dust some of the stone statues that made up his model, treating them with such care and attention as Aegon’s eyes fell on his hand. His father was ill, all knew this, and whatever ailment it was that he suffered from seemed to affect his skin, so his hands were not the prettiest to look at, and yet Aegon was focused on something else.

Two rings.

His father wore two rings on his ring finger, and a little A was engraved on one of them. His mother wore rings as well, and yet none of them had her initials on it. All knew that the King’s love for his first wife had never wavered, not even when he’d married his second, and though Aegon knew that his mother was aware of this as well and that their marriage was not one built on love, he could imagine that it stung knowing that the man you were forced to wed had never once considered truly opening his heart to you.

“How is your shoulder?”, the King questioned suddenly, forcing Aegon to look up and meet his eyes as his father’s seemed to hold some sort of real concern for him.

“It’s getting better”, he answered honestly, “It still hurts sometimes, but much less than it did when it first happened”

“Mellos told me it’s healing well”, his father said, “That’s good news Aegon”

“Indeed it is”, Alicent chimed in.

A small conversation about his shoulder began to take place, with Aegon’s heart hurting as the King questioned wether he would be able to ride his dragon once his arm fully healed. The truth was that he did not know yet, as Mellos had told him that they would only know for certain once the healing process was over. The fear of never riding Sunfyre ever again was one that tormented his every waking moment, and knowing that there was nothing he could do about it did not make him feel better.

“I remember what it felt like to have a bonded”, Viserys said with a sad smile, “I only claimed Balerion but a year before he passed, and yet the moments I spent with him were some of the very best of my life. The true sense of kinship one feels as they bond with a dragon is one you never forget, and I hope you don’t lose that even if you can’t ride your Sunfyre anymore”

Aegon remained silent, nodding slowly as he could only pray that his father’s words rang true. His bond with Sunfyre was one of the very few good things the Gods had seen fit to grant him in his life, and he could not fathom moving forward without having even that small comfort to grasp onto.

“I was heartbroken when he passed”, the King continued, “Though I suppose it was his time, as even though the children of Old Valyria can live for centuries, death comes for them just as it does for us. But perhaps I will get to ride him again once I’m gone soon enough”

“Don’t say that”, Alicent whispered sadly.

The King let out a heavy sigh, hand coming to grab onto his wife’s as he gave her a small smile she quickly returned, as Aegon just sat there and observed this weird dynamic that had developed between them throught their marriage. Their relationship was odd, that was true, and yet it somehow made sense, just two lonely people clinging to each other because in many ways they didn’t have anyone else.

His mother had been alone in the Keep soon after she wed the King, as Aegon was still just a babe when his grandsire had been sent away. She’d been left alone with two children she couldn’t form a relationship with and a new one she doted on, so apart from Aemond who was still a babe and Criston who did naught but fuel her anger and envy, Viserys was the only thing she had left.

And in many ways he was the one whose presence granted her the most peace, or at least he had become that after Daeron was born and he stopped calling for her at night. Aegon was old enough to remember how their relationship had changed after that, and how his mother no longer looked like she would feel sick whenever the maids told her the King wanted to see her. His father had probably become too ill to lay with her, so he’d just started calling for her to keep him company, in a way Aegon was certain she enjoyed far more than what they did before.

So now each time the two spent time together they just sat in his rooms, her with her books and him with his model, and in some ways these were probably the calmest moments of his mother’s life.

“Rhaenyra wrote to me”, the King said with a somber tone, “Jacaerys still lives, but he has yet to wake. It pains me to say this, but the way she spoke of his condition did not leave much room for hope”

“I’m sure he will recover”, Alicent exclaimed quickly, “He has t-”

“Don’t start with this again”, Viserys interrupted her, “We’ve spoken of this many times before Alicent, and I thought I’d made myself very clear on this matter. You insisting that Jacaerys will wake and that he will be perfectly fine will not make things better, and it will not make Aemond come back here”

“But if Jacaerys wake-”, she tried once more.

“If he wakes than Rhaenyra will decide what the future holds”, he said firmly, “She is the mother of the child our son almost killed, so she will decide wether he gets to come back into our family or not. She will be the Queen when I’m gone, and I need this to be her decision, ‘less you want her to then sign a royal decree to publicly declare our son as a kinslayer and get him exiled, something I know any other King but me would’ve done. Something I know any other mother with the amount of power Rhaenyra holds would’ve done, as I know for certain that you would’ve demanded her children to be sent beyond the Wall if they’d ever harmed one of our own as Aemond did Jacaerys”

His mother fell silent, probably knowing that her husband’s words rang true and that there would be no point in even trying to deny them. Viserys on the other hand just took a deep breath, not so gently putting down the little statue he’d been holding to rub at his temples while mumbling something about not understanding why the Gods didn’t wish for him to know peace in this life.

After some time his father began to cough once more, and his mother immediately called for Ser Westerling to help her get the King to his bed, sitting by his side and caressing his hand as he took some very weezy breaths.

Aegon stood there for a while, subtly trying to get his mother’s attention to understand if he could leave or not, but as she remained solely focused on the King and the way his body shook as he coughed so violently, he just slipped out of his father’s chambers. He’d never had much of a relationship with the man, if not a true one at all, and yet he somehow felt for him.

He understood that his father was at fault for many of the tragedies that had struck his family, wether he wanted to admit it to himself or not, and yet it was most obvious to all that Viserys had simply not been meant to wear the crown, and that the burden such power carried was not one he could handle, something that in some ways his physical health represented.

And as Aegon knew that the same would be true for him, he wondered if he would meet the same fate.

He moved through the halls of the Keep as quickly as he could, knowing that his grandsire often went to visit the King and not caring to stumble upon him. He tried to go as unnoticed as possible considering that all who lived in the castle knew who he was, and attempted to ignore each Lord or Lady he saw as they tried to speak to him, not wishing to entertain a conversation with any of th-

“My Prince”, a maid spoke hurriedly, “My Prince wait”

Aegon continued to walk, trying to ignore the girl and even refusing to look at her, hoping that she would remember herself and not bother a member of the royal family, but he had to give it to her, she was very persistent as she almost cornered him in a thankfully empty hallway.

“This is for you”, she whispered as she handed him something and quickly tried to stuff it in his doublet, letting out an annoyed huff as he backed away from her, “The Princess has not forgotten the promise she made you my Prince, please just take this”

At those words Aegon fell motionless, allowing the girl to finally put the letter in the small pocket of his doublet before she walked away from him with hurried steps, obviously not wanting anyone to see them interact with one another. Aegon did not remember the maid’s name, and yet as he finally looked at her he realised that he’d seen her around Rhaenyra many times before, so he just placed his hand over his pocket as if to conceal the missive within it and quickly made his way to his rooms.

He looked around as he walked, weary of anyone having witnessed that fairly odd interaction, and yet it seemed that nobody had paid the two any mind, thankfully.

The second he reached his chambers and closed the door behind him he opened the letter, silently cursing in his own mind as he realised that his sister had decided to write it in High Valyrian. He understood why she’d done it, as even if the letter had been taken by someone who wasn’t meant to see it, they certainly would’ve struggled to actually grasp its meaning unless they went to the dragonkeepers, and yet he himself couldn’t say that he was the most fluent speaker of his ancestors’ language as he’d never actually bothered to learn it by himself.

Something he was deeply regretting now.

- Little brother... my son sleeps... not changed... blood... my younger son... your am is better... my husband tells me... Your older sister -

“Shit”, he mumbled frustrated, reading the letter over and over as if convinced that the words he didn’t know would somehow begin to make sense if he just read them again, but nothing.

He threw the letter on his bed, grasping at his hair and looking around his room for any book that might help him, before remembering that the last time a book had actually resided in his chambers was because he’d stolen it from Aemond to annoy him, and he was fairly certain that he’d fed it to Sunfyre soon after.

Aemond.

Aegon remembered very clearly all the times he’d heard his brother practice High Valyrian on his own, and he’d always been much too shy to ask the dragonkeepers for help, so he must’ve been studying from somewhere. Thankfully for him his brother’s chambers were not too far from his own, so sneaking into them was not too troublesome. He’d never spent much time in these rooms, and was almost surprised by how much of his brother he could see in them.

He himself had never cared enough to decorate his rooms, never having found much comfort in them and therefore not feeling inclined to truly make such a space his own, not when it had become naught but his private prison cell throughout the years. It seemed however, that Aemond had taken great care of ensuring that anyone who walked into his chambers would know who they belonged to, and Aegon felt a small pang to his heart as he thought of how different things must be for his brother now.

Aemond had not had an easy time at the Keep, mainly thanks to Aegon and his attempts at making him feel as inadequate as he did, and yet unlike the elder of the two, Aemond had always had people here who cared for him and showed him as much. Their mother had always doted on him most, holding him close to her whenever he showed any signs of upset or when he was ill, and Criston as well had always ensured to spend much time with Aemond.

But now his brother was all alone.

After a moment of him just standing there and observing the various books in the room, the amount of candles Aegon knew had been a gift from their mother, the papers Aemond had written with such care to show Grand Maester how much he loved to learn, his first wooden sword he knew had been a present from Ser Criston, and even the little drawings of dragons his brother had made as a young child, ones he’d begun to hide after Aegon had made fun of him for them, he finally moved.

The guilt he felt at how he’d treated his brother could not be put into words, as he was well aware of the fact that if he hadn’t planned those pranks and hadn’t involved their nephews in them, then perhaps Aemond wouldn’t have hated them enough to try and kill them both, and yet he had to move.

The letter weighed heavy in his pocket, so Aegon quickly skimmed through all the books in his brother’s collection until he finally found what he was looking for, a small pamphlet that was meant to introduce one to the language. Aegon remembered this book, as Jacaerys had once told him that his mother had looked for it to help him learn High Valyrian, as her own father had done for her, but alas the book had never been found in the Keep’s library, and now he knew why.

- Little brother, it pains me to write that there is not much I can update you on. My son sleeps now as he did before you left, so sadly that has not changed. He has not coughed up any more blood, and that is some good news at least. My younger son misses you very much, and insisted I let him draw on the letter so you might think of him as well. I truly hope that your arm is better, and as he suffered a similar injury before, my husband tells me that the Maesters should have a salve that might help the scar heal. If you wish to write to us, then look for the maid that gave this to you and know that you can trust her. I hope you will write, but please be safe if you do. Your older sister -

By the time Aegon was done deciphering the entire letter, night had fallen over King’s Landing, and though he could not remember the last time he’d spent so long with his nose stuck in a book, he was most grateful for it. Jacaerys still slept, that was true enough, but hopefully the fact that he no longer coughed up blood was a good sign, one that perhaps meant that his nephew would wake up soon enough. Reading that Lucerys missed him put a sad smile on his face, one that quickly widened as he noted the little seahorse his nephew had drawn on the bottom of the paper.

“My Prince”, someone knocked on his door, making him fall onto the floor as he scurried to get off his bed and hide the letter as quickly as he could.

“Yes”, he mumbled out of breath as he made his way to the door, “What is it?”

Criston gave him an odd look, assessing how incredibly dishevelled he looked as his eyes filled with much confusion. The knight was obviously trying to understand what Aegon of all people, a Prince who was known for just laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling, could’ve been doing while alone in his own chambers that would make him so out of breath. But then it seemed that he reached a conclusion he was a tad uncomfortable with, and as Aegon understood what the knight thought, he couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped him.

By the Gods he was such a prude.

“The Queen has called for you my Prince”, Ser Cole said, “She wishes for you to join her and the Lord Hand as they dine together in the Hand’s chambers”

“Oh”, Aegon sighed, smile wiped clean off his face as his eyes fell to the floor, already dreading the prospect of being locked in his grandsire’s rooms with both him and his mother.

He’d been able to avoid Otto most days since they’d gotten back to the Keep, as he knew that his grandsire was most likely busy trying to gather allies for his cause before news really spread of what had happened on Driftmark. Aegon knew that most people knew already, as he would never forget the first time he’d heard some random Lord refer to him as “the kinslayer’s brother”, and yet he also knew that his grandsire would not give up on trying to convince them all that things were not always as they seemed.

Even if they were.

He probably could’ve called out that Lord for daring to speak of him in such a way, as he was still a Prince of the Realm in the end, and yet he hadn’t seen the point in doing that. His brother had done what he had done, and Aegon knew that in some way it was his fault, so if Aemond would bear the title of kinslayer, then he would be the kinslayer’s brother. Even if Jacaerys lived what had happened on that night would follow their whole family until their last day, so Aegon did not see the point in trying to pretend differently.

His mother was doing it enough for them all.

As Aegon and Criston made their way to the Queen’s chambers, the air between them was thick as they had not yet spoken to each other after the knight had raised his voice with him. In truth Aegon hadn’t thought much about that day, or more specifically about what Criston had done, not since that had happened after a lovely conversation with his grandsire, one that had caught his attention much more than the knight berating him.

“My Prince”, Cole called for him at one point, “Wait a moment please”

The two stopped in the middle of the hallway, as Aegon let out a deep breath once he noted the guilt and shame in the knight’s eyes, much too concerned about the letter he’d received and the surely wonderful supper he was about to suffer with his mother and grandsire to care about much else.

“I wish to apologise once more”, he said, “I know that there is nothing I can say that will make up for my actions, but I really do wish for you to know that I am sorry if I scared you, I never mea-”

“There is no problem Ser”, Aegon sighed, “Trust me when I say that I have much more pressing things on my mind right now than you losing your temper with me, especially considering why that happened”

The knight remained silent for a moment, staring at Aegon with wide eyes as he’d probably hoped that considering the Prince’s state of drunkness on that day, he may have forgotten about the words he’d spewed that had lead to him screaming at the boy.

“About that”, he mumbled, “I don’t know why you would think that to be true, but I assure you-”

“I don’t care”, Aegon interrupted him, “I really don’t care Ser Criston, and as I said on that day, I promise not to tell anyone anything, not that anyone would believe me even if I did. As I told you, my sister already has enough to worry about, and I care not to give you any trouble either. Whatever happened between you two is none of my business, something others should try to understand as well perhaps, as I’m certain it would’ve allowed for many to live their lives with greater peace, and for you to treat my nephew with a little more kindness than you actually did”

The look on Criston’s face quickly morphed from one of worry to one of just pure and utter shame, but he stuck to his silence. Aegon could tell that a part of him wished to perhaps explain himself and his behaviour towards Jacaerys, but alas he did not utter a word.

Maybe one day, once Aegon’s mind was free of other worries, though he doubted that that would ever happen, he would entertain a conversation with the knight on this matter, as he was actually curious about what had lead him to berate his own son by blood as he had for so long.

But as the two reached the Hand's chambers and he saw his grandsire waiting for him with an angry look on his face, Aegon knew he had other and perhaps more important things to worry about.

Chapter Text

Had it been minutes? Hours? Moons? Years? Aegon didn’t know.

But what he did know, was that that supper was lasting way too long for his liking, and that the matter of discussion was one he no longer cared to hear about.

His grandsire was absolutely livid, going on rant after rant about how angry he was by the way people had reacted to the news of what had taken place at Driftmark, and if Aegon hadn’t found himself stuck in place as Otto’s gaze made it impossible for him to move, he would’ve chuckled at his grandsire’s surprise by how upset people were.

Otto was a man of reason, and though he had berated his daughter time and time again for how delusional she was being about the whole situation, it seemed that he was not far behind her. His grandsire had spent each and ever day since they’d been back at the Keep speaking to anyone he could get his hands on, wishing to take advantage of Rhaenyra’s absence to hopefully gather more allies than the single one his daughter had gotten them before the news spread.

But apparently it already had.

“News of what happened reached King's Landing before we did”, Otto grunted, “Missives came from High Tide, from Lord Corlys, his son, his wife and even Rhaenyra herself, of how the future King of the Seven Kingdoms was almost struck down by the current King’s second son. People are acting like the bastard’s already dead. Rhaenyra’s letters were apparently most touching, and all say ‘tis because she is so lost in her grief, as everyone I’ve spoken to has told me all about how incredibly devoted the Princess always has been to her children, and how heartbroken they are that she would have to suffer this way after what your kid did to her son, and how incredibly merciful she was as she spared Aemond. And don’t think they also haven’t brought up how you treated her Alicent, all speaking of how the poor Princess was berated for years in her own home while her father just stood by and watched as his evil wife treated her badly for her own entertainment. Only for her eldest to then be brutally attacked by the Queen’s beastly son”

“My Aemond is not a beast”, Alicent cried softly, “And I was only trying to get them all to see what she truly was. 'Tis not my fault that everyone, Viserys included, purposefully chooses to ignore all of Rhaenyra’s sins, and that I was but the only one who was not willing to remain blind to her true nature”

“And by doing that you turned her into a victim”, her father grunted, “Wether you like it or not, the people of the court have always loved Rhaenyra, and that love only grew once she became a mother. All see her as the Mother Herself come alive, especially when in comparison to you. Why was I told that you publicly berated your son Alicent? Aegon is supposed to be the future King, why would you think it appropriate to belittle him before all when you know how grave the situation already is? Your second son just tried to kill someone, and you decide to scream in front of the whole court that your first, who was also injured by your second, is incapable of upholding his duties?”

Aegon slowly sipped his wine, head hurting as he thought back to that lovely conversation he’d had with his mother, or in truth that his mother had had with him since he hadn’t uttered a word through their whole interaction.

They had been back at the Keep for but a couple days, and since they had first gotten back Aegon had been confined to his rooms by Grand Maester Mellos. His mother had not been happiest, wishing for him to immediately start participating in the Small Council meetings and perhaps speak to the Lords of how worried he was for Aemond, believing that maybe some might take pity on the concerned brother and speak to the King.

Aegon had told her that he did not yet feel ready to do that, as his refusal to consume milk of the poppy meant that the pain in his shoulder was debilitating at best, but then one day he’d gotten out of his rooms to try and visit Sunfyre in the Dragonpit. He knew he was not in the condition to take to the skies, but he just wished for the comfort his dragon brought him. His mother had found out about him exiting his chambers, and had cornered him in the middle of the Red Keep to berate him for refusing to do his duty and preferring instead to just do as he pleased while his brother suffered.

Alicent obviously had not been in her right mind at the time, as though she’d never minced her words when it was just the two of them, she had never dared to speak to him in such a way when before others, knowing that it would make them both look bad. But alas on that day she had, and the people who had heard her were not happy about it.

“You publicly berated your eldest son, who is gravely injured”, Otto continued, “Gravely injured because his own brother stabbed him while trying to kill his nephew, if I may remind you, and you told him that he was useless because he was hiding in his rooms while his brother was the one who was truly suffering. His brother who stabbed him. What is wrong with you?”

“I wasn’t thinking”, Alicent whispered.

“Evidently not”, her father hissed, “I told you back at High Tide that our situation was dire Alicent, and you just had to make it worse. I often wonder how you survived for so long without me, as even back then, when I told you the truth that Rhaenyra would kill your children, I certainly had not expected to then be told that you had taken it upon yourself to make her life like the Seven Hells. I tell you that the woman will kill your kids, and you make an enemy of her?”

“It’s not my fault”, she grunted, “I couldn’t bear having to look at her while she paraded her sin around while all watched and did nothing. I am the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, ‘tis up to me to show all what duty and honor looks like, and I am a woman of the faith, so ‘tis up to me to call out sin when I see it, even if noone else will”

Otto just shook his head, hands coming to rub at his face as grunts of frustration escaped him. Alicent's rant quickly moved from Rhaenyra back to Aemond, desperately questioning her father as to why they had yet to receive any news of him yet. But a sennight before Otto had sworn that his people would ensure that they would get missives from Aemond quite often, but nothing had come yet. Her father then retorted that instead of focusing on her son, Alicent should worry about gathering allies for their cause, and the conversation just went on and on as the two argued over the very same points.

“Two or three?”, Helaena mumbled out of nowhere, making Aegon flinch as he had almost forgotten that his sister was also present, “Two or three on the way, but they will die anyway”

“Gods”, he cringed at her words, continuing to drink his wine and trying his hardest to ignore her.

“But they don’t have to”, she almost pleaded, “The old dragon dreams, and he may yet see so no damage will be done”

“I think enough damage has already been done”, he mused, “Don’t know how much worse it could get”

The look Helaena gave him was definitely a warning, and Aegon quickly regretted his words as he realised that he had pretty much taunted the Gods to show him just how much worse things could really get for them all.

“Ignore me”, he whispered to noone, hoping that if any higher power had heard his last words, they would hear these as well, “’Twas just a bad joke”

“Aegon will be their King Alicent”, his grandsire spat out, “They can not hear you out of all people, the Queen and worse of all his mother, declare that he can’t do anything”

“I wasn’t-”, she tried.

“Thinking, yes Alicent I heard you the first time”, he grunted frustrated, “It doesn’t matter because it is done, and you can not take it back, but I hope you understand that nothing of the sort can ever happen again. If you wish to berate your son then do it in private, so as to not ruin your image and his own at once, I really did not think that was a concept too difficult for you to grasp, but alas here we are. Now, as for you two”

Aegon didn’t even look up, just staring into his cup as he poured himself some more wine, desperately wishing to be as drunk as humanly possible before his grandsire continued to speak, as there could only be one conversation that needed both him and his sister to be present. Helaena as well seemed to be much too focused on whatever the voices in her head were saying to listen to Otto, who at them both ignoring him just let out an angry grunt and turned to his daughter, to question her on how exactly she hadn’t managed to produce a single decent child.

Daeron wasn’t that bad, Aegon thought, though in truth that might just be because the last time he’d seen his brother the boy was barely five namedays old, so who knew how he was now.

“Listen to me”, Otto hissed, “You two must wed by the end of the year, do not think I’ve forgotten about that. What happened has made things somehow much worse than they were before, and I believe that your marriage might be the one thing that might help us. We can take advantage of the feast that will be thrown to celebrate you two to present you to all the Lords and Ladies of the Realm, so they might see their future King and Queen and remember how things are supposed to work when it comes to the succession”

He took a deep breath, drinking his wine and pointedly refusing to look at any of those present in the room but his mother, eyes stuck on her as he silently begged her to intervene. He knew that she did not actually agree with her father’s decision, and hoped that she might finally say something to stop him, that she might finally remember that she could stop him, but she stayed silent.

Her own eyes were stuck on Helaena, looking at her daughter with such despair and yet choosing to remain silent, to abide by her father’s will even at the cost of her daughter’s life.

“Before that happens I want you to begin partaking in the Small Council meetings”, his grandsire continued, “I want you to show all that even though the King refuses to see it, their Prince knows that he will lead them one day, and that he is working to become their future King. Rhaenyra began attending the meetings when she was but a child, and all know how dutifully she partook in each one of them even before she was named as Heir, and though the fact that she was given a seat does not help us, her absence might”

Aegon couldn’t help but roll his eyes at this, already dreading the thought of having to sit through those meetings as he could only imagine how terribly boring they would be. He didn’t belong in that room and all would know it. He was not the King’s Heir and he was not even interested in the politics that ruled the minds of the Lords who sat the Council.

And he certainly wasn’t interested in being there just so people could think he actually cared about being the King.

“I tried to speak to Viserys about the marriage, but he wouldn’t hear of it”, Otto grunted frustrated as he began pacing, “He told me that it is far too soon for any celebrations to take place after what happened, and that it would not do us well to be seen throwing feasts as the little bastard lay dying”

And for once in his life, Aegon could say that he agreed with his father.

“The boy may lay dead”, Helaena mumbled, “But the Just may yet wake”

“And of course it wouldn’t look good”, Otto sighed, “But we have no other choice. I’ve told you before Alicent, you’ve seen how Viserys’ health just keeps getting worse and worse by the day, and when his time comes we must be ready to fight. After High Tide Rhaenyra has ensured that all dragons but Sunfyre and Vhagar stand by her, and though Vhagar is the biggest of them all, Aemond has barely ridden her once and I doubt Daemon will allow him to fly any time soon, so he’s of no help to us right now. By sending those cursed letters Rhaenyra has also ensured that all with a weakness for mothers and babes side with her, as she apparently went into great detail about Jacaerys' condition, only to then speak of how she'd let Aemond live. Such unwarranted violence followed by such mercy, I'll give it to her, 'twas a smart move. The marriage must happen if we want an opportunity to get at least some people by our side, and we must convince Viserys that it is the right thing. Perhaps you should speak with him”

“What?”, Aegon questioned surprised as he noted his grandsire looking to him, “Why me?”

“Because you are his son Aegon”, the older man said angrily, “You are his eldest son and rightful Heir, wether Viserys cares to acknowledge it or not, and ‘tis only normal for you to wish for more duties to uphold as you are but a Prince wishing to do good by his people, and one of the things you must do in order to do that is get married. You want nothing more than to serve the Realm, and since you understand how valuable it is for you to honor the traditions of your forebearers that the King himself loves so much, you wish to wed Helaena sooner than later, isn’t that right?”

That night Aegon found himself unable to sleep, just laying on his bed and continuing to consume more and more wine as he’d managed to steal a whole pitcher of it, that was now almost empty. The letter Rhaenyra had sent him remained hidden in his chambers, and though Aegon knew he should probably burn it sooner than later, he found himself unable to do it.

That letter was the one thing he had to cling onto for hope, and he couldn’t lose that as well.

Drunkenly and without being able to think straight, he found a random piece of parchment paper and began writing, giggling as he accidentally spilled some ink on it. He had decided to write the whole thing in High Valyrian, because while he trusted Rhaenyra’s maid, he did not trust anyone else in this palce, and did not care for them to get their hands on his missive.

- Sister, I’m happy to know that Jace feels better, I really don’t want him to die as he is the one friend I have in this world, but don’t tell Sunfyre I said that. I miss Luke as well, and hope his nose isn’t as broken as it was when I left. I really didn’t want to leave, and I hope you know that, as I hope Jace does as well. Please tell him that I asked mother to let me stay but she hit me, so I took that as a no. My arm still hurts, but I suppose I can’t really complain about it considering that it was all my fault. I’m really sorry about what Aemond did, and I’m sorry for the part I played in it. If I could go back I would let him crack my head open instead of Jace’s, and I hope you know that. Perhaps it’s how it should’ve been. I’m getting married soon, and I hope you will be there when that happens, and that you will bring Jace as well. Even if he’s still sleeping I need him here, please. Aegon -

His handwriting was absolutely awful, and in truth he wasn’t certain that his translation was accurate or that what he’d written made any sense at all, but he was drunk, so he didn’t care. If he’d been sober then he would’ve understood that certain things he’d written should’ve remained unsaid, but in that moment he was far too gone to realise that.

“I have to pee”, he told the guard outside his chambers, one that had been placed there by his mother after he’d left his rooms in the middle of the night a couple days ago, too drunk to stand properly and almost killing himself as he tripped down the stairs.

“Do you wish me to call for the maids to empty your chamberpot my Prince?”, the man asked.

“No”, Aegon sighed, “I hate the smell of it, I’ll just pee outside”

The knight did not seem to think that that sounded like a good idea, but Aegon knew that he was new to the Keep and to the Kingsguard in general, so he had yet to understand that if he just threatened to tell the Queen like the other guards usually did, Aegon would sprint back to his chambers.

“Which one are you?”, the Prince questioned.

“I’m Erryk my Prince”, the knight answered.

“And the other one?”, he asked as he continued to walk.

“My brother is called Arryk my Prince”, the man said.

“Erryk and Arryk, how terribly imaginative”, he mumbled, “Do you want to watch me pee Erryk? Or perhaps you’ll grant your Prince some privacy and turn around a little?”

He didn’t actually care about the knight watching him, as he didn’t actually have to pee, but the second the man’s cheeks reddened and he turned around to face the wall, Aegon almost flung himself down the hallway. It was the early hours of the morn, so not many people were around the Keep apart from various servants who were trying to get things done before the nobles woke up, and Aegon took advantage of them all scurrying around to disappear amongst them.

He’d barely seen the girl the day before, and had perhaps had one cup too many through the night as he realised that everyone’s faces were almost melting together, and he had much trouble figuring out who was who. He stumbled a couple times, and almost made a maid feel faint as he ran towards her convinced she was the one he was looking for.

But nothing.

After some time he stopped on his tracks, mainly because all the running around had made his stomach churn, and he subtly made his way to one corner as he believed he might become ill soon enough, but then he finally saw her. She looked at him as well, a small smile on her face as she walked to him while picking up some random things she found on her way, to make it look like she was simply making her way around to clean up.

“This is for you”, he whispered, “Well not for you, but for her. It’s for you so you might give-”

“I got it”, she said, “I will make sure she gets it my Prince, do not fret”

“I’m just Aegon”, he corrected her, never having been fond of the way people only ever referred to him by his title, “Not my Prince, just Aegon”

“I’m Marla”, she chuckled, “I will make sure she gets it just Aegon”

As he watched her leave he found that she was actually quite beautiful, long hair cascading down her back as she gave him one last smile before disappearing around the corner. Aegon had never paid much attention to any of the servants of the Keep, even though he’d spent most of his younger years with them as his mother left him with her maids all day. He fondly remembered one of them, Janna, who had taken care of him for the first years of his life, only to be sent away when Aegon had accidentally referred to her as mother and the Queen had gotten upset about it.

He hadn’t heard from her since, and could only hope that she was doing well.

He was around five namedays old when she left, and yet he very clearly remembered her still. He remembered how he had trouble falling asleep as a child, and how Janna would hold him close to her chest and softly sing to him until he calmed down, or how she would whisper words of comfort to him when he hurt himself. In many ways she’d been the one adult in his life to show him any affection, and though Aegon knew that it was but a job to her, he’d always liked to think that she actually cared about him and that mayhap she even missed him.

“My Prince”, Ser Erryk caught up with him, out of breath and yet trying to mantain composure as he was evidently embarassed at having been played for a fool by an obviously drunken boy, “Is everything alright? Shall I accompany you back to your chambers?”

“Sure”, Aegon chuckled mockingly.

He felt a little bad for the man, as he could only imagine how his mother would react if she was told that her son had been seen running around in the early hours of the morn while the guard she had appointed to keep an eye on him also ran around looking for him. But Aegon had to get the letter to Rhaenyra, so if Erryk would then have to suffer the Queen’s ire for that to happen, then so be it.

Aegon fell asleep quickly enough once he reached his chambers, the drive to write that had kept him awake having finally dwelled now that the missive had been sent, so he just fell asleep. Being woken up by his grandsire pretty much screaming in his face that it was well in the afternoon and that him still being asleep was naught but another disappointment to him did not feel great, but the letter had been sent.

As the effects of the wine began to truly leave his mind Aegon started to panic a little, trying to remember exactly what he’d written and immediately feeling the urge to hit himself as he remembered how he’d mentioned everyone’s names, which had probably not been his greatest idea ever.

Had he signed the thing? By the Gods, if he truly had and his grandsire found out his head would be on a spike before he ever had to worry about getting married or even Rhaenyra getting to him. Otto had already found the missives Aegon had tried to send to Jace, and he'd been quite honest in saying that if he'd been anyone but the King's eldest son, he would've killed him for what he'd written. From experience Aegon had now learned that he was not able to mind his words when drunk, and as his heart began to beat its way out of his chest at the thought of what he may have written to Rhaenyra of all people, he exited his chambers.

He tried to look for Marla again, but alas she was gone.

The letter had been sent, and as Aegon thought back to how Rhaenyra had told him that Marla could be trusted, he could only hope and pray that she had spoken true.

Chapter Text

“I still don’t think this is a good idea”, Alicent mumbled under her breath.

Neither do I, Aegon thought as his mouth remained shut, knowing better than to fuel his mother’s nervousness as he could tell her mind was riddled with worries, and perhaps she had a point. Out of all people Aegon was possibly the last one should pick to carry out a conversation that according to his mother and grandsire mattered so much, but alas Otto had made his decision.

And just like she always did, Alicent abided his wishes.

“Do not be crass with him”, she counciled, “Viserys has many faults but he is a gentle man, and he is ill, so just try to mind your words when you speak with him. He is your King, but he is also your father and I’m certain he wants what is best for you and for the Realm as a whole, ‘tis just a question of him seeing what that best is”

Aegon rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, not being able to stand the sureness in his mother’s voice. She always said this, that one day the King would change his mind and understand that Aegon needed to be the Heir, and yet he never had. Aegon was fifteen namedays old by now, and yet his father had never once wavered in his support of Rhaenyra’s right to the throne, and he doubted that he would be the one to get him to change his mind.

Especially since he did not want to.

“Remember what is dependant on this Aegon”, she continued, “We stand alone here, as your brother does, and he is in the greatest danger right now as he is away from us. Your marriage is but the first step to getting him back here safely, and we must ensure that it happens, ‘tis about survival”

His mother continued to speak, rambling on about war and death as she always did, while running her hands over his doublet and doing and undoing the buttons over and over again. Aegon knew that his mother had been suffering greatly due to Aemond being gone, and he also knew that his grandsire spent most of his time in her chambers when he wasn’t walking around the Keep trying to speak to anyone who paid him any mind, and he could only imagine how hard it must be for her to have to suffer him and his pent up frustrations.

A child being forced to suffer their parent’s ire because of things that are not under their control... perhaps he didn’t actually need to imagine anything, as he was incredibly familiar with such a feeling.

Though in truth it had been some time since his mother had come to his chambers, and even longer since she’d berated him as she once did. That one time in front of the whole court seemed to have scared her into silence, especially after her father’s reaction, and after Otto had heard some maids speak on how the Queen had lost her mind for screaming at her injured son as she had.

Alicent had always been somewhat lost and alone, and yet she’d had Aemond to cling to for some comfort, and Criston to speak to when she had to vent, but now she’d lost both. Aegon didn’t really know if a conversation had taken place between his mother and her sworn shield, but even though the knight continued to stand by her as her protector, something seemed to have changed between them. He didn’t know if it had been Alicent’s doing, as she had perhaps stopped going to Criston as she had with Aegon, especially since the latter knew that his mother now spent most of her days praying in the Sept, kneeling before the statue of the Mother for hours on end as she prayed for Aemond.

Or maybe the knight had finally realised how much harm he’d done by sticking by those who wished his son dead. It had only taken Jacaerys almost dying for him to realise it, but better late than never.

“Perhaps you can ask about him”, she whispered as she stood before the closed doors of his chambers, “You can ask the King about Aemond, if he’s heard anything”

“I’m certain he would’ve told you”, Aegon said.

“I’m not”, she confessed with sad eyes, begging him to not deny her request, “My father had promised me that he had people everywhere, and that no matter where Daemon went we would get news, but that has not happened yet. I don’t know why, but those who my father thought he could trust have fallen silent, and that only makes me worry even more about what may be happening to your brother”

“I will ask”, he reassured her.

In truth he knew he had few reasons if any at all to do his mother a favor, and yet he just couldn’t deny her. He knew how terribly attached she always had been to Aemond, as he was perhaps the one child of hers she’d ever felt any true love toward, and since he also knew that he also played a part in his brother doing what he had, he felt compelled to help her with this.

He’d always despised her for not being able to love him as she did Aemond, and had always begrudged his brother for getting the mother he would’ve wanted as well, but he needed to do this.

Aegon knew that no matter how she behaved his mother had given up everything for him, and that Aemond had only ever tried to be close to him, and yet he’d failed them both, so he needed to do this. The mere idea of him had stripped his mother’s life away from her, as his grandsire forced her into the King’s bed so Aegon might rule, and thanks to his actions Alicent had now also lost the one source of comfort she’d been able to find in her life.

He needed to do this for them both.

He made his way to his father’s chambers with his heart in his throat, having seen the outmost concern in his mother’s eyes and with his mind riddled with fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. He knew he was not his father’s favorite child, if he even made the list at all, and he also knew that his whole side of the family had never had the favor of the King, and though he knew his father wouldn’t harm him, he did fear what may happen if he somehow messed things up for them all even more and his grandsire found out.

Otto had made it abundantely clear that everything depended on him, and had also shown that he did not mind hitting him, so Aegon feared what may happen once the two were alone once more if the King became angry with him and told his Hand.

“Prince Aegon Targaryen”, Ser Westerling announced him as he opened the doors, with Aegon quickly walking in as he knew that if he wavered for just a second longer he would run away.

“My King”, he said with his best attempt at a formal tone.

“Come here Aegon”, his father mumbled as his eyes remained stuck on his model, waving his hand so the stone mason that had been keeping him company would take his leave.

Aegon took the mason’s place, sitting in front of his father as the man continued to move the little statues around, making him wonder if he would ever speak, or even just look at him. The two remained silent for some time, with Aegon cringing at how incredibly embarassing this whole situation was. He’d barely ever spoken with his father in his whole life, apart from some small attempts at a conversation during the feasts that would be thrown at the Keep, but even then they spoke as two strangers would.

Because in the end that is exactly what they were.

“I was surprised when you asked to see me”, the King mused, “Your mother told me you wished to speak with me, and I was most glad to hear that. I’ve been wanting to speak to you as well actually. Grand Maester Mellos has told me that you are healing well, but I wish to hear from you Aegon, I would like you to tell me how you’re doing”

“I’m fine”, he mumbled, “It still hurts sometimes, but Mellos gave me a salve to hel-”

“I wasn’t talking about your shoulder”, Viserys clarified, “What happened on that night was grave for many reasons, and looking back I fear that with everything else that was going on, we all forgot that you were suffering as well”

Aegon took a deep breath, the wound on his shoulder hurting more than it had in days, as if to remind him of that cursed night and how it had gotten there in the first place. Nobody had asked him how he was, and in truth Aegon had put himself to the side as well, since there were much more important things going on around him.

“I know you were close to Jacaerys”, he continued, “And I was also told that you placed yourself between him and Aemond, and that was very brave son. That one act alone shows how you care for him, and I’m sorry that I didn’t think to mince my words when I told you of his condition days ago. It’s a difficult situation for all involved, and yet somehow you are in the middle. Your nephew was harmed and the circumstances around it are so grave that one can barely comprehend them, and you were struck as well, and I can imagine that your own brother being the assailant does not help”

“No it doesn’t”, Aegon conceeded.

“Aemond always was such a quiet child”, Viserys pondered, “It’s almost impossible to believe that such anger lived within him, and that he would do something like that, but alas he did. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around it, as I know it is for your mother, that one of our own children would commit such a horrific act, but I hope that with time she will understand that what happened after was naught but a consequence of his actions, and that in many ways it was the best outcome we could’ve hoped for all things considered”

“How?”, he questioned lowly, finally taking the opportunity for someone to explain to him why exactly Aemond had been given to Daemon, as in truth he hadn’t really understood the logic behind it.

“He’s with family”, the King sighed, “What Aemond did was incredibly grave, and nobody could’ve protected him from facing the consequences, not even I as his father or as the King. As my cousin reminded us all, our family already has a history with kinslaying and the comparisons would’ve been enough to ruin us all, and we are speaking of a crime that is condemned by both men and Gods as just about the worst thing anyone could ever do. Daemon is a crude man, and I do not question that the way he’s currently treating Aemond probably leaves much to be desired, and yet we know that he will not kill him”

His father seemed quite sure of his words, though Aegon wasn’t certain if that was because he genuinely believed that they rang true, or just because he was trying to convince himself that they did.

“Kinslaying is generally punished by death, as the Gods command”, he continued, “But sometimes those who are guilty of it are then sent to the Wall as punishment, and more often than not they are killed while on the road to get there. Your mother insisted much that I sent Aemond to the Wall or the Citadel, but I fear that she does not understand how people yearn to avenge those who slight the Gods by committing kinslaying. Daemon will not be kind, but he won’t kill him, and though this knowledge soothes my worries, I know it doesn’t do the same for Alicent”

“She loves him dearly”, Aegon said.

“She is his mother”, the King mused, “It’s in her heart to love her children with all her might, and in some way I hope that the love she feels for you all, will help her understand why Rhaenyra asked for Aemond to be sent away”

Aegon resisted the urge to let out a wet chuckle, wondering how blind his father truly was if he really believed that his mother loved all her children, that she loved him. He only had vague memories of the first few years of his life, but they all included Janna, not Alicent. He knew it was not uncommon for noble women to let their maids care for their children, and yet Alicent hadn’t done that with all of them, she hadn’t done that with Aemond.

He remembered when his little brother was born, and how excited he’d been at the prospect of Aemond joining him and Helaena in the nursery, but he also remembered how hurt he’d felt when he’d been told that his mother had requested for Aemond’s crib to be placed in her chambers. She’d never allowed Aegon to sleep in her rooms, but she had done it for Aemond.

Because in many ways Aegon was Otto’s child, but Aemond belonged to her alone.

His grandsire had already left by the time Aemond was born, and his father had never much cared for the children his second wife had given him, so Alicent had had Aemond all to herself, and she’d doted on him with her whole heart from the very beginning. Aegon was old enough to remember when his brother was born, and from the start it had been obvious to him that the relationship between his mother and her second son was much different than the one she had with her first.

“Do you know how he is doing?”, he asked.

“Daemon has written yes”, the King answered, “I have not told your mother yet, and I would like for you to keep this between us for now. My brother writes that himself, his girls and Aemond have gone to live back in Pentos for a while, as Rhaenyra remains on Driftmark since the Maesters do not yet believe that Jacaerys in the condition to travel. He’s also told me that your brother fell silent for some time”

“What does that mean?”, Aegon questioned.

“It means that he did not utter a word for days on end”, Viserys sighed, “From my understanding he had a meltdown after we left, something that I was told as soon as we got back but that I did not tell your mother about to avoid her worrying even more. Aemond destroyed his rooms while in a fit of rage, and then just stopped talking. However, I did receive a missive from my brother this morn, and it seems that these past few days Aemond has started eating again without anyone having to force him, and that he even asked Daemon for some books to read and pass the time, so hopefully he is beginning to feel better”

Aegon just nodded slowly, not really knowing what to make of what the King had just said. He felt for his brother, as he could only imagine how awful it must’ve been for him to realise that he was alone, that they had all left without him. And yet there was also a small part of him that was glad to hear that his brother had suffered somewhat, hoping that that meant that he understood the gravity of what he’d done.

“My brother was never a gentle man”, the King said, “In truth I never really saw him show any kindness to anyone but Rhaenyra, and myself I suppose when we were younger, and his girls as well I hope. He was a good boy, but I fear that the burden of having been born second weighed heavy on him, something I believe he has in common with Aemond, and you perhaps”

He let out a small chuckle at that, knowing that the King could not even fathom how much truth laid within his own words, as Aegon had indeed always felt second in his life, but perhaps not for the reasons Viserys thought. He’d always felt second to Rhaenyra, but not because of the throne, as he’d never yearned for it or he responsabilities that came with it, but because of their father. Aegon had given up on the King ever caring for him long, and yet he yearned for his love.

He’d always felt second to Aemond, because of their mother, as he’d always been the favorite, the only one who held her heart in his hands in ways none of her other children could ever even dream of. And as the Driftmark situation had proven, no matter what he did his younger brother would always be their mother’s favorite, and yet he yearned for her love.

“I never meant for you to feel less than”, Viserys continued, “When I named Rhaenyra as my Heir, I did it because I believed it was the right thing to do, not only for our family but for the Realm as a whole, and I still believe that. But this past sennight the Gods have seen it fit to grant me dreams of our past, and I’ve been tormented by my own actions, or I suppose inactions when it comes to you”

“What?”, Aegon questioned confused, trying to understand what his father was trying to say.

“In my youth I convinced myself that our Gods had granted me a gift”, he mumbled as he let out a humorless chuckle, “I thought They’d given me the same gift that allowed for Daenys the Dreamer to save our family from the Doom, but now I fear that that dream I had was naught but an illusion brought forth by my own selfishness, and my never ending wish for more”

“I don’t understand”, the Prince insisted, “What does that have to do with me?”

“As you know I was married once before I wed your mother”, his father said with a sad smile, “I loved Aemma, I really did, and yet I traded her life for a mere dream of my boy wearing a crown. I should never have dared as far as I did, as in truth looking back, I had all I ever could’ve dreamed of, and yet I wished for more and lost everything in the process. I do not wish to do the same again”

To say that Aegon was confused would be an understatement, as he just sat there and tried to understand if his father’s words were supposed to make sense and perhaps he was simply too slow, or if maybe the King was just a sick old man rambling on about nothing.

“I love you Aegon”, the King proclaimed, leaving him breathless with how certain he seemed.

Aegon could not remember the last time someone had told him that they loved him, though perhaps the only person who ever had done that was currently laying on a bed somewhere and fighting for his life. His mother had never uttered those words to him, and his father hadn’t either.

“The surprise in your eyes is all I need to know I’ve failed”, he continued, “I’ve failed in all that truly matters, and I’m sorry for it. Whatever that first dream meant I don’t know anymore, but since the very first night we came back to the Keep I’ve been dreaming of our past, and of my relationship, or lack thereof with you. I dreamed of you for so long my boy, and I’m sorry I did not appreciate you enough when you finally joined us in truth. I do however wish to make amends if you will all-”

His mother and grandsire had asked one thing of him, just the one, to not upset or disrespect the King. And perhaps standing up so suddenly that the chair fell to the floor and leaving without even bidding the man goodbye, was not what they had wished him to do. But he just couldn’t stay there any longer.

What he felt in his heart was something akin to despair, but also anger. His father sitting there and telling him that he now understood that he had abandoned him was too much, so he just left. Only now the man had realised, and only because he believed that his gods were trying to send him a message. Would he ever have bothered to speak with him if it hadn’t been for those cursed dreams?

Would he have noticed how he had never once spoken to his own son if it hadn’t been for his gods?

Would he have cared?

He heard his father call for him as he left the chambers, but he could no longer stand being in the same room as that man. He knew this was probably not his greatest idea to date, since if his grandsire found out it would not bode well for him, but he didn’t care. His father had ignored him for his whole life, actively choosing to spend all his days with that cursed model instead of ever even just trying to form a relationship with him, his own son, the one he’d impregnated his first wife to death for.

Aemma Arryn had died so Aegon could be born, and Viserys had spat on her sacrifice by throwing him aside without a care in the world.

Aegon knew that his father preferred Rhaenyra, and in truth he’d never been bothered by that, so much as the fact that to Viserys, his love for his daughter evidently meant that he could not even try to show any care, even a false one, for any of his other children. That man had married his mother so she might bear him a son, and yet had not once cared for either of them.

And that, alongside Otto’s unhappiness with them both, might perhaps be the two things himself and his mother had in common.

“How did it go?”, Alicent questioned as she suddenly appeared from a corner, as she had probably stood there this whole time while eagerly waiting for Aegon to exit his father’s chambers.

“Fine”, he said while trying to sound less upset than he truly was.

“Did he say anything of Aemond?”, she asked hurriedly, “Is your brother well?”

That question was enough to cause a pit of dread to form in Aegon’s stomach, as he knew that the true answer would do naught but upset his mother. Yes his father had told him that Aemond was seemingly beginning to feel somewhat better, but he’d also told him of Aemond’s meltdown and of his refusal to eat or speak, and he also hadn’t told his wife any of this when he’d first found out.

“He’s alright”, he mumbled, deciding that this lie was but a kindness to his mother, “According to the King he’s eating and reading, so not much has changed”

“Is Daemon harming him?”, she questioned once more.

“No mother”, he answered, “You heard how the King threatened Daemon, and I don’t think that to him harming a child would be worth losing nor his title nor his wealth, since from what I know of the man they’re the things he cares about most in this world. I don’t think he’s necessarily being nice to him, but he’s not actively hurting him”

His mother did not seem satisfied with his answer, fiddling with her hands as the look of worry in her eyes became more and more obvious as her mind worked tirelessly to fuel her already paranoid nature. He knew that she had reason to worry for Aemond, but in truth there was nothing she could do about it. Even if Daemon were secretly harming his brother, unless the King himself found out there was nothing anyone could do, and much to her upset, his mother knew this as well.

“Did you speak of anything else?”, she asked as the two walked towards Aegon’s chambers.

“Not really”, he said quickly, not caring to think back on his father’s words as anger continued to grow within him, baffled that the man would so readily admit to having forgone caring about his son until some beings he believed in had reminded him that he’d ignored Aegon for his whole life.

He’d always wanted a relationship with his father, and many times before he’d yearned for the man to acknowledge him and the way he’d treated him for so long, but to know that he’d only done it out of some belief that he was being reprimanded for it by his gods simply angered him. Viserys knew what it meant to love a child, as he’d always shown his adoration for Rhaenyra without much struggle, and yet it seemed that he never cared to do the same for Aegon or his other siblings.

And he just couldn’t forgive that.

Chapter Text

The past couple sennights had been the most boring and yet dreadful of Aegon’s whole life.

He’d spent his time between his chambers and his grandsire's, having to suffer through supper after supper as the man lost himself to his anger, always raging about how much trouble the whole Driftmark affair had caused him. As all remained hidden about Jacaerys’ condition, since Lord Corlys had shut down all communications between his homestead and the rest of Westeros, things had simply gotten worse at the Keep.

Otto was infuriated by not knowing what was happening, a feeling he was evidently unfamiliar with, and one he did not seem to care for much. All he knew was that everyone was terribly worried for Jacaerys and the Princess as well, and that the rumour had begun to spread that the boy had died and that all of High Tide was mourning the loss of he who should’ve been their future King, hence the silence.

His mother on the other hand had pretty much confined herself to the Sept, praying for their safety for hours on end, not stopping even once she'd come back to the Keep, as Aegon was almost certain that considering the amount of time she spent with it in her hand, gripping it tightly as she prayed without interruption, there must've been an imprint of her Seven Pointed Star pendant on the palm of her hand. Alicent had convinced herself that Jacaerys had died but mere days after they had all left Driftmark, and that all this time Rhaenyra and her family had simply been waiting to kill them all at the most opportune moment.

Aegon knew this was not true, as he had received a letter from his sister that reassured him that Jacaerys still lived, though the missive had been strange, probably due to the fact that Aegon could not truly remember what he’d written in his own letter, so it was normal that he struggled to fully understand the response he’d gotten.

- Little brother, I wish for you to know that my boy lives, and that thankfully those horrid rumors that have spread do not reflect the reality of his condition. My father by law found out that certain people he thought he could trust were speaking to others, and since he did not take kindly to that he has decreed that until my son’s condition changes, no news will spread. My younger boy misses you dearly, and often includes you in the stories he loves so much, as a fearsome knight and dragonrider. I did not know you were to marry, and though I doubt that ‘tis a match of your own making, I hope that you will be happy with your bride. Your older sister -

The part that had worried Aegon most about the letter, apart from the fact that he had apparently mentioned his grandsire’s plan to marry him to Helaena, and he could only hope that he hadn’t worded it so plainly, was a little note Marla had given him with it.

- What you said about your mother is most grave, and I hope you know that what she did was not right. If you wish I can speak to her about it, or even our father if needs must. The anger and disappointment I feel can not be put into words, and I’m incredibly sorry that I am not there to put an immediate stop to it, and I’m even more sorry if this was happening when I was around and I did not notice. You say the word and I will do everything in my power to stop her, please trust me -

What the fuck had he said?

After he’d first received the missive he’d spent the whole day, and then the whole night, desperately trying to remember what he’d written about his mother that had gotten Rhaenyra so upset. There were many things Alicent had done to warrant such a response in truth, but the more Aegon thought about all he could’ve talked about, the more worried he became.

Had he talked about her tormenting him with talks of war and death? Had he talked about her hitting him? About her forcing him to marry his own sister? About her just standing there while his grandsire struck him? About her belittling him at every turn?

But for the life of him, he could not remember.

He’d sent a small note in return, just saying that he hoped Jacaerys would be well soon enough, and that he was glad to know Lucerys had not forgotten him, pointedly ignoring the note she herself had sent him. Since he was not certain of what he’d mentioned he could not speak on it, worried of accidentally revealing something else and making things worse, he just remained silent on the matter. And Rhaenyra apparently intended on doing the same, since after that last note, he had not received anything from her. It had been almost a sennight by now, and Aegon was beginning to worry.

He kept hearing talks of Jacaerys being dead, and yet he refused to believe them. He’d prayed to his mother's gods and his father's as well, pleading over and over for a whole moon for his nephew to be alright, even telling them that they could take him if that meant Jace would get to live, and he refused to even entertain the thought of his nephew having been taken from him. And though he understood that he would’ve been her last thought if that had happened, he truly hoped that if it had, then Rhaenyra would’ve called for him.

His arm had not yet healed, and yet Aegon would’ve gotten on Sunfyre before any Maester could stop him getting to Jacaerys.

He’d thought about it a couple of times, of just getting on Sunfyre and going back to Driftmark to be by his side, but alas he’d never even tried. He worried of Rhaenyra or Corlys turning him away, and of what would happen once his grandsire got his hands on him after the fact. There was too much at risk for him to dare so far, and yet he knew that if he received news of Jacaerys’ death, nothing and nobody would get between them.

“The old dragon dreams”, Helaena mumbled as she continued to work on her embroidery, as Aegon tried to figure out what image his sister was trying to create.

She was seemingly working on what looked like a blanket, black with some silver and blue details on it, though he was not so certain of what those were supposed to be. Little dragons were there, he could see those, and then triangles?

“Is that a sun?”, he questioned confused.

“Suns and waves”, she said with a soft smile, “Suns and waves for the Just”

By the Gods she was so weird.

“He will be a Stranger when they meet again”, she continued, “But not so soon, not at all”

To say that Aegon was confused would be a grave understatement, and yet the serene and almost extatic smile on her face warmed his heart a little. It somehow made her words even more confusing, but at least she was smiling. He’d never spent much time with Helaena as a child, never caring to be near her and her creepy ramblings, and he’d began to actively avoid her when his mother had first spoken of the two marrying, not caring for anyone to see them together and think them a good match.

He knew it would probably happen, as his grandsire was infamous for getting whatever he wanted, but that didn’t mean people had to think he was happy about it.

But on this day the two had been called to their grandsire's chambers once more, so that he might continue to torment them with talks of their impending wedding, though in truth the more Otto spoke on the matter, the less certain he seemed to be that it would actually take place, much to Aegon’s delight. The King had seemingly become resistant to such talks, apparently getting very upset whenever his Hand even tried to approach the subject, and growing tired of him continuing to bring it up.

“I don’t understand what is happening to him”, he huffed, “At first it was all about not wishing to be seen celebrating while his grandson lay dying, and I could somewhat understand that. But now he just doesn’t want to hear of it at all. He even kic- ugh”

Aegon resisted the urge to chuckle at that, knowing that his grandsire was probably about to bring up the fact that the King had been heard screaming at his Hand to just leave him alone before kicking him out of his chambers and telling the guards to not let him back in. Otto had tried, because of course he had, but Ser Westerling had just wagged his finger at him.

And my how Aegon wished he’d been there to see it.

Talks of the King bothered Aegon greatly, as he had yet to see his father after their last meeting had soured their already non-existant reltionship, and unbeknownst to his mother and grandsire, Viserys had actually asked to see him a couple of times, but he’d resisted him. The man had even gone so far as to send Aegon some cakes he was fond of as a child to try and convince him, but that had only angered him even more, as he hadn’t liked those cursed cakes for years, so they were but a reminder of how little the King knew of his son.

His persistance had begun to bother him, as Aegon just could not understand what had made him change his mind so drastically, going from barely acknowledging and probably not even remembering that he existed most of the time, to spending his days trying to lure him into his chambers. But a moon ago Aegon would’ve been thrilled at the knowledge that one of his parents cared for him so, but knowing that it was all because of some stupid dreams angered him greatly.

“Two or three They said”, Helaena chuckled, “Two or three might turn into one, just the one”

“What is she talking about?”, Otto questioned frustrated, turning to his daughter as he motioned to his granddaughter, who in turn shrunk into her seat with a small pout on her face.

“I don’t know”, Alicent sighed, “She just says things sometimes, she always has. Mellos has assured me that she is not slow of mind, but he doesn’t know why she says those things”

“Does she?”, her father asked angrily, “Do you know what you speak of child? Do you understand your own words? Do you even hear yourself talk?”

As he spoke Otto walked towards Helaena, pointing his finger toward her as he continued to question her with such poorly contained rage, and since Aegon had seen something like this before, as his grandsire was prone to taking his anger out on those who could not defend themselves against him, he placed himself between them. It probably was not the greatest idea, as Otto would likely just turn against him, but he could not let him get to Helaena.

“Leave her be”, he said, “She’s not doing anything wrong”

“Oh look, the mighty knight has come to the Princess’ defense” Otto mocked, “You wish to protect her huh? Will you do the same when Rhaenyra gets here?”

“The old dragon dreams”, Helaena said, something akin to pride in her voice as she smiled at her grandsire, though there was an odd look in her eyes as she looked to him.

A look of victory.

“Is Daeron your only normal child?”, Otto questioned bewildered as he turned to his daughter, “Is he the only normal kid you managed to raise, and is he like that only because he barely knew you before he left? How is it that you had over a decade to raise these children, and you had nothing to do but that considering the fact that you should’ve been gathering allies and yet you were not, so I can not think of what else you may have had to do to occupy your days. You had all this time Alicent, and I know you know what it takes for one to become a proper King or Queen, and this is what you do?”

“I did my best”, she said as she tried to defend herself, “It was not easy after you left”

“You had just one job”, he almost screamed, “You were supposed to worry about turning your children into true Princes of the Realm and gathering allies, that is it. And instead you chose to carry on with your petty squabbles with the Princess as if you were naught but a child”

Because that is exactly what she was, Aegon thought.

His mother had many faults, and yet Aegon knew that most of those had been spurred on by the fact that even though he knew none hadn seen her as such, she’d been a mere child when she’d first wed the King, when she’d first had his children, and when she’d been then left alone in a place that had become her prison to deal with the consequences of the decisions her father had made in her stead. He knew she’d done much wrong, and did not know if he would ever truly forgive all she’d done to him, as in the end though he understood her struggles, he also knew that he was not at fault for any of them, but he did feel for her.

But on the other hand, he also knew that after some time she’d begun to make decisions on her own, and that those had harmed many around her, most importantly her children. She’d put her anger towards Rhaenyra before anything else, and her children had suffered greatly because of it.

And they would continue to do so if nothing changed.

“I must speak to my nephew again”, Otto mumbled frustrated, “He was ill for a time and remains weak now, though he’s beginning to recover from his ailment thankfully. The last time I tried to reach out that fool’s son dismissed me, talking about how the High Septon himself had apparently spoken against us and had told him that he would not stand by those who stood by a kinsl-”

“What?”, Alicent questioned horrified, “The High Septon couldn’t hav- he didn- he must understand that my bo- father what do you mean?”

“He condemned Aemond as a kinslayer”, the Hand stated, “Hence why I think that if things keep going like this, we might have to find a way to publicly spurn Aemond from the family to ensure he doesn’t bring us down with him”

“No”, she denied vehemently, “Absolutely not. My boy is already suffering enough with that craven, and I will not allow you or anyone to give him any reason to believe that I don’t stand with him. The Mother speaks and She says I must be by my boy's sid-”

“The High Septon spoke of you as well”, Otto said through gritted teeth, “All know of the words you spoke on that night, and of how often you were heard trying to convince everyone that Aemond had done nothing wrong even after we came back here. He said that he will not stand by those who turn against the Seven Themselves to support a kinslayer, so you must forget about Aemond for now, because until we need a dragon that boy will do naught but push possible allies further and further away from us all”

The way his mother’s body froze on the spot was almost comical, as she brought a hand to her chest and gripped at her pendant of the Seven Pointed Star so tightly that Aegon thought she may have pierced her skin. Her mouth remained agape as if to speak, but no words came out as it seemed that she could not find the air she needed to say anything.

Aegon knew that no matter what happened, his mother would stand by Aemond, as in many ways he’d been the one person who had found his way into her heart, the one person who had brought her some comfort when she’d needed it most. But Alicent was a woman of faith.

Apart from her sense of duty, her faith in the Seven Who Are One was the most important thing to her, and knowing that the High Septon, the man who was believed to be the Gods’ representative on earth had spoken of her in such a way had left her breathless.

“I am his mother”, she whispered, “Of course I will defend him, the High Septon must understand that. He knows what it is for one to love their children, as he loves us all as if we were his. What Aemond did was grave, but he did it to defend himself as I am trying to do by standing by him. The Mother understands that I am doing this all for my babe, and She will protect him before She unites us once more. The Gods forgive if one’s heart is in the right place father, that is what you taught me, that is what you told me each time I went to him”

The utter despair in her voice was obvious, and yet there seemed to be a great deal of anger within her as well, as her wide eyes became stuck on her father and she made to walk towards him.

“Every single time I went to him I prayed”, she continued, “I prayed for the Gods to forgive me for daring too far, and you told me that They would because I was doing what was right. The Septas you sent my way also spoke of forgiveness, as did the late High Septon on the day of my wedding. You told me that They would forgive me father because I was doing it all for my family, so how can you now tell me to stand against my own babe? To abandon my child when as his mother the only right thing for me to do is to stand by him?”

“Because it doesn’t help us”, he grunted, “All you did back then was forgiven because it was what was good for our family and for the Realm, but standing by Aemond now is not good for either”

“You taught me that duty was everything”, she hissed, “My duty as a daughter earned you much, and my duties as a wife did as well, but I will not put aside my duties as Aemond’s mother for your comfort”

At this point Aegon had completely tuned out their conversation, as he couldn’t help the pang in his heart as Alicent continued to speak on her duty as Aemond’s mother, and how to her that meant that she could never leave him alone or allow any harm to come his way, when she had seemingly never felt the same way towards him, or Helaena for that matter.

Aemond losing his title as a Prince was apparently much more grave to her than himself and Helaena losing their lives and freedom by being forced to wed, and he just couldn’t understand her.

“My Queen”, Ser Criston knocked before entering the chambers, “Our King has calle-”

“Yes of course”, Alicent said quickly, throwing her father one last glance before heading to the door.

“He’s called for Prince Aegon”, the knight clarified.

Suddenly everyone turned to him, and Aegon resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he knew that this time he would not be able to ignore his father, much less reject him, not when his mother and grandsire were present. He sunk into his chair for a moment, but after Otto loudly cleared his throat to get him to move, he did just that.

“The old dragon dreams”, Helaena said with a smile, “He dreams yes”

“Get out of my sight”, Otto sighed annoyed as he waved his hand for Helaena to leave the rooms.

And though Aegon did not appreciate his grandsire’s harsh tone being directed to his sister, he was glad to know that she would not be left alone with him.

“It gladdens me that you finally agreed to see me”, the King said as soon as Aegon walked in his rooms, “I know that our last conversation was perhaps a heavy one, and that in truth it should’ve happened long ago, but I hope that it’s not too late now, and you coming here is pro-”

“I didn’t have a choice”, Aegon cut him off, already annoyed by the meeting he’d just left and most definitely still not in the mood to speak to the King.

“I’m trying Aegon”, his father sighed, “I know I have failed you my son, but the Gods have allowed me to truly see how much my actions hurt you, and I just wish to make things better”

He did not respond, just sitting on the first chair he found and pointedly avoiding the King’s gaze, choosing instead to focus on the model and even picking up one of the little statues. Viserys sat next to him, evidently wishing to be close to Aegon and letting out a deep breath when his son moved away from him.

“I really do just want to speak with you”, he tried once more, “I haven’t been there for you in a long time and I know that, but I’m here now”

Aegon let out a chuckle at that, finding it almost humorous that to his father that was more than enough. He hadn’t given Aegon the time of day not once since he’d first been born, but now he’d remembered that he had a son and wanted to bond, and he evidently couldn’t understand why Aegon wouldn’t be so keen to just forgive and forget.

He still remembered how he’d tried to spend time with the King as a child, asking Jenna to bring him to his father’s chambers so he might perhaps read him one of the books he loved so much, but Viserys had always turned him away.

“I’ve done much wrong in my life”, he admitted, “I’ve never been the best King, nor a great husband though it pains me to admit it, but I always took enormous pride in being a good father. From the moment Rhaenyra was first placed in my arms I knew that I had somehow found a purpose in life, and yet the Gods have chosen to remind me of how terribly absent I’ve been with my other children, you especially. And as I believe They did so for a reason Aegon, I can’t ignore Them”

Still speaking of those dreams, not explaining why he did what he did, why he turned against him so to the point where he’d seemingly forgotten about his existence for years on end. Still speaking of those dreams as the one thing that had allowed him to remember he had a son, and that perhaps he shouldn’t have ignored him for his whole life.

“That first dream caused me great pain”, he continued, “Especially considering all I did as a consequence, and because of that I was somehow resistant to believe that the one I had after we came back from High Tide meant anything, but then it happened again. Night after night I dream of you, and all the times I should’ve been there and was not, and I wish to make up for that”

“Do you care?”, Aegon questioned lowly, “Do you actually care about it? You continue to speak of the Gods, but do you actually care about the fact that you were never there?”

He probably shouldn’t dare so far, he knew that very well, because in the end no matter what his father was still the King, and speaking to him in such a way could lend him in great trouble, but he didn’t really care. The King said that he wanted to speak with him, then let them speak the truth.

“I tried”, he continued, “I tried many times over throughout my life to spend time with you, but you always ignored me. I understand that you like Rhaenyra better, and that is fine, but it doesn’t mean that you have to act like I don’t exist. If you don’t care about me then that is alright as well, but please just don’t pretend that you suddenly do just because you believe that your gods are speaking to you”

“Of course I care”, Viserys said breathless, such pain in his eyes that one would think Aegon had struck him, “Of course I do, I jus-”

“You just what?”, Aegon questioned almost angry, “You just had to send me away each time I came to your chambers? You just had to ignore me in favor of your favorite child? You just had to make me feel like not even you cared if I were dead or alive?”

There was great frustration in his heart, one that was almost blinding as he said far more than he ever had meant to, and yet he just couldn’t stop himself, and in truth he didn't even want to. He’d always done it, using his words to cut through those who stood before him as he felt the need to make them feel as miserable as he did, and though he’d done it to Aemond and had come to realise that that was cruel, the King deserved it.

He deserved it for each and every time Aegon had felt alone in this world, stuck in a castle with his mother as she lost herself to a sense of madness, and knowing that no matter what she did or what happened, he could never turn to his father. He’d tried to do it once, the night after his mother had struck him for the very first time, but the King had turned him away.

Ser Westerling had reported that his son was crying and begging to be allowed in the rooms, but the King had turned him away.

“You say you dreamed of me for years”, he continued, “You say you killed your beloved wife for me, but then you threw me away without doubt in your heart. I’ve been here for years father, and you have never once shown any kind of interest in getting to know me or even just spending some time with me. I never asked anything of you, naught but that you showed some interest in me, by the Gods when I was a boy I used to come here and ask to just sit here and watch you play with this stupid model, and you couldn’t even let me do that. You don’t want me as your Heir? That is fine, I don’t want to be the King, but that doesn’t mean you have to act like I’m not your blood either”

Done with the conversation, and feeling the anger that laid in his heart as it just kept growing and growing, he turned to leave, because he knew that if he stood there for just a little longer, he’d end up throwing the chair over his father’s cursed model.

“Aegon”, the King called for him, “Aegon please wait, I just wish to talk. The Gods have shown me all that I remained blind to for so long, and I wish to make amends before anything truly happens, and I believe only you can help me do that”

“What are you talking about?”, he questioned annoyed by his father’s cryptic words.

“I know everything”, Viserys said, “Or at least I know much more than I did yesterday. The dreams I had on this night were of things that could only have come out of the Seven Hells, and yet I believe that the Gods showed them to me for good reason”

Aegon just shook his head, continuing to not understand what his father was talking about, and yet there was a rage in his father’s eyes, one that Aegon did not know the older man possessed, and one that he would perhaps welcome if it wasn’t directed at him.

“For sennights I dreamed of you”, he continued, “I dreamed of all the ways I failed you, and I thought that the Gods had simply meant to shame me as a man and worse of all as a father, but I now think that there is more to it. The images that tormented me last night were of what the future holds for us all, and I think that the Gods showed me what would be the consequences of my actions so I might put a stop to it”

“You’re not making sense”, Aegon retorted, “You keep speaking of dreams but I don’t understand what that has to do with me”

“Everything”, Viserys answered, “It has everything to do with you, but it’s not your fault my son. What could’ve happened would’ve been my fault, and Otto’s, but never yours”

“What?”, he questioned wearily, voice barely above a whisper as he looked at his father.

“I know of his schemes”, the King stated firmly, “Or at least I think I know of most of them. I know of his schemes and trust me Aegon, I will put an end to it all before I allow the dragons to dance and for my whole family to suffe-”

Suddenly, the walls of the Keep began to shake, as a dragon’s mighty roar rang over the skies of King’s Landing. Aegon knew that it was not Sunfyre, and that Dreamfyre was the only other dragon present in the Dragonpit now, but that she didn’t usually make such noise.

“Meleys”, Viserys mumbled under his breath, and Aegon ran.

He ran as fast as he could to get to the Queen Who Never Was, as he knew that she brought news of his nephew, and no matter what she had to say, he needed to hear it. He heard the King run, or at least try to run behind him, and for a second worried that his heart might fail him as he seemed to struggle to catch his breath.

If she brought news of Jacaerys’ death, then Aegon would get on Sunfyre to get to him, and then perhaps disappear into nothingness, as he did not care to have to live with the knowledge that his brother truly had murdered their nephew, and that in some way it had been his fault. And if Jacaerys was alive, then Aegon would make sure to be by his side until his last day, no matter what.

Once he reached the Dragonpit Aegon noticed that he was not alone, and that Helaena was also there, and she was not alone either.

“When did that happen?”, he questioned confused.

“Her songs are so beautiful”, is all his sister said as she continued to pet Dreamfyre’s side, “The Just wakes brother, and the old dragon dreams, you should listen before the tower truly glows”

“What are y-”, he tried to ask, but before he could finish his sentence Meleys landed, just in time for his father to finally reach the Dragonpit as well, with Ser Westerling behind him as the knight subtly placed a hand behind the King’s back to help him stand.

Rhaenys walked to them without hurry, a serene smile on her face as Aegon almost fell to his knees and his heart finally beat again.

“He’s awake”

Chapter Text

“I hate boats”, Aegon complained as he felt his stomach weaken once more, grasping onto his chair as he tried to stop himself from hurling.

“Agreed”, his father replied as he sat next to him.

To try and take his mind off of the way the waves made the boat sway, Aegon thought back to how exactly he’d gotten on this cursed vessel in the first place. After the Princess Rhaenys had announced that Jacaerys had finally woken up, he had almost thrown himself in Sunfyre’s lair, desperate to get on his dragon and make his way to his beloved nephew, but the King had stopped him.

“We will go together”, he’d said firmly, leaving little room for denial as the certainty in his voice and almost cold look in his eyes made Aegon believe that for once in his life his father would use his power as King and get Ser Westerling to drag him back to his side if he tried to leave.

Once back in the Keep the two had found both Otto and Alicent already in the King’s chambers, waiting to hear of what had taken place in the Dragonpit, both with wide eyes and evidently nervous as they had recognised Meleys, and feared what news she may have brought.

“That is good my love”, his mother had said as she immediately neared her husband, “I told you Jacaerys would be alright, the Mother Herself assured me that Rhaenyra's boy would be fine, and perhaps I can come with you to visit him, so we might pray over him. Maybe as Rhaenyra sees how the Mother blessed her and her son, she might reconsider Aemond's punish-”

“No”, the King had shut her down, “You are not going anywhere”

“What?”, Alicent had questioned.

“Aegon and I will go to Driftmark”, he’d said, “Just the two of us”

Immediately his grandsire had turned to him, very poorly contained anger seeping out the man as Aegon couldn’t help but shrink under his gaze. His mother had tried once more to convince the King to let her go with them, insisting that she only wished to be by Rhaenyra’s side and relish alongside them all in the blessing the Gods had granted them. But alas the King had denied her again.

“Perhaps I can accompany you my King”, Otto had tried as well, “As your Hand my duty is to council you, and I believe I could be useful to you as you and the Princess speak on what shall happen next”

“Definitely not”, Viserys had almost chuckled, “You two will both stay here, and be mindful Otto, you will not be alone and even though I shall not be here in person, I will know all that takes place while I’m gone”

“My King”, the Hand had said most confused, “I just wish to hel-”

“No”, he’d interrupted him most angrily, “I said no Otto, and that is my final answer”

Both Otto and Alicent had appeared taken aback by Viserys’ reaction, attempting once more to calm him down and reassure him that they simply wished to help, but the King had remained uncharacteristically firm in his stance. Aegon had sensed that something had changed within his father these past few days, perhaps even sennights, and yet he’d never known him to be an angry person, especially not when it came to dealing with his wife and Hand.

“There shall be no Small Council meetings while I’m gone”, the King had told Lord Beesbury as the King readied himself for the journey, “And if you see Otto speak with anyone, you let me know immediately. I fear you might be one of the very few people I can actually trust in this place, and I hope that I’m not mistaken in my assertion”

“Never my King”, the Lord had said surely, “I am most loyal to you and your family before anything or anyone else, you can be certain of that. But if I may ask, has the Lord Hand done something that I should be aware of to upset you so?”

Aegon had watched as his father took a deep breath, hand coming to brush over his face as he smirked, though that small smile held very little joy as it appeared more like a grimace. He’d remained silent for the entire meeting, just sitting there and playing with his ring as his father and the Lord spoke, not really understanding why the King had requested for him to witness the conversation, and weary of what his grandsire would say if he found out that it had happened without him there.

“He’s done plenty”, Viserys had said as he sighed, “It shames me to say that I’ve been blind for many years my friend, but the Gods have shown me my mistakes and what could’ve happened had I chosen to continue on as I was, and I hope to thank Them for Their gift by trying to fix what I broke”

As he said those last few words the King had looked directly in Aegon’s eyes, and though the Prince had been most angry at his father up until the day before as the two argued, the unshed tears in Viserys’ had made his rage falter.

While Aegon himself was preparing the things he would need for the journey to High Tide, he heard his mother outside his chambers, berating Ser Erryk for daring to refuse her entrance to her son’s rooms.

“I’m sorry my Queen”, the knight had said in a low tone, evidently not loving the fact that he’d been chosen for the task, “His Grace the King has ordered that nor you nor the Lord Hand shall speak to Prince Aegon before they take their leave”

“This is ridiculous”, Alicent had screamed, “I am his mother, you have no right to tell me when I can and can not see my own son. Aegon and I must pray before his journey, so the Mother and the Warrior might keep him safe, and as your Queen I command you to let me pass”

“I’m sorry”, Erryk had denied her once more.

Aegon had been incredibly surprised that his father had gone so far, once more wondering what exactly had happened for him to change his ways so abruptly. Through the previous sennights he had started behaving strangely, that was true enough, but none could’ve expected this.

His father had spoken to him of these dreams he’d supposedly had, and of how they had allowed him to see all he’d remained blind to for years, and though Aegon had doubted him at first, he was starting to question his original beliefs. The way Viserys had spoken of Otto’s schemes had been a little too close to the truth for Aegon to not think it a possibility that his father actually knew something of what had been hidden from him for so long.

How he knew that Aegon didn’t know, and yet the rage that seemed to now live within the King whenever anyone dared mention his Hand made Aegon feel something akin to hope. But as he knew that hope was a dangerous thing, he remained guarded.

“Are you alright my Prince?”, Ser Criston questioned as his hand hovered over Aegon’s back.

“I’m about to hurl all over your shoes”, Aegon answered as his face became deathly pale.

Criston quickly grabbed onto him and moved him to the railings of the boat, so his sick might end up in the sea and not in the vessel. Once he was done Aegon tried to move back to his chair, but alas his body failed him and he almost fell to the ground, only avoiding that as the knight gently lead him to the small chambers he’d been given within the boat, telling him that perhaps laying down might help.

The man had stumbled upon Aegon and his father when they were making their way back to the Keep after leaving the Dragonpit, as he’d been evidently on his way there after seeing Meleys. Criston had appeared most pitiful, as he looked like he was about to be sick as he just stared at Aegon, an unasked question in his eyes as he attempted to remain composed.

After Aegon had whispered to him that Jacaerys had woken up Criston had just nodded, mouth clamped shut as he moved out of his way so the Prince could continue walking to the Keep, but as Aegon turned around once more to look at him before actually leaving, he saw how the knight had fallen to the floor, knees hitting the ground as he seemed to be grasping for air with a hand over his heart.

Hence why it had not been a true surprise when Criston had shown up to the shore to ask the King if he could join them on their travels. Viserys had not seemed convinced at first, a look of anger flashing over his eyes as he looked at the knight like one would some dirt under their shoe, but just as he’d opened his mouth to deny him, Aegon had intervened. He knew that there was a slight chance that Ser Cole had been sent by his mother, and that the guilt and regret that had seemingly been eating at him for the past moon could’ve simply been an act, so that Aegon could feel for him and then allow him to go to High Tide with them, so Criston might act as a spy for the Queen.

But Aegon did not believe that to be true. His mother was not in the right state to make such plans, and as Aegon had heard that she had locked herself in the Sept to pray the second she had been sent away from his chambers, he doubted that she had even seen the knight before he abandoned his post by her side.

He wasn’t certain that his sister would be happiest to see Ser Cole there, but in truth he wasn’t certain that she would be happy to see any of them come her way when she had not invited them, but alas they were coming, and as Aegon knew that he needed to see Jacaerys so his heart might finally be at peace, he felt that the same was true for Criston.

“How are you not sick?”, he questioned the knight once he finally reached his bed.

“My mind is elsewhere my Prince”, Criston answered honestly.

The two remained silent for some time, as Aegon closed his eyes and tried to convince his body that they were not on a boat, and that the ground underneath them was still, so there was no need to feel ill. Criston on the other hand paced around his chambers, much to Aegon’s dismay as the knight’s movements made his stomach hurt even more.

“She won’t send you away”, Aegon mumbled, “Though perhaps she should”

“Perhaps”, the knight conceeded.

"Why didn't you stay?", he asked, "If you truly do care about being with him, why didn't you just stay on Driftmark?"

"They didn't want me to be there", Criston explained, "As you said some days ago, the Princess already had enough to worry about as the Prince still slept, and my presence would've simply made things worse for her. I've done plenty to make things more difficult than they should've been for the Princess and her family through the past decade, I do not wish to continue doing that. Though I don't think they would've let me stay even if I'd asked, and they would've had every reason to reject me, and I can only hope that they don't do so now"

Aegon could only nod at that, knowing very well that if he'd been in his sister's shoes he would've laughed in the knight's face for daring to ask to stay by Jacaerys' side, considering all he'd done to both her and her boy through the years. The more Aegon looked at him, the more clear it became that Criston's guilt and shame for what he'd done to Jacaerys in particular appeared to be real, and yet he just couldn't understand why he'd done it to begin with.

“I still don’t get it”, he said, deciding that perhaps speaking of something and distracting his mind would make him forget how he desperately felt the need to be sick, “Why did you treat him like that?”

Criston finally stopped walking, just turning to Aegon and opening his mouth as if to speak, only to then clamp it shut once more. The Prince could tell that the knight did not care to have this conversation, especially with him, but he just couldn’t help how curious he was.

“I don’t care to know of what happened between you and Rhaenyra”, Aegon clarified, “I just wish to understand why you treated Jace like that. It’s not that you ignored him, but you actively tried to make his life worse by aiding my mother in berating him at every turn. How could you do that knowing that he is yours?”

“He reminds me of her”, the knight said, “I can not explain why I did what I did, as in truth I am no longer certain that there ever was a reason apart from the fact that I was angry at her, and he was a part of her, one she cared for most in this world. But I know that that is not a true reason, or at least not one that makes my actions right. I regret it all now, not that that changes anything, though I can only pray that the Princess will see my shame and allow me to be with him even just for a moment”

“Does my mother know?”, Aegon asked.

“I’m not certain”, the man sighed, “I thought she knew at first, as I’d confessed my sin to her, but then after the Prince was born she set her sights on Ser Harwin, and I think that she simply preferred that reality to the truth”

“You’re all she has”, he conceeded, “In many ways you’re her one true ally, perhaps her one true friend”

Criston fell silent once more, rubbing at his temples as he was evidently struggling to think about Alicent in this moment, as he’d sworn fealty to her and had vowed to be by her side until the end, only to then leave her behind to be with her enemies. He’d made his decision to go to High Tide without doubt in his heart, and hadn’t even thought of the Queen once as he quickly packed his things and ran to the boat, but now the thought of having left her weighed heavy on him.

“She’s not a bad person”, he said, “She’s just in pain, and she has been for a long time, perhaps her whole life even”

“I understand that very well”, Aegon mused, “And ‘tis all thanks to her”

“What?”, Criston questioned confused.

But before Aegon could answer the man’s question, they were both called back to the King’s side, as Viserys was still evidently not certain of the knight’s true intentions and did not care for them to be alone together. As he left the rooms Aegon turned to his bag, wishing to change his doublet once he noticed that some sick had gotten on it, and as he opened it he found a blanket and a little note.

- The Just will reign and another shall remain Uncrowned, but no damage will be done this time. The three have turned into one and the tower will not glow, so long as the old dragon dreams and the Rogue does not become foe. The two were meant to burn together but alas the seahorses shall prevail, and history shall remember their name. Black will thrive and she will be Great, all if Green is stopped at the gate. Heed the dreams brother, and all will be well -

Per usual Helaena’s words left Aegon somewhat confused, and yet that last line finally made sense. His sister had been talking about an old dragon dreaming for days, and as Aegon put two and two together he realised how blind he himself had been. He’d always known that Helaena had been trying to tell him something, warn him even, and yet he’d never understood the meaning of her words.

But perhaps he was starting to.

“Are you feeling better?”, Viserys questioned as soon as Aegon approached him, eyes stuck on the knight that stood behind him as Criston quickly stepped away to give them some space, and possibly to avoid the King’s accusing gaze.

“What will happen?”, Aegon questioned, “Jacaerys is awake, and while that is the one thing that I’ve been waiting to hear for a whole moon now, I need to know what will happen next”

“That is up to Rhaenyra”, the King answered, “She will decide what happens to Aemond, and she will decide what is best for her family moving forward, though I must speak with her about coming back to the Keep”

“You think she’ll want to?”, he asked incredilous, because thinking back on all that had happened to his sister back at King’s Landing, he truly doubted that she would want to bring her family back to that place.

“She doesn’t have a choice”, his father said quickly, “None of us do. Rhaenyra must return to the Keep, and she must be by my side. I don’t know if she will want to, but hopefully she will understand that she has to. As I told you I will do my best to ensure that those who have been trying to do not stand against her, but she needs to be with me as I fight for our family”

Aegon fell silent, staring at his father as he felt something akin to pride well up in his heart at how certain the King sounded, and at how angry he seemed to be as he spoke of those who had dared try to rise up against his daughter. He didn’t yet know how things would turn out for him once Rhaenyra came back to the Keep, as he was certain that his grandsire would be most unhappy about such a turn of events, and yet as the King continued to speak, he didn’t know if he’d have to worry about that.

“I’ve been so foolish”, Viserys hissed angrily, “King Viserys the First of His Name, the Fool, that is how people would have remembered me, though perhaps that is how some already think of me considering all I’ve let slide for the past two decades. I knew it was happening, that’s what angers me most. I felt it in my bones that something was happening, and yet I preferred to ignore it for my own comfort. I didn’t think things were that bad, or that people would dare so far after I was gone. But now I know, and I will not let any of it happen. To know of what they’re capable of doing to us all, you children in particular, and my poor girl. As if Rhaenyra hasn’t known enough suffering in her life. I could've killed him, I really could have, but that is too easy. For all he would have done to us all, he deserves much worse than that”

“My King”, Ser Erryk called for him, “We have reached the shore”

As father and son got up to make their way to the beach that surrounded High Tide, Viserys continued to mumble, true and uncontrollable rage seeping out of his every pore as his hands shook.

“They think they can do as they please”, he grunted, “They think I’m just an old and sick idiot who will forever remain blind to their schemes, and perhaps in another life I would have, and they would’ve gotten all they wanted”

“But this is not that life”

Chapter Text

“My King”, Corlys approached them as they met at the doors of High Tide, “I apologise for the lack of a welcoming party Your Grace, but my wife only alerted us of your impending arrival a day ago, and we didn-”

“It’s alright”, Viserys dismissed him with a kind smile, “We are family Corlys, there is no need for such formalities, and I am acutely aware of the fact that you have much more pressing concerns than to make a big fuss about me coming to your home. I’m not here as the King but as Viserys, Rhaenyra’s father and Jacaerys’ grandsire. I don’t care for anything else”

As all made their way inside the castle, Aegon couldn’t help the dread that found his heart as he finally realised that he was about to see his nephew after all that had happened on that cursed night. He suddenly remembered that the Maesters had said that they were not certain of how Jacaerys would be once he woke up, and he couldn’t help but fear what may have become of his nephew after a whole moon of sleep.

Would Jacaerys even remember him?

Would he remember how the two had actually made up before Helaena came to get them?

Would he know that Aegon had prayed for him each and every day since that night?

Would he still know how Aegon cared for him?

“He woke up a sennight ago”, Corlys said, “The Maesters were most surprised, as were the rest of us. We were all in his rooms when it happened, and I won’t lie my King, my heart almost failed him when I looked at him and saw that his eyes were open. We apologise for not alerting you sooner, but the Maesters wanted to first ensure that our boy was well before allowing anyone to visit, as they believed that having too many people around him would’ve been be too overwhelming”

"Does he remember anything?", the King asked wearily, letting out a heavy sigh once the other man nodded.

"He remembers most of it, yes", the Lord said, "He thankfully doesn't remember the actual moment when his uncle injured him so gravely, but he does remember what happened before that, what he saw Aemond doing to Lucerys"

Aegon cursed silently, playing with his wrist as he questioned the Gods why exactly They'd allowed his nephew to remember anything at all about that cursed night. They'd already chosen to let him suffer such an injury, why did They have to then curse him with memories as well?

“Has the wound healed?”, Viserys questioned.

“For the most part yes”, the Seasnake answered with a smile, “He is still confined to his bed, as the Maesters wish for him to slowly get back at walking and doing things by himself, but just yesterday he got up all on his own. He took but a few steps with our aid, and yet I assure you my King, I have never been more proud of anyone in my life”

Viserys smiled brightly at this, looking at Aegon and nodding as if to reassure him, as the Prince’s worries were painted all over his face. As Aegon turned to look at his father, he noted that the King’s gaze then quickly fell on the knight that stood by his side, and as he looked at Criston, he saw that the man was almost shaking in anticipation.

To his credit Criston was doing a fairly good job at containing his nerves, but to a keen eye it was most obvious that the knight was terribly afraid, possibly of how the Princess and her husband would react to him being there. Lord Corlys had not bat an eye, too concerned with the King to care about the men that surrounded him, but Aegon knew that both Rhaenyra and Laenor had every reason to dislike Criston, and that there was a big chance that they would turn him away.

He understood that perhaps they should, as Criston hadn’t done anything to deserve their kindness, or much less to deserve to be near Jacaerys, and yet he hoped that they would allow him to be with him. Aegon could tell that the knight’s previously unwavering loyalty to his mother and therefore grandsire was no more, and hoped that seeing his son by blood and being given the opportunity to be by his side might make him change his ways.

“He’s in here”, Corlys said as he stopped before a closed door, “I dare ask something of you my King, please keep your voice down. Jacaerys is incredibly sensitive to loud noises, and though the Maesters believe that that will lessen with time, as of right now they cause him great pain”

“Of course”, Viserys agreed, and once Corlys’ eyes fell on him, Aegon nodded as well.

"There's also another thing", the Seasnake muttered while looking at the knights, who took a step back to give them some privacy, "Jacaerys is having some trouble speaking, and though the Maesters have assured us that it is a temporary struggle due to his moon of sleep, his voice sounds a bit odd, so I thought I might alert you before you actually heard it. He became painfully aware of the gravity of his condition very soon after he woke up, and he was greatly scared by it all, considering that he still couldn't move much if at all. I understand that seeing and hearing him like this is difficult, but I ask that you avoid commenting on it for his sake"

Aegon could do naught but shake his head, a small sob getting caught in his throat as he thought about how terrified his nephew must've been when he'd first woken up, laying in a room he didn't recognise and unable to move, and apparently to talk as well. Before turning around to face the door to Jace's rooms Aegon threw a glance at Ser Criston, and it seemed that the knight had overheard much of what Lord Corlys had said, and he too looked like he'd just had his heart ripped out of his chest, images of the scared little boy he'd never once treated as his own haunting his mind.

The rooms Jacaerys had been given were enormous, as they were practically spilt in two. On one end there was a small bed and a cot, where little Joffrey slept soundly, and on the other side there was a gigantic bed, and Aegon didn’t even need to question why they would need a bed so big for such a small boy, as he was certain that his sister and her husband had not left his side for a single second during those awful sennights.

As they walked in Aegon couldn’t help but feel somewhat out of place, as he was faced with his sister and her whole family as they were huddled around Jacaerys’ bed, and the way they all leaned into each other knowing that they could, made him teary eyed.

He’d never had that with his family, but as his father turned to him and gave him a big smile before offering him his hand, he thought that perhaps one day he could.

Aegon was still most hesitant to truly trust that the King had realised the many mistakes he’d made, and he was still somewhat angry that it had taken the actual Gods apparently sending him a message for him to realise it, but then he thought back to Helaena’s message. Most of what his sister had written remained a mistery to him, but those last few words had been clear as day.

So he took his father’s hand.

“Your Grace”, Laenor rose from where he’d been sitting on Jace’s bed, walking to his father by law and bowing to him, before Viserys placed a hand on his cheek and smiled, and Laenor quickly did the same.

“Father”, Rhaenyra spoke finally, not moving from her spot by her son’s side but smiling, unshed tears in her eyes as she looked up at Viserys, who in turn made his way to be close to her and bent down as far as he could to hug her to him.

“My dearest girl”, he whispered, “I’m so happy for you my love, I really am. The Gods have blessed our family Rhaenyra, in more ways than you yet know, but what is most important now is that your little boy stll lives, and nothing could make me happier than to know that your heart shall be spared of such pain”

Aegon couldn’t help but stare at the scene, as his father and sister clung to each other like their lives depended on it. Viserys in particular was hugging Rhaenyra in a way that was almost desperate, and as Aegon thought back to what his father had said on the boat, and how he’d spoken of having seen what would happen to Rhaenyra, and as he saw how the King choked back tears as he caressed her face, he couldn’t help but fear what he may have seen.

As he simply stood there, breathless and not knowing exactly what to do, Aegon quickly found himself with his arms full of his nephew, as Lucerys jumped on him and circled his arms around his neck, a happy smile on his face as he pressed a kiss against Aegon’s cheek.

Finally, Aegon decided to move, and throwing a glance at Criston who still stood behind him, he walked toward the bed, hearing as the knight followed him and knowing exactly when Criston finally saw Jacaerys, as he let out a shaky breath of both relief and despair.

“Uncle”, Jacaerys mumbled, eyes almost closed as he seemed too tired to keep them open, but there was a big smile on his face, and Aegon didn't even have to think about it, immediately placing Luke back on the floor and almost throwing himself on his oldest nephew.

As soon as he reached the bed Aegon laid next to Jacaerys, arms coming to gently wrap around him as he listened closely, weary of any sounds of pain that may come from the younger boy, as while awake his nephew was still injured, and Aegon didn’t want to hurt him further.

“I’m so sorry”, he cried as he stuffed his head in the crook of Jacaerys’ neck, unable to keep the tears at bay as he finally felt the boy’s warm body against his own, having dreamed of this moment for a whole moon, and having feared that it may never come.

“It’s alright”, Jace mumbled as a shaky hand came to rest on Aegon’s head, “I’m alright uncle”

Aegon just sniffled, continuing to cling to his nephew and not caring even just a little bit about the fact that they were being watched, and that this behavior was most inappropriate for someone of his station, or his age even perhaps, but he didn’t care. Lord Corlys had not been lying when he'd said that Jacaerys' voice was somewhat strange, as in truth it sounded like his nephew was speaking with his mouth full, and it was a little hard to actually grasp onto what exactly he was saying, but he didn't care. He'd yearned to hear his nephew's voice again for a whole moon, and no matter how odd it was now, it was still Aegon's most favourite sound.

Slowly and trying to not break the embrace between the older boys, Lucerys snuck his way onto the bed, laying his head on Jacaerys’ chest and giving Aegon a little smile, bringing his hand to his cheek to wipe away the stray tears that had made their way down his face and were now leaving wet spots Jace’s sleep shirt. The three just laid there for some time, as Aegon could faintly hear his father and sister speaking to one another, as the King questioned his daughter about how she was doing. He knew that it had perhaps been rude of him to just throw himself on this bed without even acknowledging all the other people present in the room, but now that he had found his way back to Jace's side, he didn't care about anyone else.

“Ouch”, Jacaerys hissed under his breath, body stiffening underneath Aegon’s as the elder immediately moved back as if burned.

“What is it?”, he questioned as another worried voice rang along his own, and the room fell silent as everyone’s eyes fell on Ser Criston, and on how the man had seemed ready to throw himself on the bed as Jace emitted the slightest sign of discomfort.

“My pillow fell back”, the boy answered them both, looking to his mother as she quickly moved to fix Jacaerys’ pillow so his bandaged wound wouldn’t lay on the wooden structure.

And as Aegon’s eyes met Rhaenyra’s, he couldn’t help but let more tears fall. A part of him wanted to disappear into nothingness, suddenly embarassed by a display of such weakness that he’d put on before a woman he’d been raised to believe wanted him dead, but another part of him wanted to hug her. He wanted to jump in her arms and find comfort within her embrace, wanted for them both to cry together in relief so their hearts might heal as one.

He remained frozen on the spot where he stood, having leaped out of Jacaerys’ bed after the boy complained, and now too focused on Rhaenyra to notice how his nephew’s hand had taken a hold of his own, his heart so big that he wished to comfort Aegon even when he was the one still so gravely injured.

Slowly and with a small smile on her face Rhaenyra made her way to him, leaving her father behind as Viserys looked at them with both fear and yet hope in his eyes. Aegon did not move an inch, not afraid of his sister, just not knowing what to do.

“Valonqar”, she finally said, hands coming to rest on his cheeks as she looked into his eyes, two shades of the same blue meeting as with one single look the two spoke more than they ever had before, and Aegon just let himself fall in her arms, knowing that she’d be there to catch him.

"It's alright", she cooed gently.

"I'm sorry", Aegon cried, hands coming to grab onto the back of his sister's dress as he clung to her desperately.

"You have nothing to be sorry for", she said.

Rhaenyra’s hands were gentle as she caressed his hair, hugging him close to her chest and placing a small kiss to his temple before taking hold of his face once more, smiling at him and leading him back to Jacaerys’ bed, where he laid without a second thought.

His heart finally at peace as it beat against Jacaerys’, the two fell asleep.

Hours upon hours went by, and Aegon slept as he hadn't in sennights, caught up in his dreams as he became lost to the world with Jacaerys by his side, as it was always meant to be.

“My father wishes to know if you will attend supper with us and the King”, Laenor whispered as he tried to avoid waking the children.

“No thank you”, Rhaenyra answered, smiling at the boys as they slept soundly in each others’ arms, not wishing to be anywhere but here as the image brought her such tranquillity.

“He’s here”, her husband mumbled, “What do you want me to do with him?”

“Let him in”, she said, sighing heavily as she noted how Laenor rolled his eyes, “We spoke of this, and we agreed, so let him in”

Ser Criston quietly made his way inside the room, having put his armor away for a moment before entering as he didn’t care to wake the boys with the noise of the pieces of metal clanking against one another. His eyes immediately fell on the bed, and they widened slightly when they noticed that Aegon was still there, because although he knew that the Prince already knew his secret, he didn’t care for him to hear his conversation with the Princess. But it seemed that the boy truly was asleep.

“He seemed really tired”, Rhaenyra said, “Fell asleep almost instantly once his body touched the bed, and I didn't want to wake him just yet”

“He didn’t find much sleep on the boat”, Criston conceeded, “Or at all in truth, as I’m not certain he’s had a good night’s sleep this whole moon. He was far too concerned for his mind to grant him such peace, as we all were”

Slowly and trying to make as little noise as possible, the knight made his way to the bed, eyes stuck on Rhaenyra as he tried to gauge how far he could go, but the Princess didn’t even look at him. He found himself next to Jacaerys, unable to resist the urge to crouch down by his side, needing to see his face once more as he’d been desperately yearning to do for sennights.

He just knelt there next to him, smiling softly as he watched how Jace’s chest moved up and down, the motion and the sound of the boy's breathing bringing him more comfort than anything else ever could have.

“I will never leave him again”, he said surely, “I know I’ve done nothing to deserve this, and perhaps everything for you to deny me, but I beg of you. If you let me stay with him, I promise to never leave his side”

“Your oaths mean very little”, she mused, “You swore that you would stand by me, and then you left. I’m certain you promised her the same thing, and yet here you are. Unless you’re here for he-”

“I’m here for him”, he interrupted her, “All I am is for him, I know that now. Again, I know I’ve not given you reason to believe me Princess, but if you give me an opportunity to prove myself, I swear that I shall never betray him”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, head hurting as she tried to resist the urge to either smack the man next to her or hug him close. She’d hoped to hear those words many years ago, and instead Criston had berated her without a care in the world, and yet now that he’d finally said them, she couldn’t help but hope that they rang true, no matter how angry she was at him.

She was not foolish enough to trust him, and yet she still hoped he was being sincere.

“Why now?”, she asked, “Why did it take him almost dying for you to decide that you care?”

“Because he’s a part of me”, he answered as if it explained everything, “When you said that Aemond was a kinslayer I thought he’d died, and my heart just stopped beating, and it did not start up again until I was told he was finally awake. I don’t know what I was thinking for all these years, if I was thinking anything at all, I really don’t know why I did what I did Princess and I’m sorry. I took the anger I felt for you and threw it at him, and never in life will I be able to take any of it back, but I can only hope that one day he will find it in his heart to forgive me”

As he spoke he gently caressed Jace’s cheek, letting out a wet chuckle when the boy turned to face him even more, as if begging for more of his touch, which he granted gladly.

“He’s a part of my soul”, Criston whispered, “I don’t know why I only felt such love after I thought I’d lost him forever, but now that it’s here I can’t bear the thought of being parted from him again. I beg you to understand that Princess, and though I don’t expect you to forgive all I’ve done to you, I ask that you allow him to be by his side as a protector, or even as a random man, I don’t care. You can take away my white cloak if that’s what it takes for you to believe that I speak the truth, that I just want to be with him”

“And what of her?”, Rhaenyra questioned lowly.

At that the knight fell silent, letting out a deep breath as he continued to look at Jacaerys, finding an answer to the Princess’ question in the little boy’s face, knowing that there had never been anyone else for him.

“He’s all that matters”, he said surely, “I feel for her for many reasons, but I can no longer turn against my own blood, not when I came so close to losing him in truth”

Rhaenyra did not answer him, just staring at Criston as he continued to caress Jace’s face, marvelling at it as if seeing it for the first time, and perhaps in many ways he was. She was not certain that his words rang true, and she most certainly did not trust the man, because even though his words may have been pretty, he’d done more than enough to make her question how loyal he could be to a single person.

The love in his eyes as he looked at Jace was a mirror of what she herself felt for her boy, and yet she still didn’t feel that she could trust him fully. But on the other hand she knew that it was best to keep him close than to have him as an enemy, and Laenor knew this as well, hence why the two had spoken of Criston’s supposedly new found devotion to their son, and had decided to take advantage of it. They would let him stick around and see if he actually cared to prove to them that he truly meant it when he said he was doing it all for love, but he would not be alone.

If he did as he promised, then she’d gain a new ally and Alicent would lose one of the few she'd ever had, and if he didn’t, Syrax and Seasmoke were always at the ready.

Chapter Text

“How is aunt Helaena?”, Jacaerys questioned as the boys broke their fast, “She was really upset when I last saw her”

“She’s better”, Aegon answered, “And though I did not see her before I left, I’m certain that knowing that you are now well will make her very happy”

“I hope we can see her soon”, Jace muttered as he looked to his mother, who in turn only smiled at him before continuing to eat.

The hidden question behind the boy’s statement was most obvious for all at the table, and yet Rhaenyra remained silent. The King had seemed adamant that his daughter had to return at the Keep, and yet from what Aegon knew the two had yet to speak on the matter. On the previous night he’d apparently fallen asleep on Jacaerys’ bed, and had been woken up by Joffrey’s cries as Rhaenyra tried and failed to keep her youngest boy calm as he evidently wished for his mother.

She’d been there when Aegon had first woken up, sitting by the bed as she looked at them with such fondness in her eyes, and he was not certain that she’d slept at all that night. After she’d taken her leave as Joffrey would not stop crying and she did not wish for the noise to bother Jacaerys, his nephew had revealed to him that his mother and father both spent most of their nights awake in the bed with him, and that on more than one occasion through the past sennight, he’d woken up with a small mirror under his nose, as that was apparently something Rhaenyra felt compelled to do to ensure that he still breathed through the night.

Aegon had been pained to hear such things, as he could scarcely imagine the outmost panic that had ruled High Tide as Jacaerys laid sleeping for so long, and it hurt him to know that his sister had suffered so in a place that wasn’t even her true home, as she’d had to leave her own because of his mother.

He’d been holding out hope that she would agree to return to King's Landing, as he could not bear the thought of not having his nephews close, especially now that Jacaerys had come back to him after Aegon had thought him lost for so long, and even though he understood that it was for her boys that Rhaenyra had chosen to leave, he still hoped that she would find it in her heart to move back to the Keep.

“Helaena is a very special girl”, Viserys said with a proud smile, though there was some pain hidden in his voice, “She came to visit me the night before we left, and I can assure you my boy that she was most happy to know that you had finally woken up”

Aegon threw his father a confused look, as before this moment he'd known nothing of any meeting between him and his sister. Viserys had spoken to him of all his dreams and paranoias, and yet had hidden the fact that Helaena had visited him? Why would she do that? Aegon knew that his younger sister had always had a soft spot for their father, as she probably was not able to realise how much damage Viserys had done, and just thought of him as a sickly old man who yearned for affection, but he’d never thought she’d actually go to him.

Before they sailed to Driftmark, Aegon had spoken to his father about Helaena perhaps coming with them, as he did not feel comfortable knowing that his sister would be left alone at the Keep with his grandsire. Otto had never been violent towards Helaena before, but Aegon knew that if there was but a single someone capable of harming her, that was his grandsire. Viserys had denied him however, stating that his daughter would be safe within the walls of their home, as he'd ordered his own sworn shield to guard her while they were away.

Ser Westerling had always been the very image of duty and loyalty, so knowing that he would be by his sister's side had soothed Aegon's worries a bit. He hadn't truly understood why his father had not wanted for Helaena to join them on their journey to High Tide, but perhaps she'd said something to him during this secret meeting the two had held.

What could they have spoken of?

As the question lingered in his mind, Aegon observed the little family that sat before him, and how incredibly obvious it was that they all broke their fast together every day, something he himself had never done with his own family. Laenor held little Joffrey in his arms while gently swaying him around and eating at the same time, so it was probably something he did normally and that had become second nature to him by now. Rhaenyra helped Jacaerys cut his food without interrupting her conversation with the Princess Rhaenys, as her boy just sat there with a little smile and waited for his mother to be done so he could eat, and Lucerys stole some of the candied fruit from Corlys’ plate, as his grandsire just gave him a knowing smile.

They were a family.

That is what a real family looked like.

“Oh yes”, Rhaenys smiled as Rhaenyra asked about her granddaughters, “My Baela wrote to me just yesterday, inquiring about Jacaerys and telling me of how very beautiful Pentos is, though she has yet to warm up to its Prince. She’s told me that herself and Rhaena spend most of their days walking the city after they attend their lessons. Rhaena wrote to me as well, and she's asked me to inquire wether she could visit Dragonstone some day, as Daemon has agreed to accompany her to the Dragonmont to see if she might claim one of the wild dragons that live there”

“Of course”, his sister said, “Rhaena is most welcome to visit Dragonstone whenever she pleases. I spoke to her before they left, and it saddened me greatly to hear her speak so poorly of herself for not having a dragon. I tried to reassure her by telling her of all the great dragonriders of our line who claimed their bondeds when they were much older than she is now, I even told her of how you claimed Meleys, though she assured me that Laena had told her that story many times before”

“I think it’s sad that she doesn’t have a dragon”, Luke chimed in, “Arrax is very dear to me, I wouldn’t want to be without him. I feel bad for Rhaena, and I know she really wanted Vhagar”

At the mention of the dragon the room fell silent for some time, as Lucerys kept eating without a care in the world, probably too young to understand why it was not wise to bring up the Queen of Dragons, considering all that had happened when she was claimed by someone who was not Rhaena. Aegon had noticed how nobody had yet mentioned his brother, and though he did want to know how Aemond was faring, he also understood that this was perhaps not the right moment for that kind of a heavy subject matter. Viserys cleared his throat, giving all a small smile before beginning to speak with Corlys, trying to get the conversation going once more and encouraging everyone else to do the same.

“Are you alright?”, Aegon questioned as he saw Jace’s face morph into a little pout.

“It itches”, the boy complained, “It itches but Gerardys says that I can’t touch it”

“Perhaps it’s time to change your bandages”, Rhaenyra pondered, immediately grabbing Jacaerys’ hand when the boy huffed, “I know you don’t like it Jace, but it has to be done”

Quickly enough Rhaenyra stood up, apologising for leaving but explaining that she needed to bring her son to the Maester’s chambers, as all began to ask if she needed help getting him there or simply if they could come with her. Aegon was a little overwhelmed by how much concern everyone was showing for Jacaerys, and seeing how the boy sighed he assumed that this was a regular occurance.

“Does it hurt?”, he asked, trying to understand why everyone was making such a big fuss about him needing to get his bandages changed.

“It makes muña sad”, Jacaerys whispered, much to Aegon's dismay, as though it wasn't actually that difficult to grasp onto what his nephew was saying, him whispering certainly didn't make it easier, “She doesn’t like seeing the scar, but she doesn’t want me to be alone so she comes anyways, but it makes her really sad”

Aegon nodded in understanding, as he could imagine that seeing the scar would bring back old memories, as he still remembered how Rhaenyra had spoken of having to sit there and hold Jace’s skull together so the Maesters might place those very stitches.

Jacaerys still had some trouble walking, as this morn Aegon had had to call Laenor to help get him out of his bed. His nephew had not seemed to appreciate that very much, probably a little embarrassed by having to be carried around like a babe in front of his uncle, but Aegon had simply smiled at him. Jacaerys was alive, and that was the only thing that mattered.

Aegon would carry him around himself for the rest of their lives if he had do.

“I can help”, Criston proposed as he approached Rhaenyra, who was trying to move Jacaerys from his chair to another, one with wheels that Corlys and Laenor had built while the boy still slept, a testament to how strong their hope had been that he would wake up one day.

The chair with wheels was a little odd, as it was obvious that it had been built by two people who were not most skilled at woodworking, but in it Aegon saw all the love they both felt for Jacaerys, so to him it was perfect. The only true problem was that the structure was huge, so it did not fit underneath the table and Jacaerys had to be moved from one chair to the next, something that seemed to cause him some discomfort.

Once the knight asked the question he hovered there for some time, waiting for Rhaenyra to either deny him or give him the go ahead. Aegon could see that she was not most comfortable with the situation, and by the looks of him Laenor wasn’t either as he appeared intent on handing Joffrey over to his mother to help Rhaenyra himself, but after a shared look between husband and wife, she nodded.

“Tell me if anything hurts my Prince”, Criston pleaded as he slolwy and gently lifted Jacaerys from his chair, making sure to keep a firm hold on the boy and to not move him around too much as he placed him on his other chair.

“Thank you Ser Criston”, Jace said, “Do you want to come with us?”

The knight was most taken aback by the question, eyes immediately snapping back up to find Rhaenyra’s as the Princess nodded once again, though the way her lips were tightly pressed together let all know that if her sick son hadn’t been the one to ask the question, she would’ve said no.

Viserys seemed a little surprised by Jacaerys asking Criston to be with him as he visited the Maesters, a moment of such vulnerability for the boy as his wound would be paled before all, but Aegon knew better. The King had seen how Criston had treated Rhaenyra’s children for years, though he’d never actually done anything about it, and he probably just could not understand why Jacaerys would want a man like him around, but that’s because Viserys didn’t know Jace.

Jacaerys had the biggest heart of anyone Aegon knew, not that he had great competition considering the other people in Aegon’s life, but alas his nephew was a kind boy and he truly cared for others. Criston had never been most kind to him, and yet he knew that Jacaerys would not answer to that with anger, for he was simply too nice to do such a thing. Some might see that as a weakness, and though perhaps in some ways it was, Aegon couldn’t help but admire his nephew’s good heart.

He also knew that much like him, the boy had always yearned for Ser Criston's approval, often telling his uncle that he would have secret lessons with Ser Harwin to hopefully please his tutor. Jacaerys had always been greatly saddened by how the Queen's shield treated him and his brother, and yet it seemed that just like he'd done with Aegon after the elder hit him in the face with a wooden sword, he was giving Criston a second chance. He could tell that the boy was most confused by the knight's presence, but he hadn't said anything about it just yet.

“Have you and my daugher spoken of what lays in your family’s future?”, Viserys asked Laenor as soon as Rhaenyra was out of sight, “Do you know how she feels about coming back home?”

“I’m not certain my King”, Laenor answered as he threw a worried glance at Lucerys, evidently not wishing the boy to overhear but continuing to talk once he realised that Luke was playing with his food and not paying them any mind, “I know she longs for home, but I’m not certain she means the one we left behind so much as the one she once had”

“I know”, the King sighed heavily, guilt and shame evident in his voice as he slowly shook his head, “I know things were bad before, but I promise you it will all change. I swear this to you Laenor, and I will speak of this to Rhaenyra as well later”

“And how will they change?”, Rhaenys asked, “I’m sorry to dare question you cousin, but from what I’ve heard you don’t have much of a say in what goes on in your own home. How shall you change things that you can’t control?”

Aegon couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him at how incredibly direct the Princess was being, though in truth she was not known for mincing her words, and my how he loved it. Everyone always coddled his father, let it be because he was ill or because he was the King, but it seemed that his cousin didn’t care about either of those things, and just spoke the truth of what all saw.

Viserys was not in control of the Red Keep, nor of its inhabitants, and he hadn’t been for years. Even for the first years of his own life that Aegon could remember, when his father had yet to fall ill, all knew that it was the Princess and the Queen that truly ran the castle, and before them it was the former Hand, who was now back and ruled the Keep alongside his daughter. Aegon knew that his father seemed to have had some sort of awakening, and while he hoped that he spoke true when he said that he would try and make up for his mistakes, it seemed that the Princess Rhaenys was not so certain that he would find much success in his pursuit.

“Because I have changed”, Viserys answered, “Things will change because I have done so, and I will no longer stand being taken advantage of as all do as they please while I just sit there and watch. I’ve done that for long enough cousin, and the Gods have shown me what will happen if I continue down that path”

“What?”, Rhaenys questioned lowly, eyes wide as she shared a look of confusion with her husband.

“I now have a true understanding of what is happening around me”, he continued, “Something I’m ashamed to say I have not had for a long time, but no more. I’ve left the Keep in the hands of those I know I can trust, and have ordered them to keep an eye on those I can not, and I intend to make things right as soon as I get back, with Rhaenyra by my side hopefully”

“And how do you plan on doing that my King?”, Corlys asked, “If I understand the meaning of your words, those you wish to go against stand tall in the walls of your home, as they have for a long time, even when not truly present. How shall you rid yourself of he who you have named as your Hand?”

Aegon held his breath, eyes locked on his father as the conversation became more and more intense and the King fell silent. It did not surprise him that all at the table had understood quickly enough who Viserys had been referring to when he spoke of those he could not trust, as in truth he was probably the only person who’d been gullible enough to ever trust Otto Hightower, and yet he was a little taken aback by how bold the Princess and the Seasnake were being with their questioning.

Otto Hightower was a mighty man and though he was a second son, he’d gained much power through his life, and he had a reputation for getting whatever he wanted, so it made sense to doubt that a King who’d only ever been one in name could take arms against him.

“I am the King Corlys”, Viserys spoke almost angrily, “I know many forget about that fact, and though I can not blame them as I am painfully aware of how I have failed in my duties many times over, I intend to remind everyone that I am the one who holds any true power in my own home. Those who have been scheming behind my back will be dealt with, do not fret”

“You dealt with him once”, Rhaenys chimed in, “If I remember correctly you told me yourself, of how you’d sent Otto away because you believed him guilty of treason, and yet you took him back”

What?

Aegon didn’t know what the Princess was talking about, as his mother had always told him that her father had been sent away because he’d spoken the truth of Rhaenyra’s dalliances with their uncle Daemon, and that Viserys hadn’t been willing to hear it. He’d always doubted that it had been something so simple, and yet he didn’t know what the Princess was referring to when she spoke of treason.

“I know I’ve made mistakes”, the King sighed frustrated, clearly not appreciating how ready everyone seemed to remind him of how he’d messed up time and time again, “I’ve made mistakes and I mean to make amends for them, and in order to do that I need Rhaenyra to come home. I know that it is a big ask, as I understand what it means to live in a place where ghosts of the past haunt each room you walk in, but I need her at the Keep, and though I will speak with her about this later, I wish to know that I have your support in this Laenor”

“If that is your will as King then it will be done”, Laenor said, “But I wish to know for certain that my wife and children will not suffer as they did for years on end before we left. I wish to know that my boys will not have to suffer the horrid stares and talks of the whole court, ones that were headed by our Queen if I may speak plainly, and I wish to know that she will leave Rhaenyra alone. I wish to know that if my wife were ever to bless us all with another babe, that they will not be taken from her before she can even hold them in her arms”

Aegon knew very well what his goodbrother was talking about, as he remembered hearing all the Lords and Ladies of the court speak on how Rhaenyra had walked to the Queen’s chambers mere seconds after giving birth to Joffrey, as Alicent had called for the babe to be brought to her and Rhaenya just could not bear the thought of leaving him alone so soon after bringing him into this world. He also vaguely remembered Rhaenyra saying that Jacaerys had been taken from her when he was first born, by Criston of all people.

“How you let that happen I will never understand”, Rhaenys stated firmly, “To allow for your own daughter, your Heir, to be treated in such a way in her own home. ‘Tis shameful cousin”

“It will never happen again”, Viserys said loudly as he angrily smacked his goblet on the table, immediately apologising as Lucerys let out a whine of surprise and upset at the noise, “I promise you all that it will never happen again. I can not apologise enough for remaining blind to the cruelty that lived within what was meant to be our home, but I can assure you that it shall never happen again”

After that the table fell silent, as none cared to eat anymore but couldn’t leave since Viserys stayed put, and since he was the King they had to wait for him to stand up first. It was obvious that his father wanted to speak again, and that he wanted to assure all just one more time that he would not fail them again, but in the end he remained silent, just angrily pushing around the food that remained on his plate.

“Do you want to go to my chambers?”, Lucerys questioned quietly, “I have some toys we can play with while we wait for Jace”

“That’s a great idea”, Aegon answered immediately, wanting nothing more than an excuse to leave the Hall as the awkward silence that now reigned over them all was making him terribly uncomfortable, and knowing that none would fault little Luke for wanting to play with his uncle.

And so they went, leaving the King behind as he wondered how he’d failed everyone so, that nobody trusted him anymore, and how he’d earn that trust back.

Chapter Text

“This is you”, Luke said as he pointed to a small wooden statue of a knight, “This is kepa, and this is Ser Harwin, he’s the only one without a dragon as you can see, but he’s very brave so it’s alright”

“And who’s that?”, Aegon questioned as he gave his nephew a small smile, happy to know that what had happened on that cursed night had not stripped Lucerys of his innocence, and that he still so loved his stories.

“That is uncle Daemon”, the boy answered, “He’s sitting on a dead worm I found outside, because muña told me that his dragon is the Red Worm”

Aegon chuckled at his nephew, wishing to explain that worm and wyrm were not the same thing, but finding it most humorous that the little boy thought that the mighty Rogue Prince rode a worm. The two sat there for some time, playing with Luke’s statues as the boy made up story after story about these brave knights he so loved, though it did pain him to see that Ser Harwin’s statue remained untouched. Lucerys held it in his hand with a mighty grip, as if afraid that someone would steal it from him, but he did not play with it.

“He’s not here anymore, so he can’t fight”, Luke said with a somber tone when Aegon questioned him about it, “Muña said that he went to see his mother again, and that his father is with him too, so he’s not alone and I suppose that’s a good thing, but I wish he was here”

“I’m sorry Luke”, Aegon sighed, “Ser Harwin was a great man, and he loved you all very much”

“Do you know what happened?”, his nephew whispered, “Muña wouldn’t tell me, and Jace was really sad so I didn’t ask so he wouldn’t be more sad”

He had to contain the urge to just get up and walk out of the rooms, silently cursing the Gods for making him be the one to answer such a question, because the answer to it was not something a boy of six namedays should ever hear. Luke had a small pout on his face as he waited for Aegon to speak, and yet his uncle remained silent, because he just didn’t know what to say.

How was he supposed to explain to the little boy that Ser Harwin and his father had burned to death?

Such a thing was not appropriate for someone like Luke to hear, as he was still a babe as far as Aegon was concerned, but just as he felt panic rise up in his heart and felt the truth ready itself to spill out of him, his gaze landed on the little statue in Luke’s hand.

“People needed him”, he said finally, “People needed someone brave and mighty, someone whose heart would not falter in the face of danger, so they called him because they knew they could. All knew that Ser Harwin would place himself before death itself for the life of an innocent, and that is what he did. He died fighting for someone who couldn’t fight for themselves, a most honorable end for a man such as he was”

“Like you did”, Luke mumbled, “I heard Baela tell muña about what happened after Rhaena took me away, and that is what you did uncle. You put yourself between Aemond and Jace and you saved him, so you too are a brave and mighty knight”

Aegon chuckled at that, as wasn’t so certain that his nephew's words rang true. His father had said much the same, and Rhaenyra had as well, but he couldn’t bring himself to really think of what he’d done as an act of bravery, so much as one of love. That night had been so very terrifying and overwhelming, and of that specific moment Aegon only remembered seeing his brother with a knife as he ran to his nephew, and deciding that if one of them had to die, it would be him.

He hadn’t done it to be heralded as a brave knight, but because he didn’t want Jacaerys to die.

In that moment Aegon had not had the time to truly think about what he was doing, as perhaps the fear of death would have stopped him if he’d let it, but he hadn’t. All he’d cared about was ensuring that Jacaerys lived, or at least that Aemond didn’t cause him any more harm, no matter the consequences.

“Do you know how he is?”, Luke asked lowly, seemingly ashamed of his own question as his gaze fell to the floor, gripping onto a little statue of a dragon, and once again Aegon could only hope that Ser Harwin could see him, and that he would know that even in death his show of kindness brought Luke some much needed comfort.

“You saw him last”, Aegon reminded him, not really wanting to speak on the matter but not knowing how to politely tell his nephew without the boy becoming upset.

“He was angry”, he said, “He’d been in his rooms for days, and I heard him screaming one time, but I only saw him once when uncle Daemon dragged him out of there. The Maesters said that he tried to hurt himself, but when I asked they just told me that he would be alright”

Aegon’s body froze, eyes stuck on his nephew as the boy revealed an ugly truth he had not been aware of until this moment. After saying the words Lucerys went back to playing with his toys, probably too young to understand the gravity of what he'd just told Aegon, and of how his uncle's heart had seemingly stopped for a moment. His father had told him of Aemond’s meltdown, and of how he’d broken some things in his rooms and had even stopped eating for some time, but he hadn’t told him of this.

Did he even know?

“That’s mine Luke”, Jacaerys playfully scolded his brother as he was wheeled in the room by Ser Criston and another guard.

“No”, the little boy retorted, as he immediately ran to his brother, “You told me I could play with her after Iēdar left, you promised me Jace”

“A toy can’t leave”, the elder chuckled, “You gave him away Luke”

Aegon remained sat on the floor, still trying to process what Lucerys had said and to figure out how he was going to find out more about it. He knew his brother still lived, as no matter how cruel the man may be, he did not think that Prince Daemon would lie about something like this to his own brother, that he would hide news of Aemond's death from them all. But he needed to know more about what Lucerys had said, and for some reason he doubted that the six namedays old boy knew more than what he’d already told him, because nobody would reveal details about such things to a child.

But who else could kn-

“My Prince”, Ser Criston called for him one more time, “My Prince are you alright?”

“Huh?”, Aegon questioned startled.

“His Grace the King has called for you”, the knight said, looking quite concerned as he observed Aegon and his current state of distress, evidently trying to decipher if he was truly upset and most importantly why.

Aegon had very complicated feelings towards his brother, that was true enough, but the mere thought of Aemond having harmed himself in any way was pure torture. Aemond had done much wrong, there was no denying that, and he had tried to kill the person Aegon loved most in this world, but that was still his brother.

No matter what Aemond did he would forever be his brother, and if Aegon thought that he felt guilty for those stupid pranks he’d pulled, the true guilt he felt at knowing that his little brother had reached a level of such desperation while he wasn’t there was eating him alive.

“Aegon”, the King called for him, “Sit here son please, we have much to discuss”

Still somewhat dazed by the unexpected blow to his heart, Aegon walked into the chambers that had been assigned to his father without even looking up, just staring at his hands as he walked, inevitably stumbling on something, or rather someone.

“Oh Gods I’m so sorry”, he blurted out as he bumped against Rhaenyra’s chair, almost taking her down with him as he instinctively tried to grab onto her to avoid falling on the floor.

“It’s all good”, she said softly, a worried look in her eyes as she saw how empty his own were, “Are you alright Aegon?”

Thinking that perhaps bringing up Aemond would break the peaceful spell that seemed to have taken hold of his relationship with his sister, Aegon just nodded, trying to push the thought to the side and be present for the conversation, as he knew what the topic at hand would be, and that Rhaenyra would probably not take it well.

He knew that their father wished to speak with her about coming back to the Keep, and that though she had every reason to not want to come back considering who waited for her there, he also knew that Viserys would not take no for an answer. The way the King had spoken about it earlier that morn had made it clear that he felt that it was vital that Rhaenyra came back to King’s Landing with them, and though Aegon knew that Viserys had always been quite lenient with his eldest daughter about most things, he did not think that he would give up on this one.

The King had promised that things would change once they all got back at the Keep, and though Aegon was still not certain about what exactly his father meant by that, it seemed that it had something to do with knocking Otto down a little bit, and that was more than enough for him to think it an eccelent idea.

So long as that also involved Otto leaving, because the Hand losing his title but staying at the Keep would not bode well for Aegon.

He hoped that his father would keep his promise, and yet he was not so certain that Rhaenyra would have as much faith in the King as he was trying to, as the man had never once actually intervened to protect her from anyone these past few years, especially not his wife.

“It pleased me most to see that Jace is doing so well”, Viserys began with a nervous smile on his face as he spoke to his daughter, “Have the Maesters said anything about what lays ahead for him?”

“The wound has already healed better than they expected”, Rhaenyra announced happily, “They are doing some exercises with him every day so he may walk all on his own soon enough, and his mind is still intact, which is the greatest of blessings. He still has much work to do on his speech as well, but I trust that we will get it done together”

“Indeed”, their father said, “As family we must always help each other when one of us is down, and the best way to do that is together, wouldn’t you agree my girl?”

My the man did not have a subtle bone in his body did he?

“I would like to speak with you about something, both of you”, Viserys continued, “Rhaenyra my child, I know you won’t like what I’m about to say, but please let me finish before denying me. I need you to come back home, because much has gone on already and we can not let things continue ‘less we want them to get worse. I know a great deal of it falls on me, as I could’ve and should’ve put a stop to it many years ago, and yet I hope you will find it in your heart to help me now, as I promise you that this does not involve just me but our entire family”

Rhaenyra did not answer, staring at their father as she played with her rings, her poorly contained rage most obvious as she angrily pulled them on and off her fingers. Perhaps Viserys had been a tad too forward, and should’ve minded his words a bit more, especially considering the fact that he knew Rhaenyra would not love his proposal, but alas he had not.

Silence ruled over the three of them for some time, as Aegon could see small beads of sweat begin to pool on his father’s temples, as the man prepared himself to fight his daughter and convince her that she needed to come back home with them.

“How could I help with any of it?”, she questioned finally, “You say you wish to stop the things that have been happening, and I suppose you speak of Otto’s schemes, so how am I supposed to help you with that when you have never once let me act against him?”

“You knew about that?”, Viserys asked.

“Of course I knew”, she sighed, “Why do you think I left some of my most trusted maids back in King's Landing? It certainly wasn't to keep an eye on the few dresses I left behind. Otto’s true intentions have been plain to me since the start, from the moment you announced your intention to marry Alicent I knew, and yet you didn’t care. I spoke to you of it on more than one occasion father, as did Daemon, and though it appeared to me that you had finally understood the truth of things when you sent him away all those years ago, it seems that but a couple moons back you changed your mind”

“I didn’t”, he pleaded, “I didn’t Rhaenyra, I promise you. I named him as Hand once more out of grief and stupidity, as I was at a loss after Lyonel’s death and you leaving, and Alicent kept talking about her father and I suppose I just gave in so she would stop. But I see it now, I promise you my girl that I see it, for the Gods have made it impossible for me not to”

As their father went on to explain to Rhaenyra all about his dreams, Aegon couldn’t help but think about that first one Viserys had supposedly had, the one he’d killed Aemma Arryn for. All knew that the King’s first wife had lost her life because of her husband’s incessant search for a boy, and Aegon knew that that had perhaps made it difficult for Rhaenyra to care for him once he was born, as he was the babe his mother had died for.

But how would she feel towards their father if she knew it had all been because of a dream?

How would she feel towards Aegon if she knew that her mother had been killed because of a dream their father had of him?

Women losing their lives in childbirth was not a rare thing, and as a wife Aemma’s duty had been to provide her husband with children, sons preferably. So while her death had been a tragic happening, none could find much fault in Viserys as he’d simply done what everyone else did, get his wife with child over and over until she produced a boy.

But what if Rhaenyra knew that her mother had died because of a dream? A dream Viserys himself had said he no longer understood the meaning of, and though Aegon was not the greatest scholar, he did know that the one confirmed dreamer in their line had only dreamed of things she needed to avoid, like the Doom, so why had Viserys been foolish enough to think himself any different?

His first dream had apparently been of Aegon wearing a crown, what if that had been a warning all on its own? And Viserys had ignored it. What if it had been a warning from the Gods that Aegon should never wear the crown unless one wants something akin to the Doom to take place once more, or perhaps that he should never have been born in the first place?

“Of course I miss the Keep”, Rhaenyra said frustrated, “For better or worse that place has been my home for my entire life, and yet I trust you that you understand why I had to leave. It was impossible for me to stay there, but most importantly it had become so miserable for my children. I wanted to come back as soon as I heard that you’d taken Otto back as your Hand, as I did not trust what he would do without me there, but then everything happened and I refused to leave Jace alone and he could not leave this place. My children were happy on Dragonstone, and I shall not allow them to go back to a place where they do not feel welcomed”

“But they will”, Viserys pleaded, “I beg you my child, I know that I have failed you before, but it shall never happen again. The Red Keep is your home, and your happiness and that of our family as a whole matters to me more than anything else. I placed my own comfort and that of others before my family, and the Gods showed me what would happen if I did it until my last day, and that can not happen”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, continuing to play with her rings in an attempt to soothe herself. Aegon knew very well what it meant to struggle to trust their father and his talks of dreams, but he had something Rhaenyra didn’t have, Helaena.

Aegon had not believed his father at first, thinking his talks naught but the ramblings of an old man, riddled with guilt after finally seeing how broken their family was after what happened in this very castle, but Helaena’s words now rang in his mind, and he believed.

“It makes sense”, he dared speak, “You are the Heir sister, it makes sense for you to be at the Keep, especially if you can’t trust those who currently live within its walls”

“Do you know anything?”, she asked lowly, “I have always known of Otto’s interests straying from those of the crown and of our father, but do you know anything more?”

Could he say it? Could he tell her everything he knew about his grandsire’s ploys? Could he tell her of all the times Otto had beaten him into submission as he screamed of Aegon having to ascend as King? Could he tell her of his plans to kill Rhaenyra and her children to get him there?

His mother had always said that Rhaenyra would kill him for the throne, and that the only way to avoid that was to take it for himself, so he might protect his family, but Aegon believed. The meaning of Helaena’s words now clearer than ever, and his father’s as well, as they both spoke of such horrible things that would happen unless someone set things right.

And Aegon believed.

“Yes”, he said finally.

Chapter Text

“Is he alright?”, Aegon questioned his sister as she exited their father’s chambers.

“He will be”, she sighed, “Gerardys believes that his ailment has reached his lungs, and though I don’t know how that can be made better, I’m certain that Gerardys will find a way”

Aegon had barely started speaking about all Otto had done since he'd come back to the Keep when his father had felt ill. He'd told both him and Rhaenyra of how his grandsire had begun to talk about his schemes during their very first meeting, of how he'd speak on how all knew that Aegon was his rightful Heir, and of how Aegon had to be the King if he wanted his family to survive.

"Why would I ever do such a thing?", Rhaenyra had questioned angrily, "Why would I ever care to turn myself into a kinslayer? How could that man think me stupid enough to believe that any would stand by me if I begun my reign by slaughtering my own family?"

"He always said you wouldn't have a choice", Aegon had replied, "He always said that from the moment I was first born you knew that I was supposed to be the Heir, and that you had begun to plan my death right then and there. He said that my brothers and I were naught but things in the way between you and the throne, and that that's why you never cared to know us"

"That's ridiculous", she'd grunted, "I understand that we never had a relationship, and I recognise the part I played in that and am sorry for it, but how does that make me capable of killing you? How could they think me capable of doing something like that?"

"I don't know", he'd mumbled, eyes falling to the ground as he cast his gaze down in shame.

The more he thought about it, the less he understood why he himself had ever truly believed that Rhaenyra would harm any of them, as in truth she'd never shown any violent behaviour towards anyone. He was still but a boy when his mother had first started speaking of war, and of how it was all inevitable, and Aegon had just believed her. He'd never known his sister, and yet he knew that his mother had in her youth, and perhaps a part of him had trusted that she knew better of this supposed monster that hid beneath the soft smiles Rhaenyra would give her children.

"She would always tell me that you would kill my brothers", he'd confessed, "I would not have cared if it was all just about me, but she always told me you would take my brothers' lives, and hers as well"

"That's just fucki-", his sister had begun to scream before stopping herself, choosing instead to start walking around as Aegon noted how she dug her nails in the palms of her hands, evidently trying to contain the anger and outrage that ruled her in that moment.

"He said I had to kill you", he'd said finally, refusing to look at Rhaenyra as he just stared at the floor, "Grandsire said that it would be the only way to ensure that all knew who their rightful King was, for them to see me take the life of she who had wished to oppose me. He even brought up Sunfyre once, saying that I would paint the very image of a true Targaryen King if I killed my enemies with my dragon"

After he'd uttered those last few words his sister had stopped her pacing, breath getting caught in her throat as she simply stood there, eyes wide and somewhat afraid as she opened her mouth as if to speak, before their father began coughing. Viserys had been struggling to breathe for some time, and though he'd told his children that the journey had simply taken a toll on him, it seemed like Aegon's words had broken something within him, and suddenly the King just could not breathe at all, hand coming to grasp at his throat as he doubled down onto the floor.

Rhaenyra had gone to help him, and Aegon had ran to find the Maester, heart pounding out of his chest as he silently begged the Gods to keep his father alive.

Viserys had been ill for most of his son's life, and though Aegon had always feared knowing that the King constantly walked between life and death, as he dreaded what would happen once he was gone and Aegon was forced to take his place, he now feared for a different reason. His father had found some power in his rage against his Hand and his betrayal, and it seemed that now more than ever he was ready and willing to wield the power he’d been given when he’d first been named as King of the Seven Kingdoms, but he couldn’t do that if he was dead.

Though his mother’s words still rang in his mind, Aegon knew that if Viserys were to die on that very day, he’d fall to his knees and beg Rhaenyra to believe him when he said he didn’t want the throne, and that neither did Aemond or Daeron, so there was no need to kill them all. He’d beg for his mother as well, because even though Alicent had caused him great pain through his life, he knew she’d done it because of the pain she herself had been suffering this whole time, and though it didn’t make things right, Aegon did feel for her.

Aegon had never wanted the throne, and now he felt that there was a chance for him to avoid such a burden without need for bloodshed, and he was not going to let anything get in his way.

He knew things could still pan out without his father there, as himself and Helaena would both proudly stand by Rhaenyra’s side as she ascended as Queen, but what of Aemond and Daeron?

His younger brother was still with Daemon, and though Aegon doubted that the Rogue Prince would ever rise against his beloved niece as to not harm her, he simply could not trust that his brother would not try to turn against those he’d been raised to fear, and he knew that Daemon would kill him for it. And his youngest brother had lived in Oldtown for years now, spending all his days with Otto, so he would probably rise against her as well.

And Aegon needed more time to get to them both and save them, so the King could not die just yet.

“Do you want to see the shore?”, Rhaenyra questioned after some time, “Gerardys told me that father needs to rest, and by this time Jace and Luke will be sleeping as well, so if you want we can walk together”

Aegon agreed, and as the two made their way outside of High Tide, his eyes fell on a broken door, as it remained closed with a hole in the middle. He immediately thought back to what Lucerys had said, and though he knew that Rhaenyra was perhaps the single worst person to talk about this with, he just had to ask.

“What happened to him?”, he whispered as he stopped and looked at the door, and by the shaky breath his sister let out he could tell that she knew who he spoke of, and that she understood that acting like she didn't wouldn't get him to just forget about it.

“It was a couple days after you left”, she sighed, a look of both anger and yet sadness in her eyes as she spoke, “Laenor knows most of the maids and knights here on Driftmark, and though he didn't want to see Aemond, he wanted someone to keep an eye on him. From what we were told right after he came back from seeing his mother he simply fell silent, refusing to eat and just laying on his bed as he stared at the ceiling, but then some days later he just broke”

She played with her fingers as she continued to walk, evidently not fond of just standing in front of the locked doors, and wether that was because of who had lived within them not so long ago or because of what had taken place there Aegon didn’t know, and yet she seemed almost pained just by looking at them.

“I wasn’t there at first”, she continued, “All I know is that a maid tried to gain entrance to the chambers but that the door had been locked, and that nobody could get in, no matter how hard they tried. I know that Laenor tried as did Corlys, and then at last Daemon showed up. I got there just in time to see him break through the door, and the sight was not one appropriate for someone your age to know of val-”

“I need to know”, he begged her, “Please sister. I know that what Aemond did was horrible and I will never forgive him for it, but he’s my brother. I just need to know what happened”

Rhaenyra sighed heavily, head rolling back as she did not seem most comfortable with the subject at hand, and though Aegon understood, and perhaps would’ve stopped asking if it had been any other matter, he had to know.

“He broke a window and tried to harm himself”, she said finally, “He was muttering things about how that was how the last Targaryen kinslayer had died and how all actions had consequences, and almost stabbed Daemon in the eye when our uncle tried to wrestle the piece of glass out of his hand. Thankfully the wound was not deep and but a couple stitches fixed the physical damage he’d done to himself, though I can say nothing of his mental state. I spoke to Daemon about it before they left, but he wasn't too keen on giving up much information”

“Mh”, Aegon mumbled, biting his lip as he tried to contain the tears that had welled up in his eyes, images of his little brother’s suffering tormenting him as he took some deep breaths.

“I didn’t want that to happen”, she said as she stopped once the two had found their way to the shore, “I need you to know that Aegon, I did not want any of that to happen”

He just nodded, not really knowing what to say. On one hand he was glad to know that even after everything Aemond had done she had not wished for him to suffer so, as that only further convinced him of the fact that she would not kill any of them for some melted swords. But on the other hand he knew that even if she had not cared about Aemond at all, he could not have faulted her for it.

“Aemond tried to kill my son”, she stated plainly, “But I do not wish him dead for he is my brother and he is also a child. I know I have not been a good sister to you, any of you, and that is a failure on my part, not your own. I don’t know if I will ever find it in my heart to forgive Aemond for what he did, and I’m not even certain that I can, but I don’t want him dead”

“Why?”, he found himself asking, curious to know how one who was as devoted to her children as Rhaenyra always had been, would not wish someone dead after they’d almost taken her eldest away from her.

“Because we’re kin”, she answered after some time, “And because although Aemond did what he did, and as I said I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive him, I fear that the true reason why he did it has little to do with him. I’ve known your mother for a very long time valonqar, and I know her father as well, or Criston even”

A wet chuckle followed the knight’s name, as Rhaenyra unconsciously brought a hand to her belly, probably still struggling to figure out exactly how to behave when it came to Criston and Jacaerys, especially now that the man had seemingly developed a sense of duty to his son, and Aegon doubted that he would ever leave him alone.

“I know what lays in their hearts”, she continued, “I know they hate me, some for valid reasons perhaps, and some for naught but greed and self importance. Though I certainly did not think that they were raising you to believe that I would kill you over a chair, I always imagined that the way they spoke of me to you children was not the best. But I hope you know that none of that is true Aegon. Never once in life have I wished for any harm to befall anyone in my family, let alone my siblings. I would never harm anyone for no good reason, and unless you raise an army to fight against me for the throne I don't see why I should do anything but hope that you will be by my side when my time comes"

“I will”, he said quickly, “I will stand by you”

Rhaenyra gave him a bright smile, unshed tears in her eyes as she brought her hand to touch his own, as he grasped onto it like his life depended on it, and perhaps it did. He’d always wanted to speak to Rhaenyra of this matter, wishing for her to understand that he did not care for the throne and therefore was not a challenge to her, so there was no need to kill him or his siblings. The look in her eyes told him that she believed him, and yet he still feared what may lay ahead for Aemond.

She said she didn’t want him dead, and that was good, but he still didn’t understand why.

“You were raised to both hate and fear me”, she said, "And you were raised to hate my children as well. I have more ears in the Keep than many know, and have heard more than they probably wished me to. I know of how your mother speaks of my children, and that she’s the one who taught Aemond to believe such horrible things about his own family. I still fault him for his actions, as in the end he chose to do what he did and he must pay for it, but not with his life”

“I’m to blame as well”, Aegon mumbled, “Aemond was mad about the pranks we planned to mock him, but those were my fault. Jace and Luke never actually cared about them, and only went along because I convinced them to. I tried to tell Aemond of this on that night, but he didn’t listen to me. His rage is my fault as well sister, and I’m sorry for what he did, and that my mother spoke of your children in such a way”

The Princess took a deep breath, continuing to walk as her gaze fell on him time and time again, though she remained silent. Aegon could tell that she was trying to figure out how to ask him about something, but what that was he did not know. She seemed nervous as she toyed with her rings, before her hand reached in a hidden pocket of her dress and she took a piece of paper out of it.

“Do you want to talk to me about it?”, she questioned gravely, “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but if you do then please know that I’m here valonqar”

“I actually don’t remember much of what I wrote”, Aegon confessed as he finally realised she was holding the letter he’d sent some time before, only recognising it because of the pool of ink he remembered spilling on it, “I was a little drunk”

“You’re much too young to drink”, she chided him, though there was some concern in her voice, “If you wish to read it back then you’re welcome to do so, but there is one thing in particular that I’d like to speak with you about”

As Aegon got his hands on the missive and finally read what he himself had written as wine clouded his mind, his eyes immediately landed on that one line where he mentioned his mother, and suddenly the worried look on Rhaenyra’s face and the note he’d received as a response to the letter made sense.

But he didn’t want to talk about it.

“I have eyes and ears at the Keep”, Rhaenyra revealed, “And yet none spoke of this. I was alerted of her berating you once after you went back to King's Landing, but nobody ever mentioned her hitting you, so I suppose it must've happened behind closed doors. I just wish to hear from you exactly what took place and why, if you want to tell me”

“It only happened that one time”, he lied, “She was upset about Aemond and got mad at me for asking to stay with Jace, that is all”

“The fact that it only happened once doesn’t make it right”, she argued angrily, quickly lowering her tone as she noted how he flinched, “But are you certain that it really did only happen one time?”

He didn’t know what to say, knowing that this was his one opportunity to finally tell the truth, and yet fearing what may happen to his mother as a consequence. He understood that all she’d done to him had not been right, and that perhaps she should be punished for it, and yet he almost didn’t want her to. He’d spent every day of his life with his mother, and had gotten to observe how absolutely miserable she was, and though he still faulted her for taking her frustrations out of him, he knew he’d done the same with Aemond.

Much to his shame Aegon understood his mother more than he would like to, and though a part of him still hated her for all she’d done, he believed she’d suffered enough already.

“She’s a very angry person”, he sighed finally, “She’s a miserable woman and I am all the reasons why she’s so sad just crammed into one person”

“That doesn’t mean she can hit you”, Rhaenyra interjected, though quickly stopping herself as she had not wished to interrupt him, apologising and asking him to continue on.

“She lives a life she hates, and it’s my fault”, he said surely, “I don’t believe she actually means to hurt me, so much as what I represent, though I suppose that doesn’t mean much since I’m still the one who gets hit”

He’d never spoken of this to anyone before, as he’d never thought that anyone would actually care if he did, but now that he finally felt free to just let the truth out he felt a huge weight being liften off his chest, one he’d never known he carried as it had been placed upon him when he was much too young for him to know any different.

“She hasn’t done it for some time now”, he continued, “She yelled at me just once after we got back to the Keep, but apart from that she’s left me alone. Between Aemond being taken from her and my grandsire’s shadow looming large wherever she goes, the Queen I once knew is no longer. She’s always been a very broken person, I think that much was obvious to anyone who had eyes to see her, but in our family she was the one who held true power, but that is all gone now”

“I’m sorry”, Rhaenyra whispered, “I never knew she was hurting you valonqar, I beg you to believe me when I say that, and when I say that if I had known I would’ve put a stop to it. Though I failed you once I shall not do that again, and I can speak to our father and I’m certain that he will punis-”

“No”, he interrupted her, “My mother’s life is punishment enough for any sin she may have commited”

Aegon knew that his statement was a bold one, and perhaps one that his sister would not understand after all he’d just shared about how his mother had treated him for his whole life, and yet he believed that his words rang true. Alicent Hightower had suffered the pains of the Seven Hells for most of her life, and though he knew that it did not make up for all she’d done to him and others, he thought she’d been through enough.

“When I was younger I wished for her to be punished”, he admitted, “But now I see that I am her punishment, as are my siblings and as is she. My mother will have to live the rest of her days knowing that she will never be who she could have been because she betrayed herself for someone who never once cared about her. Unless she's condemned for treason and killed, my mother will live her life locked in the Keep and surrounded by ghosts of what once was and what could've been, and I believe that that is worse than any other punishment anyone could deal her”

Rhaenyra remained silent, eyes wide as she was evidently surprised by his words, but alas she did not contradict him, probably understanding that out of the two of them, he was the one who should get to decide what happened to his mother. She as well had suffered at the hands of the Queen, but she’d lived her life anyways, something Aegon had not gotten to do, but would hopefully will be able to do soon enough.

“My grandsire hit me as well”, he muttered, “From the very first day I met him he did little else but that. I don't know if he ever did it to her as well, but I see how she fears him, and I don't doubt him capable of doing it"

He didn't know why he said that, as in truth he'd meant to keep that side of his relationship with both his mother and grandsire to himself, as he felt greatly ashamed about it. He was a man grown by now, and yet he'd allowed for a woman and an old man to strike him without ever even trying to defend himself. He'd intended on keeping it all hidden until his last day, hence why he hadn't told the King about it, but now he just couldn't hold it in any longer.

"You can do as you please with him", he stated firmly, "But I ask this of you sister, unless my mother stands by her father, please let her be. Take away her title if that’s what must happen, but allow her to live”

“Of course”, Rhaenyra said immediately, “I could never kill her, no matter how much I might want to or how much she would probably deserve it”

As she spoke those words she let out a humorless chuckle, beginning to play with her rings once more but focusing on one in particular, one that looked a lot like one Aegon’s mother had.

“She gave it to me many years ago”, she confessed, “In our youth Alicent was my greatest friend, and one day we decided to gift each other rings so we might always carry a piece of each other when we were apart. In the end we both chose the same ring, just different colors. I never stopped wearing mine own, and though I thought about it plenty of times throughout the years, I could never bring myself to take it off”

“She didn’t either”, Aegon revealed, “She doesn’t wear it often, but she still has it, and never lets any of the maids touch it whenever they clean her collection or choose pieces to set aside for new ones”

“She will always mean something to me”, Rhaenyra whispered, “’Tis something I hated for a long time, the fact that no matter what she did I still felt somewhat attached to her, desperately clinging to someone I knew was no longer there. The memories of my youth haunt my every waking moment for many reasons, and Alicent is one of them”

“Did you love her?”, he asked wearily, fearing that he might be going a little too far with his questioning as he saw how his sister almost flinched at his words.

“More than any other”, she said with a sad smile, “My heart belonged to her for many years, even after everything happened much to my dismay, which is probably why it hurt so much and why it still does. I didn’t love her as one should a lover, and yet I didn’t love her as one should a friend. It was something bigger and much more painful, something that never left me and probably never will”

Aegon nodded, feeling like he somewhat understood what his sister meant, as he felt much the same for Jacaerys. Even as his mother continued to tell him that his nephew wanted him dead, and even as Aegon began to believe her when he thought that the boy had abandoned him after moving to Dragonstone, his love for him had never faltered. He’d convinced himself that Jacaerys had used him for his own entertainment, just like Alicent had always said, and yet he’d still loved him.

To love someone like that was dangerous, as it put one’s heart on the line in a way that left it so terribly exposed, and yet as Aegon thought of his nephew and of how much comfort the boy’s mere presence brought him when he needed it most, he knew it was worth it.

Chapter Text

“That’s just foul”, Viserys complained as he drank another one of Gerardys’ drafts, “I apologise Maester, I do appreciate you helping me but this is jus-”

“It’s alright my King”, Gerardys chuckled, “The draft is meant to soothe your pains, not to taste nice”

Aegon let out a deep breath, sat by his father’s side as he observed the two men as they tried to carry out a casual conversation while the King still laid on his bed, as he had been for the past couple days. After that day and the way his father had suffered as his body seemed to fail him, Maester Gerardys had decided that it would be best for him to remain abed for as long as possible.

He could not say that he had ever cared much for his father’s health, apart for more selfish reasons, as he knew that what would happen once the King was gone was not something he yearned to go through sooner rather than later, but things had changed now.

Viserys was trying to be there for Aegon, trying to be a father for him as he never truly had before, and though a part of the Prince still begrudged his father for the way he’d abandoned him in his youth, he didn’t want him to die now, not now that things were finally starting to get better.

“You should not worry so my Prince”, the Maester tried to soothe him, “Our King suffers, that is true, but he is very resilient, so I do believe that he will recover from his ailment”

Aegon just nodded as he watched the man leave, eyes then falling on his father once more as the older man placed his hand atop his son’s, caressing it gently and giving him a soft smile, evidently seeing how troubled he was and wishing to reassure him.

“I’ve been ill for a long time my son”, Viserys said as he coughed, “For many years I thought the crown was to blame for my suffering, or that perhaps the Gods Themselves were trying to be rid of me as They did not think me fit to wear it, but things are changing Aegon. I have so much more to do, and I will fight as hard as I can to be with you all as I make amends for all I’ve done wrong”

After some time his father fell asleep, and Aegon just sat there, still clinging onto his hand as he silently prayed for the Gods to understand that whilst yes, Viserys had definitely made many mistakes in his life, he was trying to do better, so he deserved to live to see his family united once more.

And who exactly would make up that family, well Aegon didn’t know that yet.

He could only hope and pray that his brothers would not give Rhaenyra reasons to set them aside, or worst of all punish them for rising against her, and as he thought about that, he left the King’s chambers. Aegon had wanted to get into contact with his brothers for some time now, Aemond in particular, as he felt the need to try and make amends with his younger brother.

From the first moment he’d realised how much his words and pranks had negatively impacted Aemond's life and mental state, he’d wanted to try and set things right, but things had gotten in the way. First his mother had spoken of him of her plans to marry him to Helaena, then his grandsire had shown up, and then Driftmark had happened and Aemond had been taken away.

Aegon knew that he as well was to blame for his brother’s actions on that night and he needed to write to him, but before he could do that, he needed to find his way back to his rooms.

“Where the fuck am I?”, he questioned lowly as he tried to figure out which hallway he’d ended up in, as each time he attempted to make his way around High Tide it seemed that new corridors showed up just to confuse him.

Every hallway looked the same, and Aegon couldn’t help the grunt of frustration that left him once he turned around the nth corner only to find himself before another one that looked exactly like the others.

“This plaze is a maze”, he complained, “Who built this shi-”

Suddenly, with the corner of his eye, he saw someone. Someone who he’d never admit , had come to him in his dreams before, her beautiful smile soothing his heart on his darkest nights at the Keep, and yet he hadn’t seen her since he’d sent that last letter to Rhaenyra.

“Marla?”, he whispered as he quickly walked towards her, “Marla wait”

And just like that, she was gone, if she ever had been there in truth. Aegon did not think he was losing his mind, and yet as he was so certain that he’d seen her, only for her to disappear into thin air the second he thought he'd reached her, he started to believe that perhaps he might be.

He didn’t know why, but from the last time he’d seen her Marla hadn’t left his mind. With everything else that had happened, one might think that on the few nights Aegon had actually managed to get some sleep while still at King’s Landing, his dreams would’ve been haunted by horrid nightmares of the war his grandsire and mother were certain would come their way soon enough.

And yet he’d only dreamed of her.

She’d been so kind to him on the few times they’d seen each other, and her smile was so beau-

“Uncle”, a voice suddenly said loudly, making Aegon jump as he let out a small scream, much to Jacaerys’ amusement as the little boy started laughing.

“Are you alright my Prince?”, Ser Criston questioned as he too tried to cover up the chuckles that were escaping him at the noise Aegon had made.

“I’m too old for you to play such pranks on me”, he said, “My heart is not as strong as it once was Jace, it might fail me the next time you do something like that”

Jacaerys continued to laugh, almost falling off his chair as Criston gently grabbed onto him and just looked at him, and Aegon couldn’t help but smile as he noticed how love struck the knight looked as he watched his son laugh.

“You’re a menace”, he playfully chided his nephew, “Where are you going?”

“I was going back to my rooms”, Jace said, “Do you want to come with me?”

Aegon agreed, and the four found their way through all those cursed hallways, as Aegon continued to look around to try and figure out if he really had just imagined Marla, or if she’d actually been there. He was far too concerned about looking for the girl to actually pay attention to where they were going, and as Ser Qarl opened a door for them all to enter, he finally realised that these were not the rooms Jace had been staying in this whole time.

“I couldn’t sleep on that bed anymore”, the boy explained, “I’d been there for so long, and it had started to feel like a prison, so I asked grandsire if I could get new chambers. These are kepa’s old rooms”

Aegon nodded solemnly, a sad look of understanding on his face as he could imagine that laying on the very bed you’d been dying in for the past moon could be quite haunting for a little boy. He himself had been given fairly small chambers near his father’s, and though he didn’t mind the size as in the end all he needed was a bed to sleep in, he could admit that he was a little envious of how beautiful these rooms were.

“Kepa told me that him and his friend painted them together”, Jace continued as he pointed to the walls, “They went to war, him and Ser Joffrey, and after they did that they came back here and painted these rooms to distract themselves and make their hearts hurt less after all they’d seen. I never met Ser Joffrey, as kepa told me he died before I was born, but from what I know of him he seemed very nice”

A choked out breath was heard in the otherwise silent room, and suddenly all eyes were on Ser Criston who in turn just dropped his own to the ground, evidently ashamed.

Aegon didn’t know much of all that had taken place on his sister’s wedding, as he was much too young to attend or let alone remember anything of that event, but he did know that right as everyone was dancing, Ser Criston had killed Laenor’s beloved. He didn’t know if Ser Joffrey had perhaps deserved to meet his end on that night, but from the guilty look in Criston’s eyes, it seemed like the answer was no.

How Laenor could stand seeing Criston everyday Aegon really didn’t kn-

“Why is this here?”, he questioned suddenly, voice much louder and angrier than he’d intended as his eyes widened and he grabbed onto something he hadn’t expected to find in his nephew’s rooms, “Why the fuck do you still have this?”

“My Prince”, Ser Criston chided him.

“Why do you have this?”, he asked again as he walked to his nephew with the object in his hand, pointedly ignoring the knight as he continued on with his questioning.

“It’s mine”, the boy mumbled, “Kepa gave it to me, I wasn’t going to throw it away just bec-”

“Because it was used to try and kill you”, Aegon stated angrily, without thought waving the dagger around before Criston placed himself between the two boys and grabbed onto his wrist, gently and yet firmly lowering his hand.

Aegon just stared at him, anger seeping out of his every pore as for some reason seeing the dagger once more had brought him back to that night, and suddenly he was once again sitting in that chair, as that cursed knife was ripped out of his shoulder and his goodbrother told all that his son was dying. Slowly and without making any sudden movements Criston took the dagger from his hand, placing it back on the shelf and guiding Aegon to sit on Jacaerys’ bed.

“I didn’t mean for it to make you upset”, his nephew said, “Kepa gave it to me as a gift when we moved to Dragonstone, because he knew I didn’t want to leave you and that I was sad. Muña didn't want me to keep it at first, but she's not really good at saying no to me since everything happened. I wanted to show it to you on that night, that’s why I brought it with me"

Aegon just shook his head, eyes locked on the dagger as he cringed at the imagine of someone cleaning his blood off of it before handing it back to Jace, and deciding very quickly that he never wanted to see it again.

“I didn’t mean for uncle Aemond to take it”, the boy continued, “As I said I only brought it with me to show it to you, not to harm anyone, or let alone so that someone might use it to hurt you. I took it out of my pocket because uncle Aemond said he would set Vhagar on me and I got scared, but even then I didn’t really know what to do with it since I was never taught how to wield it”

Though Aegon was still somewhat shaken by the sight of the knife, he did not miss the not so subtle jab his nephew sent Ser Criston’s way, and as he looked up he found that his nephew was staring at the knight as he spoke. Jacaerys had never been a confrontational child, much preferring to pass by unnoticed as each time he looked up people were staring at him and judging his appearence, and although he hadn’t said anything about Ser Criston’s presence in the past sennight, it seemed that his curiousity had finally gotten the best of him.

“I don’t remember much of that night”, Jace said, “I remember seeing Aegon and Helaena and getting to the tunnel where Aemond was choking Luke and then after that it’s all confused. But I do remember how easy it was for him to overpower me as we fought, and that’s because you never cared to train me Ser”

Criston just stood there, mouth agape as if to say something and yet no sound came out, simply staring at Jacaerys as the boy finally dared speak against him. Aegon had wondered when this would happen, as no matter how kind hearted his nephew was, it was more than normal for him to harbor some negative feelings toward a man who had always been so terribly mean to him for his whole life.

“Why was that?”, he questioned, “Why did you never care enough for me to teach me how to protect myself? If you had then perhaps I wouldn’t be in this cursed chair”

“Jace”, Aegon tried to intervene, knowing that his nephew had a right to be angry but also not thinking him in the right state to handle such a conversation.

“Why are you here?”, the boy insisted, “You always hated me, and yet here you are now, acting like my sworn shield. From what I know you were muña’s once, until you left her for the Queen. Are you going to do that again? Are you going to stand by me now that we’re here, only to then turn against me once we’re back in King’s Landing?”

“No”, the knight whispered, “No my Prince, I could never hate you or leave y-”

“It didn’t seem like it but a moon ago”, Jacaerys interrupted him, “For years we spent every day together on the training grounds, and yet you never once cared to actually pay attention to me if not to berate me for not being a good swordsman, as if you had ever trained me to be one. You never once cared about me, and yet you now act like you do, why?”

Criston fell silent once more, eyes finding Aegon’s as the Prince could tell that the knight was thinking about his next words very carefully, a part of him probably wishing to tell the truth, and yet knowing that it was not the best course of action right now. Jacaerys was upset, that much was clear, and he was still quite vulnerable not only in body but spirit as well, and there was no telling how he would react to finding out that the knight who’d always treated him so poorly was his father by blood.

Aegon knew that Jacaerys thought that Ser Harwin was his true father, and though he also knew that the boy struggled greatly with the knowledge that he was an illegitimate child, he had loved Ser Harwin. The man had always shown him such love and kindness, never once faltering in his utter devotion to both the Princess and her boys, so whilst Jacaerys knew that his supposed relation to the late knight caused him great trouble due to his appearance, he’d also adored the man who’d always shown him such love.

Something Criston hadn’t done.

“There are no excuses for my past actions”, the knight said, “I will never in life find a way to apologise to you or your family for all the pain I’ve caused you my Prince, but I do wish you to know that I will never do anything like that ever again. You have every reason to dislike me, hate me even, and to doubt my loyalty to you, and yet I need you to know that you don’t have to. I belong to you in more ways than you may ever understand my Prince, and I will never leave your side if you allow me to be with you”

“I’m certain you said the same thing to muña”, Jacaersy scoffed, “And the Queen as well, or uncle Aemond even, with all the love you showed him. So why would I trust that you will stand by me as you didn’t do for any of them?”

“Because with you it’s different”, Criston argued, “Because you’re-”

Suddenly the knight stopped, clamping his mouth shut and sending a worried look at Ser Qarl, who in turn was staring at the ceiling as he evidently didn’t love being stuck in this room while such a conversation was taking place, something Aegon could understand very well.

“I will never betray you again because I can’t”, the knight said finally, “I don't want to, and even if I did I really couldn't my Prince. The Gods know that my heart is yours, and nothing and nobody will ever change that, not again. I understand that I was most unkind to you for a very long time, and I will make amends for that in every way that I can for the rest of my life if you will let me. If you don’t want me here I understand, and I will leave for I do not wish to force my presence onto you, but if it’s all because you don’t think me loyal to you, then know that that is not the case. I would give my life for yours without doubt in my heart, please believe me”

Jacaerys did not seem convinced, sending another angry look at the knight and letting out a small huff before his gaze fell on Aegon. The elder knew that his nephew looked to him for guidance, and he understood that Jacaerys was waiting for him to give his opinion on the matter, so he nodded. He understood very well that Jace had no reason to trust the knight, and yet he did.

He knew that more likely than not, his nephew would never know the true nature of the love Ser Criston felt for him, and yet Aegon did, and he trusted that it would not falter.

“You can stay”, Jace said finally, “But you will never treat my brother as you once did ever again, and you will not train him anymore, or me, if I ever get out of this chair and can train that is”

“Of course you will”, Aegon spoke up, “Your recovery is going well Jace, all the Maesters have said as much. It will probably take time until you can run again, but it will happen”

Jacaerys didn’t seem to believe him and a small pout formed on his face, so Aegon stood up to be near him and placed his hand on his nephew’s, wishing for the boy to look him in the eyes as he spoke, needing him to know that he believed that his words rang true, and hoping that this would help the boy belive it as well.

“You will walk again”, he said once more, “You will walk again and you and I will find our way back to the Godswood of the Red Keep, playing knights as we once did, I promise you Jace”

Suddenly the doors to Jacaerys’ rooms opened up, and the smile on Aegon’s face fell as he saw the look in his sister’s eyes.

“We need to talk”

Chapter Text

“I have something to show you”, Rhaenyra said gravely as she clenched her fist around something, “It arrived this morn, and though I fear that it may upset you, I need to know if it makes sense to you”

Aegon was confused, just staring at his sister as he tried to understand what she was talking about. Rhaenyra had been most upset when she’d entered her son’s rooms, giving Jace a small smile before frowning once more as she told both Aegon and Criston to follow her to her chambers, because something had happened and she needed to speak with them both.

“Did you do something?”, he whispered.

“I hope not”, the knight answered unsure, eyes still somewhat haunted as Aegon could tell that Jacaerys losing his temper with him had caused him great pain.

Perhaps he should feel for him, and yet he couldn’t find it in his heart to fault his nephew for telling the truth. Ser Cole was trying to do better, that was true, but it did not erase how he’d behaved with Jacaerys for most of the boy’s life. From the moment Jace had said that Criston hadn’t care enough about him to ensure that he could protect himself, and had pretty much blamed him for what had happened on that cursed night, the man had looked like someone had stabbed him through the heart.

Aegon knew that the reasons behind the happenings of that night went beyond the knight’s refusal to train his nephew, and yet Jacaerys had a point. If he’d been taught how to fight, then maybe he could’ve defended himself, but Criston had never trained him, so in some ways he was at fault for his own son almost dying.

And he knew that.

“Maybe you shouldn’t read this Aegon”, Rhaenyra mumbled, “But I do think you should, even th-”

Though his sister had seemed certain of wishing to talk to them both when she’d first come to retrieve them, she didn’t seem so sure anymore. Aegon didn’t know what she could be talking about when she spoke of something that might upset them, but as he saw the letter she held in her hands, he just knew it had something to do with his mother.

“I need you to read this and tell me if it makes any sense to you”, she said as she placed the missive on the table in front of them and began to play with her rings, “I’m sorry if it upsets you, but I really don’t know what to do with it. I don't know if I should believe it or not, I just don't know what it means”

As Aegon finally dared unlock his gaze from his sister and look at the letter she’d placed before him, a chill ran down his spine when he actually began reading it.

- Princess, I write to tell you that the woman has become somewhat ill. I can not explain exactly what is happening to her, but she’s not acting right. As I wrote to you before, though she’s always been a faithful woman she began to lock herself in the Sept some time ago, entering in the early hours of the morn and only leaving in the middle of the night. But things have somehow gotten worse since your father and brother left. She had a meltdown some days ago, and called for all Septas present in the city to come with her to the Sept to pray before the statue of the Mother, as she declared that it had all been a trap and that her sons were dead, and her other children needed protection. Her father visited her, and whilst I can not say that he seemed worried for her, he did try to make her understand that none of her children were dead, but she wouldn’t listen as she angrily kicked him out of the Sept and she still hasn’t moved. I fear her mind is becoming lost to her, and I’ve heard from some maids that work with the Maester that the woman’s father asked for some drafts to be brewed for her as she hasn’t slept in days, and so they might try to drag her out of the Sept. I don’t know what is happening to her, but I thought you’d want to know -

“Shit”, Criston whispered.

“Yes, shit”, Rhaenyra agreed, “Why does she think her kids are dead? Helaena’s at the Keep with her and Daeron’s in Oldtown so I think Alicent knows that he is alive, you’re here with us and though I understand that Alicent doesn’t trust him much, she would’ve heard by now if Daemon had killed Aemond. Why is she acting like this now? Did she seem weird to you when you last saw her?”

“She was in the Sept”, the knight said as his eyes remained stuck on the letter, “I didn’t go to her before I ran to the boat, but Arryk told me she was in the Sept, and that she had been there for the whole day. She does that sometimes, so I didn’t think anything of it, though in truth I wasn’t thinking about much apart from getting here. But this is ju-”

Aegon wasn’t listening to them, reading the missive over and over and particularly focusing on one thing, the fact that his mother had apparently kicked his grandsire out of the Sept. The Queen he knew would never dare go against her father in any way, especially not in public, so if she had truly done something so bold, then whomever had written the letter was probably right in saying that she may have lost her mind.

His mother had always been a faithful woman, often spending hours and hours in the Sept praying for guidance or protection, but spending days on end in the place was odd even for her. After his grandsire had spoken with them of all the High Septon had said, his mother had become most obsessive with her praying, as though she claimed that her heart was in the right place as she defended Aemond, she also knew that the Gods cursed a kinslayer and those who stood by him.

The last sennight before Jacaerys had woken up had been the worst Aegon had seen his mother, as the fact that no letter came to update the King on his grandson’s condition had made Alicent believe that Jace had passed, and that Rhaenyra was now just waiting for the right moment to strike them all down.

Aegon hadn’t spoken to her much, as she’d been too scared for Aemond to pay anyone else any mind, but as he thought about it he remembered something he’d heard her say as she called for one of her Septas to pray with her.

“The boy is dead”, she’d whispered, “The Mother assured me he wouldn’t die, but he’s dead. For so long I prayed for the sin to be punished, and it has been, but I was wrong. He had no fault and yet I blamed him, and the Mother will see to it that I’m punished for my cruelty. My boy is alone, and he will be taken from me so I might know the pain I caused”

Aegon hadn’t paid her much attention, as his mother often rambled on about abstract things whenever she spoke of her prayers, evidently thinking that the more complicated she made things sound the more astute people would think her.

But now he understood.

“She thinks we’re dead”, he mumbled, “The High Septon said that those who stood by a kinslayer were as cursed as he was, and mother believes this is her punishment. She thinks Aemond is dead and that you lied about Jace being alive to get me here, so you might kill me”

“What?”, Rhaenyra questioned, “I still don’t understand where she got that idea from and most importantly why she actually believes it, but father is here. Even if I did want to kill you, and I don’t, I certainly wouldn’t do that with the King as a witness”

“She thinks you would”, Aegon insisted, “For most of my life she told me you would kill me, and father never cared for me as he does for you, and she always said that he wouldn’t do anything to protect me if you actually tried to harm me”

His sister just stood there, mouth agape as her hands came to grab onto her dress, letting out a frustrated grunt as she began to pace around once more. Aegon had always known that his mother’s mind was incredibly fragile, and that though she didn’t like him or let alone love him, she had always feared that his sister might kill him.

And for her to know that he was now alone with Rhaenyra, he could see how she’d gotten to the conclusion that he might perhaps be dead already.

“We have to send a letter to King’s Landing”, she said, “We have to let Alicent know that you’re alive, and I’ll write to Daemon so he might get Aemond to send a missive to her as we-”

“She won’t believe you Princess”, Criston intervened, “She’ll just think you’re toying with her”

“What the fuck?”, Rhaenyra huffed frustrated, “I understand that we haven’t been friends for a long time, and that I played a part in our friendship falling apart, but by the Gods how and why has this woman convinced herself that I’m a monster? We haven’t truly spoken in years but in her heart Alicent must know that I would never do anything like this. She thinks me a whore, I get that, but how does that also mean that I would slaughter her children? How has this woman’s mind conjured up something so far away from realit-”

“She was alone”, the knight mumbled, “She was very weak when she first became the Queen, and her mind grew more and more fragile through the years as her paranoias only worsened with time. She was not in the state to be left alone, and yet you did it anyways”

Though he was still greatly shaken by the contents of the missive, Aegon couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him at the knight's words and by how hypocritical the man was being. Ser Cole sat there and faulted Rhaenyra for Alicent losing her mind, as if he hadn't spent each day for the past decade by the Queen's side, just fueling her hatred for the Princess, which in turn only worsened the relationship between the two women and probably made it much easier for his mother to convince herself that Rhaenyra no longer was the girl she once knew.

For a moment he thought about speaking up, wishing to give Criston a piece of his mind and drag him off his high horse, but his sister beat him to it.

“Why thank you Criston”, she scoffed, “I thank you for your wise words, but I will not be lectured by you of all people on how horrible it is to abandon someone when they need you most. You would know all about that, wouldn’t you? Leaving me alone when you knew I had nobody else and that I was carrying your child, when you knew of all my fears about the birthing bed, and you still abandoned me”

To say that Rhaenyra was angry would be an understatement, and much like her former friend it seemed that she as well forgot to mind her words when she lost her temper. For a moment after she revealed the truth about Jacaerys’ parentage she continued to stare at Criston, until her eyes widened and they fell on Aegon.

“I already knew”, he whispered, “I really don’t care, if that makes it any better”

“I didn’t think he was mine”, Criston said loudly, still upset about the conversation he’d had with Jace and evidently believing that if his son had been brave enough to speak the truth on this day, then they all should follow his lead.

“What in the fuck are you talking about?”, Rhaenyra hissed as she once again focused all her attention on the knight, “I came to you in the middle of the night, risking not only my reputation as I entered your chambers all alone, but my marriage as well as Laenor would never have forgiven me if he’d known I was visiting he who but a moon earlier had brutally murdered his beloved. I came to you crying, telling you that I was with child and idiotically hoping that even though you had made it clear that you hated me, that you might comfort me as Laenor was too busy drowning in his cups out of grief to help me. I told you he was yours Criston, I had never once laid with anyone els-”

“That’s not what she told me”, the knight sighed.

The room fell silent as Rhaenyra looked like she was but a second away from stabbing someone, Criston like the one who knew he was about to be stabbed, and Aegon just wondered how he’d found himself in the same situation twice in a single day.

Was it his presence that inspired all to bare their feelings?

Or was he just terribly unlucky that people only felt the need to have these important and yet for him incredibly awkward conversations when he was around?

“She told me of your night with Prince Daemon and about the moontea”, the knight continued, “She told me about that and how you’d just used me to make your uncle jealous because you’d always yearned for him, and then Ser Harwin became your shield and from the start you two were so close, and I was still so hurt that I suppose I jus-”

“Believed that I’d fucked the whole Keep”, Rhaenyra finished for him, “Because I’m naught but a wretched whore, right? I never laid with Daemon, and for five whole years after Jacaerys was born Laenor was the only one who touched me, because though I know nobody believes it, we actually tried to do our duty as a married couple. But that’s not the issue here, how could you believe that I’d just jump into bed with the first man I saw after you’d broken my heart?”

“I broke your heart?”, Criston questioned as he let out a chuckle, “Me? You broke my heart Rhaenyra, using me for fun only to then throw me aside without a care in the world”

I really shouldn’t be here, Aegon thought as he slowly shrunk into his chair and cursed whatever God had thought it funny to place him there in the first place.

“You wanted me to be your whore”, the man hissed, “I risked my life to share that one moment with you, knowing very well that if you told anyone I’d be killed, and I did it for love. I was by your side for years, learning to love you, and then you almost laughed in my face when I told you we could leave together, rejecting me in the name of a duty you never even cared for”

“It’s all I’ve ever known”, she argued, “From the day I was born I’ve been naught but the Realm’s Princess, and then my father named me as his Heir, and from that moment on I knew that unless I tried my hardest to prove to all that I could do it, my life would be forfeit. I wanted to be with you in the only way I could, but I needed to marry. You and Alicent spend your days talking about how I have never once cared for my duties, and yet you now sit here and shame me for doing just that”

“Maybe I should just le-”, Aegon muttered.

“And even then that’s not what truly matters”, Rhaenyra said angrily, “You thought and perhaps still think me a whore, fine. For my whole pregnancy you believed I was to bear another man's child, fine. But then you saw him Criston. You were one of the very first people who saw Jace when he was first born, as you were the one who stripped him away from my arms mere moments after I’d pushed him out. You can not tell me that you didn’t see yourself when you looked at him, and yet you took him to her anyways, and just stood there as that woman denigrated our son”

At least now Ser Criston did have the decency to look ashamed, gaze falling to the floor as he probably thought back to that day. Aegon himself had been there as well, and though he didn’t remember much as he was still but a boy, he did have vague memories of both his mother and her shield observing his nephew, and making various comments about how very “strong” he looked.

“You still thought he was Ser Harwin’s”, Aegon chimed in, “I remember you saying that”

“I only figured out that he was mine some time after Prince Lucerys was born”, Criston admitted, “The King wished for the youngest Princes to share a milk maid, and he planned for that to happen without the Queen’s knowledge as he probably knew she wouldn’t have cared for it much. Once she found out she sent me to get her son back to the nursery, and I saw Prince Lucerys, he must’ve been a couple moons shy from his first nameday, and the second my eyes landed on his face I knew”

All said that Luke looked exactly like his late grandmother, the Queen Aemma, and though that may perhaps be true, Aegon didn’t know as he’d never seen the woman, none could deny that between himself and Jace, Luke was the one who looked most like Harwin. Even those who didn’t know the truth, and believed that the Princess’ sons had all been fathered by the late heir to house Strong, could tell that the second born was the only one out of the older boys who truly took after him.

The hair color was the same, but everything else differed.

“I saw Harwin staring back at me when I looked at Prince Lucerys”, the knight continued, “I don’t know why that’s what it took for me to finally understand, but after that I forgot all about Prince Daeron and went to look for Prince Jacaerys instead. He was with you Princess, in the Godswood, and for but a second he looked at me, and I saw my mother. For all those years before then I could barely look at him as it hurt too much, but in that moment I saw him as if for the first time, and it all became clear to me then, but it was too late”

“It really wasn’t”, Rhaenyra argued, “It was too late with me, yes, very much so, but not with him. I won’t lie and say I would’ve welcomed you in our lives with open arms Criston, but that whole thing happened five years ago at this point, and you never stopped berating him. You say that that is when you knew he was yours, well you should’ve left him alone”

“I know”, he whispered, “I know that, I really do. For years I hated him because of you, but I suppose after that moment I hated him because of me. Everytime I looked at him I saw myself, and I don’t know why, I really can’t explain it Princess, but that made me even more angry at him. I hated myself, all I’d become and all I’d done, and yet I couldn’t change, and seeing myself reflected back in him just made it worse”

As he listened to the knight’s words and looked at his sister, Aegon could tell that she didn’t understand, and yet for some reason he felt like he did. But better than that, he finally understood why his mother and her shield had become so close.

They were one and the same.

For years Alicent had hated Aegon for things he could not control, as had Criston with his own son, and then slowly but surely both himself and Jace had turned into younger versions of their parents, and to see their own reflections reflected back into a person who reminded you of naught but your mistakes, was evidently too much for both Alicent and Criston to bear.

But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the two adults should’ve known better than to treat the children as they did.

“We spoke today”, Criston said, “Prince Jacaerys made his feelings about me very clear before you came to get us, and though I will say it hurt me to hear my own blood berate me in such a way, I know I deserve it all. I deserve it for each and every second I spent away from him, and for each moment you spent without me as you prepared to bring him into this world”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, finally sitting down as the knight walked to her, slowly and with his eyes stuck on hers, wishing to know if he was daring too far as he approached her.

“Many years ago I met a Princess and she changed my life”, he continued, “She blessed me in more ways than she could understand, and many years later she would bless me once more, in a way I could not understand for a long time, and that would change my life forever once I finally did. I remember that first day very well, as I knelt before you and you placed the white cloak on my shoulders and made me into a Kingsguard, and I vowed to be by your side until my last day. I broke my promise, and I will never forgive myself for that”

Aegon just stared, eyes wide as he saw Criston kneel before Rhaenyra, and noted how her breath hitched in her throat as they looked at each other.

“For years you were the only person that mattered to me”, he whispered, “That is no longer true Princess, as I shall know no devotion as that I feel for our boy, but you are still one of the most important people in my life. You are the mother of my child, she who brought me the greatest joy my heart has ever known, and no matter what you decide to do with me now or in our future, I wish you to know that I’m thankful for all you did for me in our past. I thought that becoming a Kingsguard was the greatest title I could ever dream of achieving, and yet there is another one I strive for now, one that I should’ve placed above all else many years ago”

“Yes you should have”, Rhaenyra stated firmly, evidently still angry at the knight, and yet the unshed tears in her eyes left no room for doubt that his words were getting to her.

“I shall never be his true father, and that is my fault”, Criston said, “As you once said, that is a title that Ser Laenor earned, as did Ser Harwin, and I do not intend on trying to replace either of them, not that I could even if I wanted to as our Prince so loves them both. I should never have allowed my anger to cloud my judgement, and should never have abandoned she who gave me everything, and he who means everything. I know my oaths don’t mean much to you, and I understand that that is my fault, and yet if you allow me, I wish to pledge myself to you once more. If one day I give you reason to once again question that my heart beats for him and him alone, then you may kill me, because I will have failed in the one thing that truly matters. I already did that more than once already, and know that I deserve nothing as neither of you owe me anything, but I beg you to believe me. When the right moment comes I will pledge my life to our son as well, if he allows it, though in truth all I am is already his”

Slowly and somewhat unsure, Rhaenyra nodded, and Aegon just watched on as Criston lowered his head in reverence to her. For but a moment he could see them as they once were, his sister still barely a woman, mind riddled by grief as her mother had just passed, choosing Ser Criston, still barely a man, as he rose higher than any would’ve expected from someone of his birth.

Two people who would grow to love and hate each other with such might, and who the Gods bound together with their little boy, perhaps changing the course of history forever.

“I swear toward my future Queen with all my strength”, he began, “And give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side and defend her name and honor. I shall protect you and your family from any who wish you harm, and if the moment ever comes when I shall give my life for yours, then the Gods will have granted me the opportunity to protect she who I have failed more times than I can count. You gave me my life in so many ways Princess, first when you made me a man, and then when you made me a father. You have shown me much more kindness than what I deserve, and I swear to you that I shall not let that mean nothing. All I have I owe to you, and I shall repay such a debt with my life by vowing each and every second of it to you and our son”

“If you leave me again you will die”, Rhaenyra said, hand gentle as she grabbed onto Criston’s chin so their eyes might meet, and yet her gaze was deadly as she too made her own vow, “If you ever betray me, I will have you killed. And if you ever betray my son, I will kill you myself”

“Betraying him would mean betraying myself”, the knight whispered, “I’ve done that enough for a lifetime”

“Never again”, she warned.

“Never again”, he promised.

Chapter Text

“Do you not like fish my Prince?”, Lord Corlys questioned with a small smile on his face as he watched how Aegon struggled to eat whatever animal had been placed on his plate.

“I do my Lord”, Aegon answered, though he was growing less and less fond of this dreadful creature as he just couldn’t figure out how to actually eat it.

“If I may”, Laenor chimed in as he took Aegon’s plate, “Lobsters are difficult to eat my Prince, but there is a trick to get to the meat. You see, you just hold it like this and then crack it like that”

Aegon just stared at what his goodbrother was doing, watching as the man continued to break the poor thing apart, and deciding that perhaps he was not so hungry anymore. He saw how Lucerys chuckled at the face he was making, and how the rest of those who sat at the table soon joined his nephew. He’d always hated being the center of attention, something he usually associated with those horrid feasts he would be forced to attend at the Keep, where all Lords and Ladies would gawk at the Targaryen Prince.

But as he saw them all smile now, he found that he didn’t mind it so much.

“There you go my Prince”, Ser Criston whispered as he reached for Jacaerys’ napkin that had fallen on the floor and gave it back to him.

“Thank you”, Jacaerys said, giving him a little and perhaps unsure smile that the man quickly returned.

Things had become somewhat awkward between the two after their conversation, as all could tell that the knight was desperate to prove himself to the Prince, who in turn was assessing him as one would a creature to be studied. Jacaerys had spoken to his uncle about his troubles with Criston, and though Aegon had tried to reassure him of the man’s loyalty as best as he could without revealing the truth, he could tell that his nephew was still struggling a bit.

Before that day Jacaerys had actually been oddly nice to a knight who had never once been nice back as the two lived at the Keep, but now he seemed to have grown cold towards him. Cole was obviously saddened by this change, and yet between his resilience as a solider, and his wish to be by his son’s side, he did not seem deterred by the cold looks the boy sent his way.

Criston had told both Jacaerys and Rhaenyra that the second either of them ordered him to leave, he would, but Aegon hoped that that wouldn’t happen. He understood very well that both had every reason under the sun to not want the man around, and yet he knew that for once in his life, Criston truly meant it when he made his oath to be by Jace’s side, and after that other conversation, it seemed that Rhaenyra was beginning to believe that as well.

His sister still seemed hesitant to leave the two alone, and Aegon knew that Laenor was most definitely not comfortable enough with the knight for that to happen just yet, but hopefully the men would finally have a much needed conversation and perhaps find some common ground in their love for Jace.

And hopefully that conversation would take place when Aegon wasn’t around this time.

“My King, Princess”, a Maester walked in hurriedly, interrupting them all as they dined together to deliver something, “Missives from King’s Landing have come for you both”

For but a second the Maester’s gaze fell on him, but before the man could speak on the meeting they’d had earlier that day, Aegon’s eyes snapped to his father and sister, and everyone else’s did as well as all eagerly awaited to know the contents of the missives, and most importantly who they were about.

As the King read his letter, a snarl of anger escaped him, only for his face to quickly morph into a sneer and then a smile, before he let out a small chuckle as an odd look shone in his eyes, one of victory. By his side Rhaenyra read her own missive, and she somehow managed to look both confused and elated at the same time.

“There you go”, he laughed, “She told me this would be found, and there you go. My little dreamer”

“My sources say Otto Hightower was arrested”, Rhaenyra stated plainly, “How?”

“It’s all thanks to this”, Viserys explained as he waved around his own letter, “I knew he was plotting with his nephew behind my back, but alas I was ahead of him this time”

Aegon was confused, not understanding why his father thought that his Hand scheming was a good thing. It did not surprise him that Otto had spoken of his ploys with Lord Ormund, as in truth his grandsire had told him of his intentions of doing just that many times before, eagerly waiting until his nephew began to feel better after his illness to start plotting again, but he did not understand how that could be good for his father, or any of them for that matter.

“What did you do?”, his sister asked as she eyed their father warily, a look of great confusion and yet also some pride as she watched him laugh.

“I did not just leave Rhaenyra”, the King said, “I didn’t just abandon the Keep without leaving someone behind to keep things under control, and it seems that my allies did not fail me. She told me that a missive would be sent that proved everything that the Gods had tried to tell me, and since I did not believe that I could trust the Grand Maester and he’s the one who receives and then delivers all letters to the occupants of the Keep, I asked Lord Beesbury to keep an eye out for me. This letter is just what I needed to charge Otto and his nephew with treason, and since Mellos was the only one who tried to fight against Otto’s arrest, we now know that all but him are loyal to us”

All at the table seemed somewhat more confused than they were before, and yet Aegon could tell that all were impressed by his father’s plan. In truth it was not the most complicated scheme known to man, but considering who they were speaking of, it seemed quite impressive that Viserys out of all people had managed to plan a trap for someone like Otto. The King had vowed to everyone that things would be better at the Keep, and that he now saw all he’d remained blind to for so long and that he would make amends, and though many had doubted him, Aegon included, it seemed that he intended to uphold his promise.

“What about Tyland Lannister?”, Corlys questioned, “I don’t mean to accuse the man of anything when I don’t have proof to back my claim, but I can not lie and say I thought he could be trusted”

“I spoke to him as well”, Viserys mused as he beamed with pride for himself, “I called him to my chambers for a private audience the day before Aegon and I left to come here, and he told me much of what Otto had planned”

Aegon had never been too certain of who his grandsire’s allies really were, hence why he’d never felt comfortable with any Lord or Lady present at the Keep, not knowing who he could trust. He’d seen his grandsire speaking with Lord Lannister once, but in truth he’d seen him speak to many people since he’d returned to the Keep, quite desperate to gain allies once he found out that his daughter had not done that in the decade she’d spent alone in the castle.

And he’d spoken to even more people after Driftmark, though much to his displeasure and Aegon’s amusement, they’d all turned him away.

“I made it clear that I had reason to believe that he was more of an ally to Otto than he was to me, and my Corlys, you should’ve seen how he paled at that”, the King chuckled, “He said that Otto had began to lose it. From what I understand their arrangement started before Otto left for the first time, and supposedly the man made many promises to many people that he never ended up keeping, and after Driftmark he lost any allies he’d gathered so far, including Ser Tyland and his brother. Apparently Otto went around either trying to claim that nothing of note had actually happened and that your letters exaggerated what took place that night, or that it had all been some sort of scheme that you had planned my girl, to make them look bad”

“Scheme?”, Rhaenyra questioned baffled, “Who would believe that I would conduct a scheme that involved my child almost being killed?”

“Nobody”, Viserys answered with a big smile, “You are most known amongst all the Seven Kingdoms for your devotion to your children, so all realised that Otto was playing them for fools, and one by one they left his side. From my understanding he didn’t have many allies in the first place, but alas it seems that he only has Mellos and Ormund now”

Aegon remained stuck in place, fork still in hand as he stared at his father, trying to understand all the information that had been thrown his way within the span of but a couple minutes. He knew that his grandsire did not have many allies to his cause, as the man complained about it constantly, and yet he had not heard him speak on how he’d tried to play off what had happened to Driftmark.

For a man who’d shamed his daughter so for trying to undermine the gravity of that night, it seemed that he hadn’t done any better.

“What will you do with them?”, Rhaenys questioned as she sipped her wine, a smirk on her face as it seemed that for once, she was actually proud of her cousin.

“I’ve already done something”, he answered with an almost childish excitement in his voice, “Before I left I told Ser Westerling that if anything like this happened, then Otto and whomever had been proven to stand by him would be classed as traitors, and would be dealt with accordingly”

As his father went on to explain that the now former Hand and former Grand Maester had been locked in the black cells to await the King’s return, Aegon’s mind stopped working. His grandsire had lost, there was no coming back from this. Otto had lost.

He was finally free.

All those years spent living in fear of a man who wasn’t even there, and now he was free. For a moment true happiness took hold of his heart, until he thought of his mother. What would become of her now? Alicent and her father had a complicated relationship, and though Aegon knew that nobody but her belived this to be true, he knew she thought of him as an ally, and now he was gone. Aemond had left, as had Criston, then Aegon and Viserys, and now Otto as well.

Things had not necessarily gone well for his mother the last time she’d found herself alone in the Keep, as that was when her fear and her envy had truly taken hold of her heart and the Green Queen had been born, but now she really was alone. For those years she’d always had someone, let it be Criston or Aemond, or even Aegon and Viserys in some ways, but now there was nobody left for her.

Helaena was there, but she had never truly been present in her own mind, so Alicent was alone.

From what the missive Rhaenyra had shown them said, his mother had already begun to lose herself to a sense of madness, convincing herself that the children who did not live with her and that she could not see were dead, and for some reason Aegon doubted that her father being taken from her as well would make things better. It should, as Otto was the last person anyone would want around, especially his daughter after everything he’d done to her, but Aegon knew it wasn’t that simple. By the time his grandsire had left King’s Landing the first time, he’d already condemned his daughter to a life of misery, and yet she’d yearned for him to return for years on end.

And he did not believe that this time would be any different.

“Are you alright?”, Jacaerys whispered as his hand moved to touch Aegon’s, but the second that happened the elder moved back as if struck, standing up so quickly that the chair fell to the floor.

“Aegon”, his father called for him, but he left.

He didn’t know what to think, as he knew he should be happiest about his grandsire finally getting caught, and he was, but for some reason his heart hurt. It didn’t seem real yet, that he was finally free of all burdens he’d been carrying for so long, and yet his heart weighed heavy. Aegon walked outside of High Tide, almost running as he felt a desperate need to reach the shore, to feel fresh air on his skin as everything just suddenly felt like it was too much. He was experiencing a joy he had never known before, knowing that he was finally free, and yet he couldn’t help but fear that it was not over.

He’d always been wary of hoping for anything, as any time he’d tried to remain hopeful about his circumstances, things had not gone his way, apart from when the Gods had chosen to spare his nephew and not leave him alone in this world. But what if something happened now? What if his grandsire still found a way to continue scheming? What if he found a way to get Aegon and steal the crown? What if he killed someone from his family as revenge for his sudden loss of power? What if Aemond joined him and the two were both killed for treason? And what if Daeron was taken by their grandsire as well?

And his mother.

The thought of his mother all alone in the Keep tormented him, as he wondered if she would finally understand that things did not have to be as she had believed for so long, or if she would stand by her father until her dying breath as she had for her whole life. Aegon had seen how much power Otto held over his daughter, as the mighty Queen he’d learned to fear through his life had disappeared the second her father had shown up at the Keep, and he feared that his mother would not be able to finally separate herself from her father.

Not even if it cost her her life.

Aegon had pleaded for Rhaenyra to spare his mother, and though his sister had agreed, he didn’t know if things would remain that way if Alicent stood by Otto’s side, if she continued on with her treasonous ways until the very end. He couldn’t protect her from anyone if she did that, and though he knew it was not his duty to do so, he couldn’t help but feel like it was.

Alicent had told him all his life that a moment would come when her life would be in Aegon’s hands, and it was finally here, and he couldn’t breathe.

“Aegon”, a voice called for him suddenly, “Aegon it’s alright”

Criston had ran after the boy, knowing how difficult this whole situation must be for him, as it was for the knight himself. He’d sworn allegiance to many in his life, and though his oath to his son and his son’s mother were the only ones that mattered, he still felt somewhat bound to the Queen. He would not go back on his word, and certainly wouldn’t side with her against Jacaerys, and yet he couldn’t help the guilt he felt at knowing she was all alone in a castle he knew she hated so much.

The two had become somewhat close through the past decade, and though at first their relationship had been mainly based on their shared dislike and resentment towards the Princess, after some time the Queen had taken to confiding in him. Criston liked to think that he knew Alicent better than most, and knew how true her fears were of what the future had in store for her and her family, but most importantly how she hated being alone.

For many years both Alicent and Criston had felt like they had nobody in the Keep, just two people who lived and worked there, spending day after day in the place without it ever feeling like home. They’d found each other in a moment of great weakness for both, and that had been their doom. When everything had first started they would only speak of Rhaenyra, as their hearts had both been hurt by what they thought of as a betrayal on the Princess’ part, but with time they’d actually become friends.

Criston had spent night after night outside the Queen’s chambers, hearing her pray for hours on end as she was so very terrified of all that would happen once her husband died. He knew that her fears were real, and had vowed that she wouldn’t have to face them alone, and he’d left.

“It’s over”, he said as he finally reached Aegon, “It’s over my Prince. You’re going to be fine”

“She will never let it be over”, the boy cried, “She will never stop, and she will get herself killed in her quest to avenge herself”

“We will speak to her”, the knight insisted, “We will speak to her together, and all will be well, I promise”

Aegon continued to sob, though in truth he didn’t even know why he was reacting in such a way. He knew he should be happy, and he was, and yet he could not escape the dreadful feeling in his heart that things would go wrong.

Because that’s what they always did.

“She doesn’t want Rhaenyra to be the Queen”, Aegon said, “She’s convinced herself that my sister will slaughter us all to take the throne and you saw that letter, she thinks it’s already happened. She probably thinks Rhaenyra will just show up at the Keep to finish the job”

“But she won’t”, Criston stated firmly, “You and I will speak to your mother together, and perhaps the Princess might join us as well, and we will all reassure her that she has no reason to be afraid”

“Are you not afraid?”, he questioned, “What happens to the knight who berated the Princess’ children once she becomes the Queen? Would you not prefer my mother to keep her power since she cares for you so? Will you not honor the oath you once made to her and stand by her side if she chooses her father over us all?”

“No my Prince”, the knight denied with a small smile, “I will stand by my son and die by his side, as I can not think of a more honorable way to go. The Gods allowed me a great gift with Jacaerys, and an even greater one as the Princess allowed be to be with him, and I shall never look back. I care not if the Princess kills me once she ascends, so long as I get to be with Jacaerys before that happens, because nothing else matters”

Aegon breathed heavily, happy to know that Criston would not turn against them now that the situation had become somehow more dire than it already was. Things would happen quickly as soon as they all got to the Keep, and he needed to know that none of those he thought of as their own would falter in their loyalty to Rhaenyra.

“Your mother’s hatred was born of fear”, Ser Cole said, “And anger also, but mostly fear. All we can do once we get back to King’s Landing is speak with her, and hope that she understands that he who taught her to be afraid was lying, and that there is no need to fight those who do not wish her any harm”

“So you believe it too?”, Aegon questioned, “You too believe that my grandsire lied, and that Rhaenyra never intended on killing any of us?”

“I do”, he sighed, “I knew that your mother’s fears were true and I suppose that with time I began to believe it all myself, but in my heart I always knew that if a war actually did happen, it would not be out of her fear but his greed. I believe that deep within her bones the Queen knows this as well, and ‘tis up to us to help her see it”

The sudden fear that had taken hold of his heart still lingered, and yet some hope was beginning to bloom as well, and slowly but surely, Aegon started to feel like he could breathe again.

Chapter Text

“I’m sure we’ll find it Jace”, Rhaenyra said as she looked around her son’s rooms, “I understand you care for it very much my love, but if we don’t find it and leave it h-”

“No”, Jacaerys denied, “Aunt Helaena made it for me, I will not leave it behind”

Aegon smiled as he saw how attached his nephew had become to the blanket his sister had made for him, always carrying it around with him wherever he went and showing it off to everyone he stumbled upon, and now making Criston wheel him around each corner of his rooms as he couldn’t find it.

“Did you have it when we went to the shore yesterday my Prince?”, the knight questioned, “Perhaps it fell on the beach when I lifted you off your chair”

“I don’t remember”, Jace sighed frustrated, “I can’t lose it, I just can’t. You saw how intricate the embroidery work was, aunt Helaena must’ve put such great effort on it for it to turn out so beautiful. She did it all for me, and I can’t just lose it”

“How about we go back to the shore and look for it?”, Ser Criston proposed, gently placing a fairly hesitant hand on Jacaerys’ shoulder as he tried to soothe the boy.

Aegon noticed the way Criston’s gaze quickly fell on Rhaenyra, an unasked question in his eyes as he waited for the woman to give him a small nod, and once she did himself and Jace left the chambers, with Ser Qarl by their side, as he always was.

After that one incredibly awkward conversation between his sister and the knight, it seemed that Rhaenyra was beginning to actually trust Criston, though not enough to ever leave him alone with her son, something Aegon could understand.

He knew that Criston’s latest oath to Rhaenyra and their son was probably the only one the man had ever truly meant, the only one he would stick by until his last day, and he could tell that Rhaenyra was starting to believe it as well, but not enough to trust him fully just yet.

“Maybe one of the maids took it”, his sister pondered, “I’ll go ask around”

“I’ll come with you”, he said quickly, taking advantage of this moment to speak with her of something he’d done, as he knew the time had come for him to reveal his not so little secret.

In truth he was quite surprised that the Maester hadn’t told her anything yet, or perhaps he had and she just hadn’t spoken to Aegon about it, but either way, he needed to tell her.

He needed to tell his sister that he’d sent a letter to Aemond.

He’d been meaning to do it for some time now, drafting missive after missive while still at the Keep, and yet never sending any of them as he knew that Mellos would probably get his hands on them and tell his grandsire. Aegon knew that Otto wished to speak with Aemond as well, and that he’d been most enraged by the lack of communication from the spies he’d supposedly placed around him and Daemon, but alas no news had come from his brother while Aegon was at King’s Landing.

He knew he needed to speak with Aemond, especially after what Rhaenyra had revealed to him about the last days his brother had spent in this very castle, and finally a couple days ago he’d mustered up the courage to go to the Maester’s chambers and ask for his missive to be sent to Pentos. The man had looked a little confused, but alas he hadn’t questioned Aegon about his intentions.

The two just walked around for some time, as Rhaenyra stopped every now and then to question any maid she stumbled upon, as she wished to know wether they had perhaps taken Jacaerys’ blanket to wash it, but nothing. Aegon knew he needed to speak sooner rather than later, as he could feel the bravery that had taken hold of his heart waver a little.

He knew Rhaenyra wouldn’t be angry with him, and yet he couldn’t trust that she wouldn’t be upset.

From the way she’d spoken of Aemond’s condition she’d seemed most pained by it, and yet he could tell that she was somewhat confused by her own feelings, as she pitied Aemond for the child he was and the way his mind had been played with by those around him, and yet despised him for what he’d done to her son.

Aegon knew that she understood that no matter what happened, Aemond would forever be their brother, and he hoped that she would understand why he had to speak with him.

“If we don’t find it Jace will be so sad”, she sighed, “He’s been clinging to that blanket since you first gave it to him, and I know he cares for it very much. Even if we can’t find it now, I’m certain that whomever does will send it to the Keep quickly enough, but I don’t know if that that will be enough to soothe his hea-”

“I wrote to Aemond”, he blurted out, eyes wide as he stared ahead and refused to meet his sister’s gaze, even as it suddenly fell on him and she stopped walking, “I wrote Aemond a letter and the Maester sent it a couple days ago, or at least I think he did. I asked him to, so I suppose he must have, but I don’t actually know if he did it. I didn’t see the raven fly away, and though I should’ve learned from past mistakes I guess I didn’t”

He continued to ramble on, now staring at his hands as he played with his fingers and tried to ignore how Rhaenyra’s eyes were boring holes into his skull, just talking and talking without really saying anything.

“Aegon”, she tried to interrupt him, “Aegon that-”

“I’m sorry”, he said quickly, “I mean I’m not sorry about sending the letter, but I am sorry that I hid it from you, and I’m even more sorry if that makes you upset with me. I just needed to hear from him, please sister you must understand that. You told me my brother had tried to take his own life, I had to speak wi-”

Suddenly he felt a couple of fairly small and yet strong hands grab onto his shoulders, and without meaning to he let his body fall against the wall behind him, by reflex trying to make himself smaller as he always did when around his mother or grandsire when they got physical with him.

He knew Rhaenyra wouldn’t harm him, something that was only confirmed by the look of hurt in her eyes as she saw him flinch at her touch, quickly taking her hands off him and placing them behind her back, and yet his body reacted.

“Aegon”, she whispered, “Valonqar please look at me, it’s fine”

“What?”, he questioned confused.

“I understand”, she said, “Aemond is your brother, it’s normal that you worry for him so, especially after what happened to him. I wrote to him as well”

Aegon’s eyes widened, a look of confusion on his face as he stared at his sister, who in turn just gave him a small smile, evidently trying to reassure him as he had yet to lose the fear in his eyes.

“As I told you that day on the shore, Aemond is my brother”, she continued, “He’s not as much my brother as he is yours, I understand that, but he’s still my kin and most importantly he is a child. When I was your age I never would’ve expected to learn this about myself, but I love children. From the first moment Jacaerys was placed in my arms I swore that I would protect him, and any other child as well, and now more than ever I know that I failed those who apart from mine own sons were closest to me”

“You didn’t know”, he mumbled, “You could-”

“I should have”, she insisted, “I knew Alicent was not in the right state to care for herself, let alone you kids, and I knew father didn’t care for you as he should have. You are not mine own and yet you are of my blood, and I should’ve realised that before anyone could’ve harmed you, especially when it was happening right under my nose for so long”

Rhaenyra began walking slowly as she spoke, anger most obvious in her face as she talked about her perceived failures, and Aegon followed her.

“I wrote to Daemon a couple days after they left”, she said, “I wished to know how Aemond was doing, but our uncle is not one for many words, never has been. He just told me that our brother still breathed and that he was pestering him about finding some books for him to read and pass the time. I can’t say I was most satisfied with that answer, but I didn’t really know if I could write to Aemond just yet, but then you and I talked. You told me of the fear your mother and grandsire had installed in your heart and Aemond’s too probably, so I wrote to him and Jace did as well”

“What?”, he asked stunned.

Jacaerys had never been one to keep secrets, especially not from Aegon, so why would he choose to hide something of such great importance?

“He thought you’d be mad at him”, she explained as she saw the confused look in his eyes, “He knows of what Aemond did to you, and I suppose he feared that you might not understand why he wanted to speak with him, as in truth I didn’t either at first. He couldn’t write the letter himself, so he asked Laenor to do it in his stead. Apparently he heard some maids speak on what Aemond had done, and wanted to know if he was alright”

“That sounds like Jace”, Aegon mused, “Kindest boy I ever met”

“Indeed”, Rhaenyra said proudly, “My boy has a big heart, and yet I was still confused when Laenor told me of the letter. I did not stop the Maester from sending it, as in the end Jacaerys is his own person and he has his own mind to make decisions, but I feared that Aemond wouldn’t reply to him. Jace and Luke both wrote him many letters when we first moved to Dragonstone, as they did to you, they wished to apologise to him for those stupid pranks, and were very upset when they didn’t receive a reply, though I now know that that is because the missives never actually got to him. I can’t lie, I feared what Aemond might say in his letter if he did reply, as I knew that he was perhaps still mad at Jace for partaking in the pranks since he never received his apology, but then I got this”

Aegon held his breath as his sister opened the doors to her chambers, slowly walking behind her as she moved to the table and held up a piece of paper, and his heart almost failed him as he saw his brother’s handwriting.

For so long he’d hated it, as Aemond had always taken such care of ensuring that each and every letter was as perfect as it could be, while Aegon’s was barely legible, but as he looked at it now he finally realised how much he’d actually missed it.

“He replied to Jace as well”, she said, “I don’t know if he’s opened it, but you can read mine if you want, he speaks of you in it”

With a gentle smile on her face Rhaenyra handed him the letter, and it just hovered there for some time as Aegon was most hesitant to actually read it. His sister had said that Aemond had spoken of him as well, and though he doubted that she would be handing the piece of paper over with a smile if it contained crude words against him, he didn’t know what exactly he’d ever done to deserve kind words from his brother.

To Princess Rhaenyra of house Targaryen

Rhaenyra

To my sister-

- Princess Rhaenyra, I received your note this morn, and I was most surprised to learn that you’d written, and I don’t know what to say hope that mine own letter finds you well. As you know I am in Pentos with our uncle Prince Daemon and his daughters, the Lady Baela and the Lady Rhaena, and since you asked I’m happy to report that they’ve all been somewhat nice to me, not necessarly kind but nice. I spend most of my days in my rooms, reading and learning of the history of Pentos, as its Prince has been kind enough to give me many books on the subject. I am no longer training with a sword, which saddens me but I suppose that makes sense considering my current status as a ward. Though I believe you know this already, Prince Jacaerys wrote to me as well, and I answered his missive and am planning to send it alongside this one. It has now been over a moon since everything happened, and though I know it probably won’t mean much to you, I wish to say that I am sorry for what I did. I was attacked, that is true, and yet the way I reacted does not befit the knight I so wished to become one day, and I’m sorry. I will be sending this letter to Driftmark as I believe that that’s where you still reside, but as I know you’re probably in contact with the King, I dare ask that you bid my mother farewell from me, and Helaena as well and tell them I miss them both very much. I wished to send them something myself, but I don’t think I’m allowed to. If you can do that then please tell Aegon that I hope his shoulder has healed, and that I miss him too . Please pardon all the various scribbled out words in this missive, Prince Daemon refuses to give me more parchment paper because he finds my mistakes most humorous. Prince Aemond Targaryen -

“I was very surprised when I first read it”, Rhaenyra said lowly as she placed a gentle hand on his back, “I don’t know what I was expecting, as sadly I can’t say that I ever really knew Aemond much if at all, and yet I was surprised by how almost sweet he sounds”

“He’s always been a sweet boy”, Aegon mumbled, “I know it might sound crazy for me to say it after what he did, but he always was so very sweet and kind. The quietest child you could ever meet, just following me around as he tried to get me to pay attention to him, and I ignored him”

His eyes were stuck on the words Aemond had tried to conceal, doing quite a poor job as his perfectionist little brother could evidently not bring himself to actually scribble over them and had just drawn a very straight line through them, so they were still legible.

Aemond missed him.

Aegon had never done anything to show his brother any kindness or affection, much too concerned about how he himself had never received any to bother and show it to anyone, but that wasn’t true either. He’d always adored Jace and Luke without an ounce of struggle, but Aemond was different.

For many years Aegon had tried to convince himself that the reason as to why his mother didn’t care for him was that she just couldn’t, as all the pain and sorrow that had taken hold of her heart made it impossible for her to care about anyone, but that wasn’t true. She’d shown Aemond all her love for him from the very first moment he was born, and Aegon had hated him for it.

Jacaerys and Lucerys also knew a mother’s love, and though Aegon supposes that he could’ve felt envious of them as well, they didn’t share a mother. Alicent was meant to be incapable of love, as that would’ve been reason enough for Aegon to finally believe that he wasn’t the problem between the two of them, and Aemond had made it impossible for him. Seeing his brother as he was with their mother, knowing that he knew her love in ways he never had and never would had made him hate him.

But none of that was Aemond’s fault, and Aegon had punished him for it anyways.

“He’s still here”, Rhaenyra said, “I can not say that it will be easy for any of us when we’re all back together, as there is still much that needs to be said and done to even just try and mend the breaks that were made through the years, but it can happen”

“I told him that I was sorry”, he whispered, “I wrote that I was sorry for all the times I poked fun at him, and though I tried to explain why I did what I did, I know it won’t make it any better. In truth I don’t know why I even bothered to explain myself, because I had no true reason to treat him as I did. I was just so angry at my life, and I didn’t understand why he got everything I didn’t, but that wasn’t his fault. He wasn’t to blame for the fact that mother doesn’t love me, but I did it anyways”

And yet again, as he uttered those words Aegon felt a chill make its way down his spine, as he realised just how terribly similar he was to his parents. She who had faulted Rhaenyra for getting the life she would’ve wanted, when it wasn’t Rhaenyra’s fault. She who had faulted Aegon for having been born, when it wasn’t his fault. She who had faulted Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey for being bastards, when it wasn’t their fault.

His mother had spent her whole life blaming others for things that were not directly their fault, and Aegon had hated her for it, only to then do the same with his brother. Only to then ignore Aemond just as Viserys had done with him.

“He never wanted anything but for me to show him I cared”, he continued, “Day after day he would show up to my chambers to ask if I wanted to play with him, or if he could just sit there and read whilst I pretended to study, and I couldn’t even let him do that. I know that what Aemond did was wrong, but I promise you sister, that’s not who he is. I’m to blame for what happened as much as he is, more so perhaps, so maybe you should’ve sent me away too”

“Aegon”, she tried to stop him.

“Maybe I should just go with him”, he said, “I too should be punished for all I did to him, and maybe if I get to go with them then I can try and make things right. My brother was wrong for reacting as he did, but his anger stems from things I did. If you don’t want him to come back home then let me go to him”

Rhaenyra let out a heavy sigh, watching as Aegon continued to ramble on about needing to be with Aemond and try to fix what he had broken within his little brother, so the consequences of that night wouldn’t mean death for their relationship.

“We will fix this together”, she stated firmly as she tried to get him to calm down, “I’m fairly certain that Daemon will want to be there for the trial, as I can not imagine that he’ll want to miss out on the opportunity to see Otto Hightower finally get what he deserves. Aemond will probably be there as well, and though I don’t yet know how to best handle that when it comes to everyone else, you can speak with him if you want”

“And what if he doesn’t want to see me?”, he questioned, “Aemond knows that I’m the one who failed him, he knows that all those pranks were my doing and that I’m at fault for the way his anger took hold of him on that night. I’ve never once been kind to him, he has every reason to send me away if I even just try to be near him”

“I don’t think he will”, she tried to reassure him, “You and I both know of someone who also did much wrong, and who is now being allowed to make things right. Criston still has much work to do if he ever wants for any of us to even just try and forgive him, but we’re giving him a chance. From what you’ve told me and from what that letter says as well, Aemond loves you Aegon, and though I don’t doubt that things will be difficult for both of you, I trust that it will work out in the end”

Aegon shook his head, letting out a deep breath as he rubbed over his eyes, one hand still clinging onto the letter as he tried to convince himself that Rhaenyra was telling the truth. Things would be terribly complicated once they got back to the Keep, between the trials and his mother and now his brother, Aegon could only imagine how hard it all will be to deal with, and yet as Rhaenyra took his hand in her own, he finally looked at her and he knew.

He wouldn’t have to do it alone.

Chapter Text

“Are you certain you don’t feel any discomfort?”, Laenor questioned as he tried to help his son adjust on his chair, “Suffering in silence is not a sign of bravery Jace, please remember that. If you’re in pain you can tell me or your muña, or just anyone alright?”

“Yes kepa”, Jacaerys sighed, eyes falling on Aegon as he was evidently embarassed by his father fussing over him in front of his uncle.

Aegon smiled at his nephew, silently reassuring him that there was no need to be embarassed, taking hold of his hand and rising to help Laenor fix Jacaerys’ doublet. While all this was happening Lucerys stood next to them all with his grandsire, trying to get Lord Corlys to play with him as the older man just observed the little statue that had been thrust into his hand with an accusatory look.

“You’re telling me that none of these are me?”, he questioned.

“No”, Lucerys answered plainly, “These are all brave and mighty knights”

“I’ll have you know that I too was a brave and mighty knight back in my youth”, Corlys argued offended, “I went on many great journeys while exploring the sea Luke, and that takes great skill”

Rhaenys chuckled at how gravely wounded her husband looked by their grandson not including him amongst his figures, smiling softly at the boy when he handed her a small statue, and laughing when he revealed that that was supposed to be her, as the betrayed look on her husband’s face was almost comical.

“Grandmother has a dragon”, Luke explained.

“I have a boat”, Corlys retorted with great pride, though his smile turned into a grimace when he realised that perhaps the comparison didn’t hold up as well as he’d hoped.

Aegon sat next to his nephew, chuckling as Luke and Corlys began to bicker about the latter insisting that he deserved to have one of the little statues named after him. He chose to focus on that, trying desperately to ignore the sickness he felt brewing in his belly as the waves began to crash against the boat, and the thoughts that had riddled his mind for the past day.

Once he’d come back from the shore, his father had taken him to his chambers alongside Rhaenyra, where he’d then revealed to them both that there was another part of the letter that he had not spoken of to the others, and that it was about his wife.

Alicent had apparently broken down after she was told that her father had been arrested, and that as soon as the King came back he would face a trial for the accusations that had been levied against him. The Queen had let out a horrid scream, accusing the knights that had told her of Otto's arrest of lying, and declaring to the Septas that surrounded her that they all needed to pray for her father's soul, as he too had been taken, just like her sons.

Once Ser Westerling had reached the Sept after being told of what was happening, the Queen had ran away from him, finally leaving the Sept she’d been hiding in for almost two sennights, only to run back to the Keep and lock herself in Viserys’ chambers, crying desperately and begging for him to spare her life as the man tried to get her to come out while also trying to avoid breaking the door down as it did in the end still belong to the King.

“After a while she calmed down”, their father had said, “When Harrold managed to get in she was sitting by my model, playing with a statue she gifted me many years ago. He brought her back to her chambers where she just kept crying hysterically until Septa Delena arrived, and it seems that her aunt’s presence or even her faith soothed her somewhat”

“It was her mother”, Rhaenyra had corrected him with a sad smile, “Septa Delena always was Alicent’s most favourite aunt, but her love for her only grew after the Lady Alyrie passed, as the two sisters look almost identical. It was her mother’s memory that soothed her, not the faith”

Thinking back to that conversation only made Aegon feel more sick, as he resisted the urge to grab onto the goblet of wine that sat on the table in front of him. He would only have drank as it helped him fall asleep, and yet he knew that it would not have been a good idea. Wine made his brain slow, and while that had been something he yearned for for a very long time, he needed to stay sharp now.

It would not be long until they reached King’s Landing, and Aegon knew that what awaited them all within the walls of the Keep was somehow worse than what they’d left behind. He’d have to face his grandsire as the King condemned him as a traitor, and would have to try and talk his mother out of her madness. Would have to beg her to understand that the reailty she’d made up in her own mind was far from the truth, and that they could all live in peace if she just let them. Would have to force her to understand for once in her life she did not have to live and die by her father’s will.

Maybe he did need a drink.

“I don’t think so”, Rhaenyra said as she placed her hand between Aegon’s and the goblet, “As I said valonqar, you’re still too young”

“I am fifteen namedays old”, Aegon mumbled in return, “By the time he was my age your husband had gone to war, but I can’t even drink some wine?”

“No”, she answered with a smile, gentle and yet stern as she spoke.

Without thinking about it Aegon threw an angry glance at Criston, who in turn immediately looked up to the sky to make it seem like he hadn’t been listening in to their conversation. He’d told Rhaenyra of his state of drunkness when he’d written that last letter to her, and yet the only person who knew of Aegon’s tendency to go a tad too far when he drank was the knight, as he’d seen him drunk plenty of times at the Keep, and had been the one to have to deal with him as he rambled on without thought.

Rhaenyra didn’t have a valid reason to tell Aegon to not drink, as fifteen was almost a man grown, and yet Aegon feared that the knight may have spoken to her about his love for wine, and that perhaps she’d seen it fit to put a stop to it.

“What happens if she fights back?”, he whispered as he sat between his father and sister, “What happens if she stands by him?”

“She won’t”, Viserys said firmly, “Your mother must understand that her first duty is to me as her King and husband, and that nothing but pain and sorrow shall come if she decides to abide by her father”

As it always had, Aegon thought.

And yet that had never stopped her. His mother had been married to the King when she was still but a child, and that had been her father’s decision, one that had brought her great pain and sorrow, but that hadn’t stopped her from continuing to follow his lead later on in her life.

Even when Otto still lived in Oldtown, Alicent was always in contact with him, secretly at first as the King had forbidden her from speaking with her father after he’d first been banished, but then he’d relented after some time, as he always did. His mother had suffered greatly because of her father’s greed, and yet she hadn’t so much as blinked as they both tried to force Aegon and Helaena to do the same, because to her that was just how things worked. Otto said that something had to happen, so it did.

He understood that that was simply the way she’d been raised, to abide Otto’s wills and wishes without a second thought for herself or anyone else, and he feared how difficult it could be for them all to make her understand that she no longer had to do that.

“She fears him”, Rhaenyra mused, “He’s convinced her that he rules the world, and that the only way to live is to try and please him, though nothing is ever enough. She doesn’t know who she is without him telling her what to do and how”

“If she ever was anyone at all”, Aegon retorted.

“She was”, his sister mumbled, “She was everything for some time, but then it was all taken away from her, and what was left just rotted away through the years”

Viserys sighed, rubbing at his temples as he nursed his cup of wine, avoiding his daughter's gaze and probably thinking about the part he’d played in stripping Alicent of her youth. In truth according to the rules of their world the King had done nothing wrong by marrying Alicent, as she had been a woman of eligible age when the two had wed, but Aegon had heard some parts of a screaming match between his father and sister, and it seemed that Rhaenyra was not of the same opinion.

“She was Aegon’s age”, she’d spat out angrily, “Do you see your son as he is now father? Do you see how young he is? Do you see how he is but a child still? You wed Alicent when she was a child, and though I do not doubt that Otto played a role in leading her to you, the final decision was yours. You should’ve known better than to wed someone your daughter’s age, should’ve realised that no fifteen namedays old girl would ever find her way to an old man’s rooms of her own free will, and I should have as well”

The King had not had an answer for his daughter’s accusations, and Aegon did not know how his father could ever have tried to deny them, as Rhaenyra spoke naught but the truth. From what he knew of his mother before she’d wed the King, she’d been Rhaenyra’s companion, barely a couple moons older than her and she had lived at the Keep for most of her life.

His father had married his daughter’s only friend, one who was barely a couple moons older than her and who he had seen grow up, and though Aegon understood that that had all been planned by Otto, he couldn’t help but feel some type of way about Viserys as well.

“Daemon is coming to King’s Landing”, the King alerted them all, “He wishes to be there for the trial, and I believe it is wise for our family to appear as a united front. You will be glad to hear that he’s bringing his girls as well cousin, so you might see your granddaughters again”

“That is good news”, Rhaenys said with a smile, “But what about him?”

Aegon shrunk into his chair as a sudden wave of sickness washed through him, let it be because of the actual waves and the way the boat swayed back and forth, or because of who the Princess was speaking of.

“I don’t know”, Viserys answered, “I’m not certain of what my brother plans to do with Aemond. From what I was told my son has gotten better with time, and Daemon has assured me that the two of them have spoken of what took place on that cursed night, and it seems that Aemond is beginning to understand the gravity of his actions. But I don’t know if he’ll be at the Keep”

Aegon noticed how Rhaenyra’s gaze immediately fell on him, gently placing her hand on his as she saw how he sunk even further into his chair. Though his sister had tried to reassure him, he was still most worried of how things would be between himself and Aemond as the two met once again. Aegon no longer was the man he’d been when he’d last seen his brother, and after everything that had happened he doubted that Aemond was the same boy he’d grown up with, and yet he feared.

He would do all it took to make things right with his brother, to try and make up for all the ways in which he’d failed one of the people he should’ve protected. He would try his hardest to better the relationship between himself and Aemond, and could only hope that his brother wouldn’t reject him, though he knew that he had every reason to. Looking at Criston as he was now, standing by his son’s side even after everything he’d done to the boy, he thought that perhaps things could work in his favor as well, and yet he feared.

He knew he would do anything to help Aemond, so the anger that had once ruled him would finally let go of his heart, and his brother might find peace, and yet he didn’t know how others would treat him.

Though to them all it had felt like a lifetime as they eagerly waited to learn of Jace’s fate, it had only been barely over a moon since that night, and the wound was still so fresh, though Aegon was not certain it would ever heal. He had known in his heart that the second he was told that Jacaerys still lived and that he would be well, then he would’ve began to heal himself, and that is what had happened. However, none of that erased what had taken place on that night from anyone’s memories, and Aegon feared how people would treat his brother.

Rhaenyra had assured him that she did not wish to see Aemond harmed, and she had truly seemed pained when she had told him of how he’d tried to hurt himself, so he could only hope and pray that she would not change her mind once she saw him again. He knew that Rhaenyra thankfully understood that whilst what Aemond had done was not justifiable, his mind had been toyed with by those he thought he could trust for all his life, and that the boy he truly was underneath all that anger, was one worth fighting for.

“You don’t have to see him if you don’t want to”, Laenor whispered as he caressed Jacaerys’ head and the short hair that was finally beginning to grow back, “Even if he’s there, you don’t have to see him”

“Do you not want me to?”, Jace asked.

“What I want does not matter now”, his father answered, “I have my reservations, but what I need you to know is that this is all up to you. No matter what lays in your future or his, if you never want to see him again then you don’t have to”

Aegon immediately noticed how uncomfortable Jacaerys looked, and he could see the boy’s brain wracking itself to figure out how to best handle such a difficult situation. Jace had actually spoken about it earlier this morn, and had seemed most uncertain on how he wished for things to go between himself and Aemond. He was afraid of his uncle, as he’d apparently received some visits from him in his nightmares, but he also wanted to see him again for some reason.

“I know of what he did”, Jace had told him, “I know of what he tried to do, I heard some maids talking about it when they thought I was asleep. They seemed to think that he would’ve deserved to die like that, but I don’t agree with them”

Jacaerys was conflicted, knowing that he should hate his uncle for what he’d done to him and yet feeling bad for him at the same time, and it seemed that the only thing he cared about was ensuring that the boy never got anywhere near Lucerys. When Aegon had questioned him about it he’d been reminded of what the two had seen when they’d first entered that cursed hallway on that night, and Aegon could tell that that image was haunting Jace much more than the memories of his own injury ever could.

He’d wanted to ask Jace about what he’d written in his own letter to Aemond, and of what his brother had written back, and yet his nephew hadn’t uttered a word about it just yet. Aegon didn’t know why Jacaerys didn’t feel that he could speak with him about this, as the boy had never once kept a secret from his uncle, at least not that he knew of, and he didn’t understand why he’d chosen this to be the first.

Rhaenyra had told him that Jacaerys feared that Aegon might be angry with him, and in truth the two boys hadn’t really spoken about Aemond much, as Aegon himself feared that Jace wouldn’t understand why he still cared for his brother so, perhaps more than he ever had in his life, even after everything that had happened.

Because of everything that had happened.

“I don’t care where he is”, the boy said finally as he looked at his mother, “If he is at the Keep then that is not a problem for me muña, so long as he doesn’t see Luke I don’t care what he does or where he lives”

The King looked somewhat surprised by Jacaerys’ words, by him stating that Aemond could be near him so long as he didn’t see Luceyrs, even when out of the two, he’d been the one to sustain the worst injuries at their uncle’s hands. But Aegon knew that there was nothing in this world that Jace cared for more than his brothers, and that he took his role as the eldest very seriously when it came to acting as a protector for the younger ones, and that he would not let any danger find them again.

He’d always admired Jacaerys’ devotion to his brothers, and yet he’d failed his own.

Aegon stood up after some time, wishing to separate himself from the group as memories of his and Aemond’s past began to haunt his mind, and he needed to be alone. He could also feel his stomach churning, and knew that there was a big chance he would feel sick at any moment, and did not think it nice to do so in front of everyone else.

“Absolutely not”, Laenor hissed angrily.

“I swear to you that I will not falter”, Criston pleaded, “I will make sure they’re never in the same ro-”

“And you think I should just trust you?”, the man questioned with a humorless chuckle, “How could any of us ever trust you again after all you’ve done to our family and all the ways you betrayed us? All know that you love Aemond like a son, and all also know that you berated mine own for years on end, how could I trust that you will not pick your beloved Queen’s son over mine?”

“Because he’s mine as well”, the knight whispered, “I know you know that Ser, and I beg you to understand that whilst I know that your words about my past ring true, that could not be further from what I intend to do with my future. I have shown this past sennight that all I care about is being by his side, and that will remain true until my last day”

Laenor did not seem convinced, his anger for the man having been born after years and years of seeing how Criston behaved around court. He’d killed a man Laenor loved, berated Rhaenyra as a whore when she was carrying his child, and had then gone on to condemn his own son as a lowly bastard. None of them had any reason to trust him.

“We let you be with him because you were never alone”, Laenor stated, “There was always another guard with you Ser, did you not notice? Qarl told me of your talk with Jace, and while your words may have been pretty, they mean nothing to me. Do you really think that I would just let a murderer like you hang around my son without someone I actually trusted by your side?”

“That is fine”, Criston insisted, “Place your most trusted man to keep an eye on me for the rest of my life. I do not care if I must be watched during each and every second I spend with him, so long as I get to be by his side. I swear to you, my loyalty is to Prince Jacaerys and him alone, nothing and nobody else matters”

Aegon was glad to hear him say it, and though he could tell that Laenor still did not trust the knight, as in truth he had no reason to, it seemed that Criston’s proposal soothed his worries somewhat. As the two agreed that the knight could stand by Jacaerys’ side so long as Laenor, Rhaenyra or one of their men were there as well, Aegon’s stomach finally gave in and he became ill.

“I am never getting on a cursed boat again”, he sighed as he felt someone place a hand on his back, turning around to face his goodbrother and tell him that his beloved sea suck-

“Hello just Aegon”, Marla said with a smile, “I see our travels are treating you well”

Aegon’s mind blanked as he stared at her, trying to figure out where she’d come from and most importantly where she’d been all this time. He’d looked for her for days after he’d sent that last letter to Rhaenyra, walking around the Keep like a mad man as he couldn’t even ask anyone about her, fearing that they might report back to his grandsire. He thought he’d seen her at one point in Driftmark, but he’d convinced himself that it had been naught but another dream.

“How are you here?”, he questioned.

“Our Princess asked me if I wanted to go back to the Keep with you all”, she answered, “And I said yes. I have some friends there who I would like to see again, and I would like to be with you all as things are finally made right”

“I looked for you”, he whispered, “I looked for you everywhere”

“Well here I am”, she said as she gave him a big smile.

And as he observed her, Aegon decided that she had the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.

Chapter Text

“My King”, Ser Westerling said as he bowed, “If I may say it Your Grace, I’m very happy you’re back”

“I’m happy to be back as well my good Ser”, Viserys answered with a smile, “Now please, tell us all that has happened since I last heard from you”

The knight sighed heavily, beginning to tell the tale of how the Lord Hand and the Grand Maester had been found in the Small Council chambers, having called the other Lords to attend under the pretence that it had been an order of the King, but in the end they had been the only two to show up, alongside Ser Westerling.

He’d received news of Otto’s plans from both Lord Beesbury and Lord Lannister, and had done what his King had asked him to before he had left. Viserys had told everyone that there would be no Small Council meetings while he was away, and yet it seemed that as had happened many times before, Otto had assumed that people would listen to him before the King.

But things were different now.

“You ordered me to treat them both as traitors”, he said, “And I did just that my King. They were both dragged to the black cells, where they still await your judgement. Some at court seemed surprised by the sight, though I can not say that any seemed pained by it, apart from the Queen”

“Did she ask to speak with her father?”, the King questioned.

“Yes”, Ser Westerling sighed, “She begged my men to let her speak with him, but after they denied her for the nth time she started screaming that he'd been killed, and then ran away from me and locked herself in your chambers. She is now in her own rooms with her Septa, and she hasn’t acted violently my King, nor towards herself nor any other, she just seems scared. Our Queen had not been acting right for some time now, spending all her days in the Sept and speaking of traps and death, but it seems that her father being arrested was too much for her”

Aegon couldn’t help the pang in his heart as he was once again reminded of his mother’s condition, flinching slightly when he felt someone subtly lace their pinky with his own. Marla stood behind him alongside the other servants, and as Aegon turned to face her he saw that she was smiling to him as if to reassure him, and he felt that unfamiliar warmth pool in his belly and quickly turned around once more as he just knew that his cheeks were flushed.

“We will speak with her later on this day”, Rhaenyra announced, “So long as she is nowhere near her father she can wait, but he can not”

Without even caring to first place their things back in their chambers, the King and his Heir called for the Small Council, and this time all the Lords agreed to attend, ready to abide by those they had sworn to follow. Aegon would also be present, as the King wished for him to testify to what his grandsire had told him of his plans, and though he understood that this needed to be done, he couldn’t help but fear.

He quickly snuck away for a moment, desperate to breathe for a little bit before being confined to that room, where he would have to bear his soul before all and recount all his grandsire had done to him.

“Black and Green have grown as one”, a voice said suddenly as his sister appeared behind him, like a ghost haunting the halls of the castle that had once held her as its prisoner.

“We were meant to fall brother”, she continued with a smile, “We were all meant to fall, but the Gods willed differently. Our hearts will continue to beat even when his stops, and the three who never will be now know a peace they never would have been granted in this life. They too were meant to suffer, but alas we prevailed”

Helaena spoke with such certainty in her voice that Aegon could not dare doubt her words, as she finally spoke of something good. She’d always seemed like a tormented soul, forced into the body of a young girl who could not bear the burdens that had been forced upon her by whatever power gave her her visions, but now she seemed at peace.

She donned a black gown on this day, a color Aegon had never seen her wear before. Just like himself and his brothers Helaena had always worn green by their mother’s request, and yet out of them all it seemed that the color had never suited her right. No matter how much he’d always hated them, after some time Aegon had begun to feel used to his green doublets and how caged in he felt whenever he wore them, but Helaena’s dresses had never fit her quite right, not like this one did.

“It belonged to our Queen to be”, she revealed, “A Queen that never will be dons the gowns of she who will wear the crown, and all is right. The Green one shall know peace, and the Gods will grant us all a life that was not meant to be”

“And what of you?”, he questioned, “Did you not wish to be a Queen?”

“The crown would’ve dropped me to the ground”, she said surely, “It would’ve made me fly even though I lack wings, and it would’ve made her fly as well. She comes to me in my dreams brother, and though she never will be mine again, our girl is at peace”

Aegon felt tears well up in his eyes, finally understanding the words his sister had been spewing for so long. He’d never wanted to believe it, as what she spoke of was too tragic for him to cope with and for him to think it had anything to do with reality, but he now knew for certain that his sister was a dreamer, just like their father. Helaena had spoken such horrible things for most of her life, and as Aegon thought back to some of her riddles, he realised how terribly close they had all come to death.

“Our boys are safe”, she whispered, “The rats and the bitter ones shall never come for them, and our girl now has wings to fly amongst the clouds. Their hearts beat now more than they ever did, or than they ever could have if they had joined us, cursed to die before they were even born. The eye would’ve doomed us all, but thanks to you it did not, and we will live”

As the true meaning of Helaena’s words finally paled itself for Aegon to understand it, he couldn’t help the small sob that escaped him. He thought back to how desperate Helaena had been on that night at Driftmark, how she’d spoken of her boy’s life being forsaken for an eye, and the unclear image of a small and dead babe being dragged around King’s Landing flashed through his mind.

“You saved them Aegon”, she said surely, “Our children are now at peace, and ‘tis thanks to you brother. Our boys are gone, but our little girl may yet join us when her time comes, and I know you and your love shall be good to her”

After that Helaena gave him a small smile before turning around and disappearing through a hallway, leaving Aegon behind as he let his body sag against the wall and slowly fall to the floor. He could not see the children he would’ve had as his sister did, and yet in many ways he saw them just the same. Two little boys and a little girl he would’ve loved with all his might, who never would be because Aegon had gotten in the way. He would never hug those children, because the Gods had willed differently, and even though from what Helaena had said it seemed that not even those innocents would’ve been spared from the tragedy that would’ve befallen their house, he still wished that things were different.

He suddenly felt like he was grieving children he’d never met, and who had never lived, and his heart was crushed as he realised that this is how his sister had always felt.

Helaena had began speaking of the two or three that were meant to join them when she was still but a child, mindlessly bringing her hand to rest on her belly as she spoke with such sorrow in her voice, and as Aegon now knew of the images that had been tormenting her for so long, he felt broken.

“Hey”, a worried voice rang out as he heard someone take hurried steps his way, “Aegon hey, what’s wrong?”

Marla tried to get him to remove his hands from his face, gently grabbing them both as she tried to check if he was alright or if he’d been harmed. Her voice was soft as she spoke, coaxing him to open up to her both physically and emotionally, but alas he continued to cry.

“It’s alright”, she cooed as she sat next to him, hand over his as it laid over his head, “Whatever you feel may be wrong is alright, I promise”

He didn’t respond, just trying to take some deep breaths as she counciled him to do so, taking his hand into hers and bringing it to her chest, so he might feel her heart beating and find his way back to reality once more. Slowly but surely he came back to himself, sniffling still but not sobbing anymore, finally looking up to her and seeing that once again, she was smiling at him.

“Do you want to talk about it?”, she questioned lowly.

“No”, he answered quickly, not caring to continue thinking about those poor children his sister had spoken of.

In truth he didn’t actually know what had made him so upset, as in the end those babes never would be, so the tragedies that his sister had predicted would never find them, and yet Aegon still mourned what they could’ve had. He’d never wanted to marry Helaena, and the mere thought of having to force his children into her had tormented him for moons, but he’d sworn to himself that if they did have babes together, then they would know naught but love.

And to know that he would’ve failed them as well hurt him more than he could express.

But none of that would happen, the children would never be born and they would never know pain, and that was more than Aegon could’ve granted them in this life. His sister had told him that their girl may yet join them, and though he did not know how that could be, he vowed to protect her with his own life if they ever did meet.

“That’s very pretty”, Marla said as she pointed one of his rings, evidently trying to distract him from his own thoughts.

“Thank you”, he mumbled, “It was a gift from my mother”

Alicent had never showered Aegon with gifts, or at least not like she did with Aemond. Whenever her second son’s nameday came, the Queen always had plenty of presents ready for him, and they all had something to do with Aemond’s various interests. On the other hand Aegon’s gifts from his mother had always been most formal, as if they came from a stranger, since she’d never actually put an effort in getting to know him or what he liked.

The ring had been the one exception.

He’d been in his mother’s chambers one day, as she rambled on about something Rhaenyra had done to displease her, as she always did, and to take his mind off of things Aegon had started looking at the Queen’s collection of jewels. Though his mother hated her position as the King’s Consort for many reasons, she’d never seemed to mind the luxuries that came with it, and she so loved getting her hands on new dresses or jewelery, so she had plenty of pieces for Aegon to gawk at.

“This is quite beautiful mother”, he’d said as his fingers hovered over one of the rings.

For moons afterwards he’d thought that she hadn’t heard him, too busy speaking ill of his sister to pay him any mind, but alas his nameday had arrived, and without uttering a word his mother had handed him a little box. The ring she’d gifted him was a little different than the one she herself owned, as it had been made for a man’s hand rather than a woman’s, but it was still incredibly beautiful and so very similar to hers.

Aegon had started wearing it immediately, never taking it off even as he bathed, or even after his mother visited him in his chambers. No matter how many times she hit him or berated him, he never took the ring off, as to him it was but the one good thing that tied them together.

“Why don’t you wear any?”, he questioned, quickly chiding himself as he saw how her face fell, and as he thought of what a stupid question that was since Marla was a serving girl, and certainly had much more important things to spend the little wealth she had than on rings.

“I’m sorry, I did-”, he tried to apologise.

“No problem”, she interrupted him with a sad smile, “I had one many years ago, it belonged to my mother”

“Why don’t you wear it anymore?”, he asked.

“After she passed my brother and I were left alone”, she said, “He was still much too young to work, and before I myself found employment, I sold the ring to pay for some food. It pained me greatly to give up the last thing I had left of her, but alas it was between that and starvation, so I like to think I made the right choice and that she would understand why I had to do it”

Aegon couldn’t help the small pout that formed on his face, heart hurting as he imagined how much Marla had struggled in her life, and how much it must’ve hurt for her to have to sell the one memory she had of her mother to save herself and her brother from certain death.

“How did you end up working for my sister?”, he asked, “You’re much younger than most of the maids at the Keep, but I remember seeing you with her last year as well”

“The Princess’ former shield found me in Flea Bottom”, she mumbled as she played with her skirts, “I didn’t have any money, and my brother had become ill. There are not many opportunities for one to work in the city, unless your family owns a business, but mine own did not, so there were just two things left for me to do if I wanted to get money to afford a Maester for Jasper”

The silence that fell between the two was a deafening one, as Aegon’s eyes widened before he could stop them. The possible truth behind her words was horrific, and without thinking about it Aegon placed his hand over Marla’s, gently brushing his thumb atop the back of it to try and comfort her somewhat.

“I stole from a man”, she continued, “Well, I tried to steal from a man. He was the owner of one of the fighting pits and caught me quite quickly, and by the time he was done with me I also needed a Maester, but that is a luxury not many can dare to dream of in Flea Bottom. I tried to make my way back home, but then I stumbled upon a member of the City Watch, Erryk or something like that. I don’t know if he had been called because of my attempted theft, but nontheless was very kind to me, and he apparently spoke of me to Ser Harwin, who in turn spoke to the Princess and she helped me”

Aegon took a deep breath, watching as Marla gave him a sad smile, eyes filled with tears as his hold on her hand only tightened. On these past couple of days the two had spent together on the boat, she’d been most kind to him, and always had that beautiful smile on her face. To know that she had suffered so greatly and yet had found it in her heart to show him such grace brought some warmth into his own, as he marvelled at a show of such strength.

“She gave me enough money for both myself and my brother to get the help we needed, and from that moment on my life was hers”, she said, “I keep an eye out for her here and report back all I see, and she ensures that my brother and I have food and live to see another day, ‘tis a fair exchange”

“Where is he now?”, Aegon asked.

“He’s on Driftmark”, Marla answered, a smile still on her face though it was most obvious that her brother not being by her side hurt her greatly, “That’s why I was there, I was visiting him. Jasper has many dreams of sailing away into the sea once he’s older, and it seems that the Princess’ father by law thinks him good company, so he’s agreed to teach him the ways of sailors one day. For now he’s still too young, so he’s just there to see how things actually work”

Aegon was somewhat taken aback by the kindness Rhaenyra and Corlys had shown, as not many would’ve cared enough to help two random kids from Flea Bottom. To know that Ser Harwin had been the one to think it so important for the Princess to know of Marla and for her to help her hurt his heart even more, as he once again was forced to think back to what a great man he’d been, and how he was now gone.

“The Princess is a good woman”, Marla stated surely, “She will make a wonderful Queen when the time comes, and from the little bits of conversation that I was able to overhear, she will need your aid to do that. I came to find you because the King was looking for you Aegon, and I think it’s time you go help your sister”

“What if they don’t believe me?”, he questioned lowly, “What if I tell them of what my grandsire did and they don’t believe me?”

“Do you believe me?”, she asked in return, “Do you believe me when I say that I only stole to save my brother’s life?”

“Of course”, he answered quickly, “Of course I do”

“That is because I spoke true”, she said, “Trust that all will know that you speak the truth as well. From what I know your grandsire was a powerful man, but alas that all is gone now. I heard how Ser Westerling spoke of him and of how he was treated, and for some reason I doubt that any would believe him over you. Your father cares for you deeply, as does your sister, trust that those of the Council will hear your pain and know that you’re telling the truth”

Aegon fell silent once more, and the two sat there for some time before finally standing up. It was only once they began walking that he noticed that he was still holding her hand, and couldn’t help but smile when he felt how her grip on his own had not lessened.

“Please don’t disappear”, he begged when the two had to go their separate ways, “I would like to see you again”

“I’m not going anywhere”, Marla said with a kind smile, looking around before coming closer to him, and just as Aegon’s heart was about to fail him at the proximity between them, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek before turning around and leaving.

After a moment of Aegon just standing there with his hand hovering over his cheek, not wishing to touch it truly as he did not want to brush the kiss away, he finally moved. He was still wary, and Helaena’s words still weighed heavy on his heart, but he felt more hopeful than he did before.

Marla had spoken true, Aegon knew that both his father and Rhaenyra believed him, and that they would not punish him for his grandsire’s sins. He made his way to the Small Council chambers with his heart still stuck in his throat, but he took a deep breath before entering as he finally felt somewhat ready to speak.

Finally ready to tell the truth.

Chapter Text

The Small Council meeting had yet to start by the time Aegon entered the chambers, and by the way everyone was looking at him, he could tell that they had been waiting for him to get there.

As if he needed to feel more pressure than he already did.

“My Lords”, the King began, “As you all know we have gathered here on this day to discuss something of grave importance, as traitors walked amongst us for a long time, and we must deal with them accordingly”

Aegon didn’t miss the way Lord Lannister’s gaze remained stuck on the table, probably fearing that the King would call him out as well, considering the fact that from what Aegon knew, he’d confessed to having been an ally of Otto’s for many years. The man had apparently repented, and had once more sworn allegiance to the King and his Heir, and had ensured that his brother did the same, but perhaps he feared they’d been too late.

He’d heard his father speak on the matter, reassuring Lord Corlys that though he intended to keep the Lannisters by his side due to their wealth, their attempt at treason would not be easily forgotten, as he’d apparently sent people to keep an eye on Lord Jason, and Rhaenyra had appointed some maids to do the same for Ser Tyland as well.

“Otto Hightower and Grand Maester Mellos have betrayed us”, his father continued, “While I was gone they both tried to scheme against myself and my chosen Heir, as they had been doing for many years, and that is treason. The two men that once sat this very Council have been arrested, and are currently awaiting my judgement in the black cells, so the time has come for us all to decide what punishment we deem fit for their crimes”

Nobody spoke for some time, as in truth they’d all been very aware of Otto’s plans to sit his grandson on the throne, some had agreed with him and some had not, but alas none had dared speak of it to Viserys. All knew how the former Hand had held great power over the King for many years, and in truth they had thought that speaking up against him would do naught, as they believed that Viserys would stand by him no matter what.

They had all been there when Otto had first been sent away, and all knew that that had happened because the King had believed him guilty of treason, but in the end he’d taken him back as Hand, so to them that had been but a confirmation of what they already believed to be true, that the King would always abide by he who had been his first Hand, and in many ways his greatest friend.

Lord Beesbury had been the only one who’d dared to speak against Ser Otto, visiting the King’s chambers on the night he’d announced that the man would be coming back to once again take a seat in the Council as his Hand, but he’d been turned away. He’d noted that the King had seemed more tired than usual, and that instead of giving any valid reasons as to why Otto should be welcomed back at court, he’d spoken of his wife and her insistence that her father had done well in the past.

All knew that the King was ill, and Lord Lyman had though that his ailments had finally reached his brain, and had feared that the King was no longer fit to sit the throne and make decisions for the good of the Realm. He’d been the one to alert the Princess about Otto coming back as Hand, and had been one of her eyes and ears at the Keep while she was gone, and he was glad to see that her father had not abandoned her when she needed him most.

“The trial will be a difficult one”, Rhaenyra said, “Those who have committed such treason hold great power, and we can be certain that Oldtown will not take kindly to two of their own being accused of acting against the crown. They are probably very well aware of what Ser Otto and the Grand Maester have done and of what they planned on doing, but we can not know how they will react to their treason being discovered, so we must ready ourselves”

“We must gather some proof”, Lord Corlys stated firmly, “Many of us have heard talks of Otto’s treatorous plans, but that is all we have, and I fear it may not be enough for the accusations to stand”

“We are in possession of a letter Lord Ormund sent his uncle”, Viserys informed them, “It is most obvious to me that when he spoke of the true future ruler, he was not speaking of my daughter and therefore going against my will as King that she succeed me, hence why Ormund will also be joining us soon enough. However, he doesn’t mention anyone by name in this missive, so whilst it was the proof I needed to arrest Otto, I’m not certain that it’s enough for me to try him”

His father let out a heavy sigh, playing with his cane as he sat and looking around, evidently hoping that someone would reveal that they had evidence to back his claims of Otto’s treason. All who sat at the table knew that the King’s suspicions were not unfounded, and yet nobody had solid proof.

If nobody found anything then there was nothing that could be done against Otto or Mellos, as in the end the King’s dreams may mean something to him and his family, but they could not be used as evidence. Viserys was the King, so he could probably just say that he believed his former Hand and the former Grand Maester of the Keep had committed treason and deal with them accordingly, but that would not bode well for him as the last Targaryen King who'd just done as he pleased had not been loved by anyone, and most importantly Viserys did not believe that anyone would let another Maegor live that long if he dared too far.

He knew that he needed to make things right by his family, and he thought it most important to rid them all of those who had wished such harm upon them, and in truth he had thought of just killing them. The dreams the Gods had granted him on that horrible night had revealed much of the consequences of Otto’s plans, and from the moment he’d first woken up Viserys had wanted nothing more than to gut the man with his own bare hands.

But he wanted Otto to suffer.

There was nothing Otto Hightower cared for more than himself and his own reputation, and Viserys wanted to take that all away from him. Killing him would’ve been easy, and he could’ve made it look like an accident to avoid people complaining of someone being murdered without a fair trial, but that’s not what he wanted.

He wanted everyone to know of what Otto had done, of what he’d planned to do, because he wanted Otto to be humiliated publicly. He wanted everyone to know that his Hand had tried to destroy the house of the dragon, and that they had won. And to do that, he needed some proof.

“We need someone who heard those talks from the man himself”, Lord Lannister said, "My brother and I regretfully spoke with Ser Otto of such matters, but that was over a decade ago now my King. We need someone who can testify that he was still scheming when he was arrested”

And alas, the King’s eyes fell on him, and much to his dismay everyone else’s followed suit.

Aegon shrunk into his chair as slowly as he could, as if convinced that if he did not move then the Lords could not see him, but sadly for him that did not work. When he’d first walked into the rooms he’d found that a seat had been reserved for him next to his sister, and he was most grateful for that now as Rhaenyra placed a hand over his as it laid on his leg under the table, hidden from all as Aegon did not care for anyone to see how he fidgeted due to his nerves.

Rhaenyra’s hand was warm as she gently lifted one of his own to hold it tightly, effectively stopping him from ripping his nails to shreds and soothing him somewhat. She did not say a word, just tightening her grip on his hand a couple times so he might look at her, and smiling softly once he did.

“I know something”, he said finally, breath catching in his throat as for some reason he found it incredibly difficult to get the words out all of a sudden.

“You may speak freely son”, Viserys encouraged him.

All memories of each and ever time he’d found himself locked in some room with his grandsire resurfaced, of the man berating him and screaming in his face that he had to ascend as King, of the man hitting him and mocking him when some stray tears fell down his cheeks. He remembered very clearly when his grandsire had come back to court, and how from the very first day the man had picked up where he’d left off with his plans to usurp Rhaenyra’s throne.

But memories of his mother resurfaced as well, of her telling him that Rhaenyra would kill him the second Viserys died, and that taking the throne was the one thing he could do so his whole family might survive. In his heart he knew that she had been lying, let it be on purpose or not, and that Rhaenyra would not harm anyone if she didn’t have to. But alas the fear lingered, not for himself, but for her.

If he told all of what his grandsire had done, then he'd have to speak on what his mother had said and done as well, and though Rhaenyra had told him that her life would be spared if she rebuked her father, who's to say that any of these men agreed? Who's to say that someone wouldn't want to seek revenge for the treason his mother had committed by striking her down?

“My King”, Lord Beesbury whispered, “Perhaps the Prince Aegon would be more comfortable without the rest of us pres-”

“He wants the throne”, he spoke finally, “He wants the throne for himself, or for me I suppose, but for himself in truth. It’s all he’s ever wanted, and his conviction on the matter has never once faltered. He spoke of nothing else but what would happen when you died father, and of what we needed to do in order to usurp the throne. He spoke of killing my sister and my nephews, and uncle Daemon and his daughters as well, he disliked Baela in particular because she has a dragon. I don’t know if he wished for you Lord Corlys to die as well, but I know that he didn’t much care for the fact that your wife and son have dragons and that they both are so close to Rhaenyra and her children, and he wanted us to be rid of them too. He wanted everyone but us dead, so we might take the throne”

“Do you know of anyone who may have aided him?”, the King asked.

“He began trying to gather allies on the very day he came back to the Keep”, Aegon said quickly, wishing for this conversation to be over as soon as possible, “Though from all his complaints I understood that nobody cared to pay him any mind, and after Driftmark that only got worse. Nobody wanted to side with him after Aemond did what he did to Jace, as they believed that a Prince with a kinslayer for a brother would not gain the support of many in the Realm. And I suppose both his and my mother’s insistance on undermining, or just outright denying what Aemond had done did not help them gain anyone’s favor. I don’t know if anyone helped him, but I did believe that Lord Ormund and Mellos were on his side, and I suppose I was right”

Once Aegon stopped talking, the Lords began to do so amongst themselves, muttering things he could barely hear over the terribly loud ringing in his ears. He knew that he’d done the right thing, as naught but outmost devastation would befall them all if they followed Otto’s lead, or if he tried to hide what his grandsire had done, and yet the pit of dread in his chest had yet to leave. He knew the fear was irrational, and yet it seemed that his body had not yet caught onto the fact that Rhaenyra would not harm him, as he felt ready to jump out of his chair immediately, afraid that some might turn against him.

He knew that what he’d just said not only unveiled what Otto had done, but also that he had known and had not spoken against him. One who commits treason is grave, but someone who knows of it and does nothing is grave as well, even more so perhaps.

“You did well”, Rhaenyra whispered as she caressed his hand, “You did well valonqar, just try to breathe now”

“I want to leave”, Aegon complained, hating how weak he sounded as his voice seemed like that of a scared babe.

“Soon”, his sister promised.

His father and all those who sat the Council continued on speaking on how to properly handle Oldtown once news reached the city of Otto’s arrest, and Mellos’ as well since as a Maester the man was in many ways one of their own. Rhaenyra brought up the fact that apparently, on the day of Aegon’s second nameday, Otto’s nephew Ormund had heralded him as Aegon Second of His Name, and that because of this she believed that he might have once shared his uncle's opinion on who should ascend the throne.

Lord Ormund too had been called to King’s Landing because of the letter he’d sent, as his father had apparently ordered for men to take him from Oldtown on the very morn himself and Aegon had began their travels to Driftmark, something the Lords of the Council didn’t know just yet. When Viserys had first shared this with him Aegon had been somewhat confused, thinking immediately that perhaps his father’s dreams had told him of Ormund’s treason as well, but then he thought back to when the King had first seen Ormund’s letter.

“She told me this would be found”, the man had said with a proud smile, speaking of his little dreamer.

Aegon was still not too certain of why Helaena had gone to Viserys on that night, and yet it seemed that the two dreamers had had a conversation, and that for once in his life, Viserys had listened to his daugther’s words and most importantly, he’d trusted her.

“I have not spoken to Lord Ormund in years”, Viserys sighed, “From the letter he sent Otto, it seems that he was ready and willing to partake in treasonous activities with his uncle, so we will deal with him as well. I do however wish to know more of his son, because if Ormund is found guilty of treason, then the seat of Oldtown shall fall to him, and I would like to know that his loyalties don’t lie with Otto as well”

“Not really”, Aegon chimed in, “Grandsire tried reaching out to his nephew for support after Driftmark, but apparently Lord Ormund’s son rejected him because of something the High Septon said, something about not caring for his people to follow those who stood by a kinslayer. From what I understood Lord Ormund fell ill some time ago, and his son Lyonel acted as regent, hence why he was the one to answer grandsire’s missive. I don’t know if that means that Lyonel does not wish for me to ascend, but from the way my grandsire spoke of it, if he is still in control of things it doesn’t seem likely that he will fight for him now”

Otto had been absolutely livid when he'd first received that letter from Lyonel, where the boy pretty much stated that the High Septon had said no, and that he would not go against him just to help Otto in his quest. His grandsire had not understood Lyonel's hesitance, but that's because as had become most clear, Otto Hightower would do absolutely anything to get the throne, and he evidently just could not fathom that not all cared for such a power as much as he did. Aegon did not know much of Lyonel, but it was very possible that the man just wanted to live his life in peace, and that he didn't think that defying the High Septon and sending his men to die over a bunch of melted swords was worth it.

And Aegon very much agreed with that.

“Ser Westerling”, the King called for his shield, “I wish for Otto’s chambers to be turned upside down in search of whatever may be useful to prove his guilt, and Mellos’ as well. Those two had been scheming for a long time, and I think it likely that they also spoke while Otto was in Oldtown, so hopefully we shall find some correspondance between them”

After that the King called for the knight to come a little closer to him, taking advantage of the way the other Lords had once again begun to speak amongst themselves to whisper something in the man’s ear, that Aegon only heard because he was so close.

“Search Alicent’s rooms as well”, his father said, and Aegon’s heart failed him for a moment.

He did not know wether his mother had anything that may be used against her or her father hidden in her chambers, but he almost hoped she did not. Rhaenyra had assured him that she did not wish to see Alicent be harmed, but if his mother was found guilty of treason, and worse of all if she stood by her father once he was, then Aegon didn’t know what would happen to her.

“Some time ago I sent men to Oldtown”, Viserys announced, “I kept this information from all but them and my Heir, not as a slight to any of you but as a safety measure. I sent them before I left for Driftmark, so before I had received confirmation that you all were loyal to your future Queen and not my former Hand. The men should be arriving to Oldtown soon and they will bring Lord Ormund here to King’s Landing, and hopefully they shall do their duty and alert me if they find anything that might be useful to the trial”

“My source tells me that all but one in this castle are loyal to their King”, Rhaenyra said, “The man was not arrested when I was first told of his supposed, as I wished to gather more evidence before accusing him as well, but now that I have all I feel I might need for my claims to stand, I wish to tell you all that Ser Willis Fell also partook in treason against our Realm and our King”

“He was taken to the black cells as soon as you ordered it Princess”, Ser Westerling announced.

“Gods”, Viserys sighed heavily, hands coming to rub at his temples as he probably wondered how many more people were involved in the happenings he’d remained willfully blind to for so long.

Aegon knew that a great deal of this whole situation was his father’s fault, as if he only had not allowed Otto to come back, then perhaps things would be different, but alas they were not. But the King was trying to make things right, and for now that was all that mattered.

After the Small Council meeting Aegon finally made his way to his chambers, those he’d abandoned a little over a sennight ago, and yet they felt so very different he could barely recognise them. When he’d last walked out of these rooms he’d still feared that his life would be forfeited for his grandsire’s greed, still naught but a prisoner within them as he could not take a single step without the man knowing about it.

But now he was free, and he didn’t know what to do.

He’d never felt anything akin to freedom before, and he didn’t know how to behave. He’d lived his whole life caged within the walls of a house that had never been his true home, and now that it finally could be, he didn’t know what to do. Didn’t know how to walk out of these chambers without fearing that his grandsire may corner him to spew his beloved hatred. Didn’t know how to stay in them wihout fearing that his mother may show up and berate him some more.

So in the end he left, quickly making his way to his sister’s side of the Keep, yearning to be with his nephews as per usual, the thought of being with them was the only thing that soothed his heart. The scene he found before him was most definitely not what he had expected, but it was most welcomed.

“I made it myself”, Lord Corlys said as he attempted to force a small statue in Luke’s hand, “I am your grandsire Lucerys, the fearsome Seasnake who sailed across all seas on very many adventures, I deserve to have one of these things be named after me”

“You can stay with uncle Daemon and his Worm”, the boy conceeded as he continued to play.

“What worm?”, Corlys questioned confused, and Aegon couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him, revealing his presence to all as his nephew gave him a big smile.

As he walked into the chambers he finally saw Jacaerys, laying on his bed with a small figure by his side, as she seemed to be telling him a story.

“Suns and waves”, she insisted as she pointed to the embroidery on the blanket Jace had thankfully found before they left High Tide, “Suns and waves for you, for the Just”

“I like the waves”, the boy said with a smile, “But why the suns?”

Helaena did not say anything, but her gaze quickly found the knight that stood next to her nephew, who in turn immediately looked away as his eyes widened and his cheeks reddened. When Aegon approached them Ser Criston gave him an alarmed look, evidently fearing that he’d told Helaena of the man’s secret, but Aegon just shook his head, not really knowing how to explain to the knight how Helaena just seemed to know everything that had happened, and everything that had not.

He slowly sat on the bed next to his nephew, trying to avoid jolting him around and causing him any pain, just wishing to be near him as his head immediately fell on Jace’s shoulder. Just a sennight ago such a movement would’ve perhaps pained his nephew, but his recovery had been going well, and a smile formed on Aegon’s face as he knew that all would be alright.

For a whole moon he’d feared never seeing Jacaerys again, and then once he was told that the boy had awakened, he’d feared him being forever changed by that horrid night, but alas it seemed that once again, the Gods were on their side.

“It’s very pretty Princess”, Ser Cole said softly when Helaena asked him if he liked the blanket she’d made, “You’ve always been greatly skilled with fine embroidery, and I think this may just be my most favorite project of yours”

The girl gave him a bright smile, nodding to herself as she gently caressed her work, evidently proud of how it had turned out. Suddenly however, her face darkened and her eyes quickly snapped to Aegon, who in turn almost flinched at how serious she looked.

“The Green one must find peace”, she stated gravely, and but a second later, Rhaenyra entered her sons’ chambers.

“Aegon”, she called for him, “It’s time valonqar”

“She awaits us”

Chapter Text

“It’s going to be alright son”, Viserys said as he tried to comfort him, “Your mother is in a difficult position right now, but we will make things right”

Aegon did not respond, just nodding mindlessly so his father would know that he’d heard him, and in truth he was almost surprised that he actually had managed to do that due to the incessant ringing in his ears. His hands shook by his sides, as he resisted the urge to run down the hallway and as far away from his mother’s chambers as he possibly could.

“She will not touch you”, Rhaenyra whispered, “I will not let her get anywhere near you valonqar, I promise you that she will not lay a hand on you ever again”

“What?”, a confused voice said from his side, though the man quickly fell quiet once more as Rhaenyra’s deadly stare let him know that he should.

From the corner of his eye Aegon could see Criston, and how though the knight’s gaze was now focused on where they were going, his eyes were still wide and confused. The man had never been physically there whenever Aegon and his mother had one of their lovely conversations, but in truth he’d always thought that Ser Cole knew. He was one of the few people Alicent actually spoke to and trusted, so Aegon had always presumed that amongst the rants he was certain the two had had about how useless her eldest was, she had let it slip that she hit him sometimes.

Though in truth, thinking back on it, that was probably not something his mother would own up to with anyone, not even her sworn shield, the closest thing she had to a friend.

“If you don’t want to you don’t have to come Aegon”, his father stated gently, “I can understand that this is difficult for you, and I can imagine that Alicent will not be in her best condition when we see her. If you don’t feel that you can do it then you don’t hav-”

“I will do it”, he interrupted him, “I have to be there”

He was certain of his words, and yet the fear lingered. He didn’t know what exactly he was afraid of, it wasn’t of his mother hitting him or even of her screaming at him, as he knew that Rhaenyra and hopefully Criston would not let that happen. But in some way he was still afraid of her.

He was afraid to see what had become of her as her world had began to crumble, while she just sat in her chambers and could do naught to stop it as it fell. He remembered the letter Rhaenyra had received about his mother’s condition, about how she believed that both him and Aemond were dead, and now her father as well. Aegon knew that there was a possibility that his mother believed that Rhaenyra had done this all to stop the war before it could start, and though he knew that to be the truth, he doubted that his mother had yet to grasp on the reality of the situation.

She was probably just waiting for someone to come in and kill her as well.

He needed to be there, to reassure her that things were not as she thought. She needed to see him and Rhaenyra as they stood as one, and if she fought against them, in some ways he felt the need to be there and watch her fall. Not because he wanted to see it, but because at least if he was there, then his mother wouldn’t be alone.

Aegon did not understand exactly why he cared for his mother still, after all she’d done to him, and yet he felt compelled to try and save her. He understood why she’d become this way, and though it did not make the things she’d done right, it did mean that he thought she could still be saved.

“Your Grace”, a woman said as she bowed to the King, and though Aegon had never met her before, he immediately recognised her as Septa Delena, his mother’s aunt.

He’d never cared for the faith of the Seven, so he could not think back to the last time he’d actually entered the Sept, but he’d seen the woman around every now and then as his mother would often bring her back to the Keep so the two might have some tea together. And even if he had never seen her before, it would not be hard to tell that she was somehow related to the Queen.

Aegon had seen a small painting of his late grandmother that his mother kept in her chambers, and he must admit that Rhaenyra had spoken true when she said that the two women were almost identical, and Alicent had apparently taken after them both.

“She is tired Princess”, she answered when Rhaenyra questioned her about Alicent’s condition, “The Queen has had some trouble sleeping as of late, and her mind has been gravely tormented since her father was taken, and for days before that. I’ve tried speaking with her but it seems that she is too lost in her own mind for me to reach her and reassure her”

From the way she spoke it did not seem that the woman herself was terribly pained by Otto’s absence, as in truth she seemed to be hiding a small smirk when she spoke of his arrest, just further proof that nobody liked Otto Hightower.

“You may take your leave”, Viserys said, “I thank you for being here with her these past few days, as I know your presence soothed her most”

“She is family”, Delena stated firmly, “This may be out of line for me to say Your Grace, and I apologise in advance for daring so far, but I beg you to be kind with her. I understand that her father is in great trouble, and that she might be as well, but I don’t know if Alicent does. My niece suffered a lot at the hands of that wretched man and yet him being taken away has caused her great pain, and I beg you to be gentle with her as I’m not certain that our Queen is fully within herself at the moment”

The King nodded to her, taking a big and seemingly painful breath before bracing himself and finally placing his hand on the doorknob, looking around at the three who stood behind him before opening the doors to Alicent’s chambers.

The scene they found before them was better and yet somehow worse than what they had all expected, as the room itself was in perfect condition, with naught to be found that might indicate that she who lived in it was anything but fine. But alas the Queen looked worse for wear.

His mother seemed to have set her beloved green dresses aside, and now donned a blue gown that Aegon had never seen before, and from the style of it he was fairly certain that it did not belong to her. It was a little tight in some areas, and from the way Alicent sat it was most obvious that it did not fit her right and that it was not comfortable, and yet that did not seem to bother her. Her hair was not in the usual updos she so loved, but instead just flowing down her back as she almost aggressively ran her fingers through it.

“Alicent”, Viserys called for his wife, who in turn immediately stood up and placed her back against a wall, trying to uphold composure though the look in her eyes betrayed the fear she felt once her gaze landed on those who accompanied her husband.

“It’s alright”, Criston cooed as he tried to approach her, wisely thinking that out of them all, he’d had the better relationship with the Queen in the past decade, and that perhaps she’d be more keen to trust him than the others.

“Where is my father?”, she questioned, trying to make her voice sound mighty though she still ended up sounding like a scared child, “I wish to know what was done to him and why. He was killed and I have a right to know why”

“Your father is still alive”, Viserys sighed, "He was however arrested for treason"

“Never”, Alicent quickly denied as she began to shake her head, “My father would never. He’s been naught but an ally to you for the entirety of your reign, you know this to be true Viserys. Whatever you were told is naught but a lie spread by those who wish to take him from you”

“Don’t”, Criston whispered, “It’s over”

At the knight’s words his mother’s entire body began to tremble somewhat, as she continued to shake her head with wide eyes, evidently struggling to cope with the truth of what had happened, and worse of all with what she thought would happen next.

The moment her eyes landed on him Aegon saw her move to run towards him, and almost flinched back until he noticed that Criston had placed an arm between the two of them, and Alicent stayed put. There was something akin to pain in her eyes as she looked to he who had been her knight for so long, and who was now standing against her, but that look was quickly replaced by one of fear, as she retreated back to the wall.

“We’ll be fine mother”, Aegon said, “I promise this to you, we will all be fine. Rhaenyra doesn-”

“What did you do?”, his mother questioned angrily, and just as Aegon prepared to be on the receiving end of yet another one of her infamous meltdowns, he noticed that she wasn’t looking at him.

Rhaenyra remained stuck in place, gaze hard and yet worried as she stared at the woman before her, there was no fear in her eyes, and she didn’t even flinch when Alicent started screaming, she just stood there.

“You’ve corrupted him”, Alicent continued, “You’ve done something to him to make him one of your own, to turn him against me. You already took my babe away, I should’ve known you would want Aegon as well. All this just to deprive me of all while you continue to gain everything, and for what?”

“Alicent please”, Rhaenyra sighed, trying to keep her tone gentle as it was obvious that the Queen was not alright, though Aegon could tell that his sister was already starting to get annoyed.

“You will kill him as you killed Aemond and my father”, his mother cried, “You do all this just to leave me alone and to toy with him for your own entertainment, but you will kill him Rhaenyra. She will kill you Aegon, the Warrior tells me that the second she sits atop that cursed throne she will kill you, because she will have no other choice”

“That will not happen”, his sister stated firmly, but Alicent seemed far too busy rambling to pay her any mind, “Aemond is alive, as is Otto and Aegon will continue to live as well. I’m not going to harm any of them”

For some time they all just stood there as the Queen worked herself into a meltdown, going from angrily berating them all for being too foolish to understand what was happening, to falling on the floor and begging for them to spare her and her father, whilst also continuing to insist that he was already dead.

“He just wanted us all to be safe”, she sobbed, “Please my love I beg you, he just feared for our lives”

“You know that that’s not true”, Criston intervened, “My Queen please, you know the true reason behind your father’s schemes, I know you do”

“The Father only wants what is best for His children”, she continued, “My father just wanted what was best for me, and then he just wanted us all to be safe”

“Alicent”, the knight dared, “I knew you then and I know you now, you understand very well that none of that is true. Your father has only ever wanted what is best for himself”

The Queen cried, grabbing at her hair and placing her hands over her ears as if to shield herself from the man’s words, continuing to shake her head as she just cried. Aegon didn’t know what to do, just standing there as his mother sobbed for him, pleading for his life as he could do naught but stare.

“You will take him”, she choked out, “You will take him from me. I did everything for him, you can not take him. The Mother will protect him Rhaenyra, She speaks to me and She’s promised me that She shall protect my living children, so you can not harm him”

“I don’t want to”, Rhaenyra said firmly, “Whatever your father said is not true Alicent, I will not touch Aegon, nor any of my other siblings. I swear this to you, I will not harm them for I have no reason to”

“They’re a challenge”, Alicent argued, “My boys are naught but challenges to your claim, do not think me stupid Rhaenyra, I hear the Warrior when He speaks to me, you know as well as I that not many will stand by and watch you take the throne when I gave the Realm three other options”

“My word as King is worth more than that”, Viserys intervened, “I stated before all that Rhaenyra shall succeed me when the time comes, and I have never wavered in my support of her. All know this Alicent, so unless you or your father try to call for a needless war, nothing has to happen”

His mother just shook her head, evidently still not grasping the meaning of her husband’s words, though in truth Aegon wasn’t even sure that she was listening. She kept mumbling nonesense to herself, almost rocking back and forth as she sat on the ground and stared at nothing.

“I gave you my whole life”, she sobbed, “I gave you every ounce of my being so you might have the son you dreamed of, and you’re just going to sit and watch as Rhaenyra plays you for a fool only to kill him once you’re gone? Viserys please, if you ever once cared for me and for all I’ve done for you, I beg you to see that I speak true and that our sons’ lives are in danger. My babe is already gone, but Aegon and Daeron still live and they're in danger”

“But they’re not”, Rhaenyra grunted angrily, “You think I would curse myself as a kinslayer for no good reason? Aegon will not challenge my claim, and I can only hope that Aemond and Daeron won’t try and do that either, so there is no reason for me to kill my own family”

Alicent let out a chuckle at that, staring at his sister with wide eyes that held such madness and yet such despair at the same time.

“Family”, she mocked, “My children have never been your family”

“They’re of my blood”, Rhaenyra said, “They were born to two of the people I once cared for most in this world, I would never harm them”

“You left me”, Alicent yelled, “You say you cared for me so and yet you left me. The second I married your father you threw me to the side, when I needed you most you were not there, and now you dare call my children family when you never once cared to be near them”

“Not that you would’ve let me”, his sister hissed, “I admit I was wrong for treating you as I did, but let’s not act like you would’ve let me anywhere near your children from but a couple years after Aegon was born. I tried to be with them, and yet you forbid me from interacting with them, going so far as to turn your old chambers into a nursery so our babes could not be together, all because you didn’t want me near your kids”

“Because you hated them”, the Queen said, “You hated them from the moment they were born, because they were everything you never would be and you couldn’t stand it. Just as you hated me for doing my duty. You called me a whore on that day, do you remember that?”

Rhaenyra sighed heavily, regret evident in her eyes as she stared at the woman before her, opening her mouth as if to speak but then closing it shut, evidently understanding that there was not much she could say as Alicent was just not in the mind to listen.

“I was just trying to do my duty”, she continued, “If you listened to Her the Maiden would tell you Rhaenyra, She would tell you that I was just doing my duty by following my father’s orders and you called me a whore. I tried to tell you that I was just doing as I was told, because unlike you I’d never had any other choice, and you called me a whore”

“I’m sorry about that”, Rhaenyra conceeded, “I’m sorry that I was too young and foolish to understand the workings of our world, but that does not mean that I will kill your children Alicent. You say you did not have a choice at the time, and I’m sorry for that and most of all for not seeing it and leaving you alone, but you do have a choice now. You can stand by him and watch your house fall, or stand by us and watch your children flourish. I know you dislike me and perhaps even hate me, but I’ve never given you reason to believe that I would ever harm anyone”

“You harmed him”, Alicent screeched as she pointed to Ser Criston, “You used him to your liking and then threw him to the side without a care in the world, once again proving that you only care for yourself as you then fell into another’s bed but mere days after breaking his heart”

“What?”, his sister questioned confused.

“Jacaerys was born exactly nine moons after your wedding”, his mother explained, “Ser Criston spoke to me of your sin but days earlier, so you must’ve found Ser Harwin very soon after”

The room fell silent as Criston and Rhaenyra just shared a look, probably trying to decide wether it was worth revealing to Alicent the truth behind Jacaerys’ parentage. The knight had told Aegon that he was not certain wether or not the Queen actually knew that he was Jace’s father by blood, and alas it seemed like she did not.

“And that as well”, Alicent laughed, “For you to sully yourself over and over again without worrying about honor or basic decency or for how the Maiden wept for you, Her cries loud in my ears for years, it’s deplorable. To have to watch you break each and every rule that made up my life while I remained trapped by them just confirmed to me that you are heartless Rhaenyra, and that you will stop at nothing to get what you want”

“Listen”, Rhaenyra said as she let out a big breath, evidently done with the conversation as in truth it wasn’t really going anywhere, “I’ve told you that I have absolutely no intention of harming any of your children, because I have no reason to. If you believe me then that is fine, and if you don’t then I do not know what to tell you Alicent. You’ve lived your life by your father’s will, and if you wish to die by it as well, then be my guest. All I need you to know is that you will not drag us all down with you. I will no longer let you drop such poison in my siblings’ hearts, and I certainly will never let you lay a single finger on Aegon ever again”

The Queen’s eyes snapped to her son, who in turn shrunk into himself as he went to stand next to Criston, who seemed to have finally caught onto what his sister was speaking of, and somehow looked both angry and ashamed at the same time.

“You speak of me harming them”, the Princess hissed, “You say that I will harm your children, but from where I’m standing, it looks like their parents and their grandsire are the only ones who’ve done that so far. You say you will start a war to prevent me from hurting your children, and yet you’ve been doing that for years, and did not utter a word when your father hit your son”

“What?”, Viserys questioned breathless, “What are you talking about?”

Aegon let his eyes fall shut, silently cursing his sister for speaking so plainly in front of their father. He’d revealed to her that side of his relationship with his mother and grandsire in a moment of weakness, and though he did not truly fault her for bringing it up as he knew how angry she was, he did wish that his father and Ser Criston hadn’t been here to hear of it.

He was his father’s eldest son and Criston’s eldest student, he was meant to be strong. He was meant to be brave and mighty, and not let a woman and an old man hit him for their amusement.

“They hit you?”, the King choked out as he coughed quite violently, “When did this happen? Why did nobody tell me anything? Why did I not se-”

As his father’s chest began to rise and fall very rapidly, Rhaenyra immediately approached him to help him stand, as for a moment it seemed that he could no longer do that on his own. The King fell into one of his coughing fits, desperately trying to find the air he needed to breathe as the noises he made became more and more horrifying as time went on, as he just could not catch his breath.

“Viserys”, his mother called for him as she scrambled to stand up, quickly stopped by Ser Criston as she tried to run to her husband, “Let me go”

Alicent began to thrash around in the knight’s arms, screaming for him to let her be by her husband’s side as the King was almost dragged out of the rooms by his daughter and the guard that had been standing outisde the Queen’s chambers.

“Viserys”, she yelled for him one more time, “Criston let me go, I have to be with him. Viserys please”

Aegon just stood there for a moment, watching as his mother sobbed in Ser Cole’s arms as she begged him to understand that she needed to be with her husband, while the knight continued to hold her still, but also tried to soothe her.

“He’s going to be fine”, he whispered, “Just calm down, please”

“I have to be with him”, she insisted, “Criston please, you know I need to be with him”

“Not now”, the knight tried again, but his words fell on deaf ears as Alicent began to try and escape his forceful embrace once more, only to then drop to the floor once she finally realised that she would not win against him.

And after that Aegon left, the sound of his mother’s cries still ringing in his ears as he walked away.

Chapter Text

“This is a bad idea”, Aegon said, “This is a really bad idea”

“It’s not”, Jacaerys insisted, “You’re here, and if I fall you will catch me, right?”

“Of course”, the elder replied immediately, “But I still don’t think it wise for you to try to walk without a Maester present. You don’t need to fall to the ground to hurt yourself Jace, and your condition is still so fragi-”

“Do not say that word”, the boy hissed, and Aegon’s mouth clamped shut.

He understood very well that Jacaerys was not happy about still being bound to his chair, as though he had made some progress and the Maesters were most impressed, they had all counciled for him to take things easy and to not dare too far as to not overexhert himself.

So of course that is exactly what his nephew wanted to do.

In truth Aegon couldn’t really fault him for it, as Jacaerys had always been an incredibly active boy, and he could imagine that it stung for him to finally be home, and yet to not be able to run around as he once did. Luke and Aegon spent most of their days with him, and though that brought Jace some comfort, it was not enough.

“I just want to try”, he said, “I just want to see if I can do it. Muña and kepa are always so worried that after but a couple steps they make me sit back down even if I’m doing fine. I know they are simply concerned for me, but I just want to try and see how far I can go”

Aegon scratched his forehead, still fairly certain that this was a very bad idea, and that if things went wrong the Seven Hells would break lose in the Keep, and quite literally none of its inhabitants needed anything more to worry about. They’d all been back for but a couple days by now by now, and already things had changed so much and they would just continue to do so as things progressed with the trial and the news spread of what Otto had done, and Aegon did not think that him aiding his nephew in injuring himself further would be a great move on his part.

“If you feel any pain you tell me”, he ordered, “And you will hold onto my hands, alright?”

Jacaerys nodded, happy to see that Aegon had finally agreed. Though he was definitely wary of things going wrong, the elder of the two understood how important it was for Jace to slowly begin to walk again, and how valuable it was for him to show that he supported him on this journey.

“Don’t push yourself”, Aegon whispered as the boy rose up from his chair, “Just one foot ahead of the other alright? Go slowly Jace”

“I can move my legs uncle”, his nephew muttered annoyed, “I can move them just fine, but they feel weak, like they can't hold me up anymore”

As the boy spoke tears of frustration welled up in his eyes, and just as Aegon was about to put a stop to their experiment, Jacaerys started walking. His steps were uncertain, and the boy was clinging to his uncle’s hands like his life depended on it, but he was walking.

“That’s good”, he marvelled, “That is so good Jace”

His nephew gave him a huge smile, evidently proud of himself, as he should be. Aegon himself was very proud, feeling like he was watching his nephew learn how to walk all over again as he continued to take step after step, but the smile on his own face wavered at the boy’s next words.

“Let go”, he said firmly, “Let go of my hands uncle”

“No”, the elder immediately denied, “That’s too far Jace. I told you I would help you, but that’s too danger-”

“I’ll be fine”, Jacaerys insisted, “I did this once but a sennight after I woke up. It’s been almost two sennights now since that very day, so I believe I can do it again. Just let go of my hands slowly, and I promise that if I feel like I’m falling I’ll tell you”

“No”, he denied once more, “No Jace, I’m sorry bu-”

“I need you to trust me”, his nephew declared, “Please uncle, trust that I can do this”

Aegon still was not too fond of the idea, but from the look in Jacaerys’ eyes it seemed like he was silently begging him to not leave him now, to not let him believe that he was alone in this. He knew that his sister and her husband had been most present for their son through his healing process, as had his grandmother and grandsire, but Aegon was different.

All mentioned before only saw Jacaerys as a child, because that is what he was, but with Aegon he could be much more, and he was asking him to believe that as well.

Slowly and without for a single second taking his eyes away from his nephew, Aegon began to let go of one of his hands, watching with great pride as the boy continued to walk and as a huge smile made its way onto his face. Letting go of the second hand took some more time, as Aegon just could not bring himself to loosen his grasp on Jace, but alas he did.

“I’m doing it”, the boy muttered excited, “Do you see me uncle?”

“I do”, Aegon laughed, “I do Jace, and you’re doing a fine job”

As his fingers hovered over the wall, to ensure that if his steps did falter he might hang onto something, Jacaerys made his way around his chambers. His legs seemed to shake a little every now and then, but they had yet to give up on him, which was good. Aegon had heard the Maesters speak to his nephew on more than one occasion, both at High Tide and at the Keep, and whilst all now seemed certain that he would recover well from that night, it was not difficult to tell that Jacaerys had doubted their words.

Until now.

With Aegon but a couple steps behind him the boy continued to walk, smiling and chuckling softly as he took step after step, turning to face his uncle every two seconds to ask if he was seeing this too.

“I’ll show muña”, he said surely, “I’ll show her and maybe she’ll finally let me go outside to play with you. We can go to the Godswood uncle, and perhaps we can help aunt Helaena find that bug she spoke to me about the other da-”

And just when things seemed to be going perfectly, something just had to happen. Too caught up in his own excitement and distracted by the door opening, the boy had dared too far and had taken a step perhaps a bit too big than he should have, and as all appeared to happen in slowmotion before his very eyes, Aegon watched as Jacaerys’ legs gave out and the boy almost fell to the floor.

Almost.

“My Prince”, Ser Criston exclaimed allarmed as he grabbed onto him, “My Prince what are you doing?”

“I was walking”, Jacaerys said with a big smile still on his face, evidently not fazed by what had just happened.

“You could’ve hurt yourself”, the knight chided him, using a stern tone that made a chill go down Aegon’s spine as he thought back to all the times he’d used it to berate him when he was younger, and one he’d never used since everything had happened.

“You could’ve injured yourself gravely”, he continued on as he carried Jacaerys back to his chair, “That was incredibly dangerous my Prince, please never do that again”

“But I was walking”, the boy insisted, “Did you see me Ser? Did you see me walking?”

The outmost joy that ruled Jacaerys in that moment oozed from his entire being, and even though Aegon could tell that Ser Criston was still very shaken by what he’d just seen, as he was as well, the knight couldn’t help the smile that found his face as he looked at his son’s. Aegon had always thought that Jace’s smile was contagious, and it seemed that Criston agreed.

“I did”, the man cooed softly, “You did a very good job my Prince, but that was dangerous. The next time you want to try walking please make sure that a Maester is present, or at least someone big enough to hold you up if you fall”

Aegon did not miss the not so subtle jab that Ser Criston sent his way, and his cheeks reddened as the knight’s eyes fell on him and he silently repremanded him.

“What happened?”, Laenor questioned as he ran into the room, “I heard screaming, what happened Jace? Are you alright?”

“That was me Ser”, Cole admitted, “I found the Prince walking and was simply startled by the sight, I apologise for worrying you”

As both men began fussing over Jacaerys, asking him if he was certain that he was alright and insisting that next time he wished to walk that he must call for one of them, Aegon noticed how they shared a look for a moment. It was but a second, and yet as their eyes met, Laenor’s no longer held the anger and resentment that was usually ever present whenever he looked at Criston.

From what Aegon knew of all the knight had done to both Laenor and his wife, and most importantly to their children, he doubted that his goodbrother would ever truly forgive him, and yet as the two men shared that single look, one of pride for the boy who sat before them, and one of utter joy and relief that he still lived, he thought that perhaps they could find a way to live together in peace.

Because in the end the one thing that they had in common was also the one thing they both held closest to their hearts, Jacaerys.

“Please never let him do that again”, Criston whispered as he walked to Aegon, “I actually came for you my Prince, the King and the Princess were looking for you”

“Why?”, he questioned.

“I think it might have something to do with him”, the knight answered, and Aegon couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he thought of whatever his grandsire had done this time, or how he’d managed to do that while locked in a cage.

Though in truth, if anyone could muster up the gall to pull a stunt while imprisoned, that was Otto.

He walked outside of Jace’s chambers to make his way to his father’s, looking around to see if a maid he so liked happened to be walking these halls as well, and once he spotted her he just had to approach her. Aegon walked towards her with a shy smile on his face, thinking back to the way her lips had felt against his cheek the last time the two saw one another.

He knew that he was perhaps a little too old to react like this to a simple act of affection, and yet he couldn’t help the way his stomach flipped a little whenever he thought about it.

“Hello”, he said once he finally reached her, “I’ve been lo-”

“Good morrow brother”, a small voice interrupted him, and as Aegon’s eyes drifted from Marla and he looked to her right, he saw a little boy he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Daeron’s greeting had been quite formal, and Aegon could tell that the boy didn’t really know how to behave around him, or at court in general. It hadn’t been that long since he’d lived at the Keep, but two years seemed like a lifetime when one was as young as his littlest brother.

The boy had a fierce grip on Marla’s hand, who in turn gently rubbed her thumb over the back of it to try and soothe him, as she evidently noted how uncomfortable he was. Aegon didn’t exactly know what to do, as in truth even before Daeron had left for Oldtown, the two had never had much of a relationship. His brother was a quiet little thing, much like Aemond in many aspects, and just like with his younger brother, Aegon had never made much of an effort with his youngest either.

But considering how things had turned out with Aemond, he knew he had to avoid making the same mistake again.

“Hello Daeron”, he said as he knelt before him, “I hope the journey was kind to you”

“It was”, the younger mumbled softly, moving closer to Marla as if to shield himself from Aegon, who in turn pouted slightly.

“Pehaps you could accompany my brother to the kitchens”, he proposed as he looked to the maid, “I heard that the cooks were preparing a cake for tonight’s supper, I’m certain that they would be happy to give him some”

Marla gave him a bright smile as she tightened her grip on Daeron’s hand, leaning down to whisper in the boy’s ear, as he then nodded with a small smile of his own. It pained Aegon to see how terribly sad his brother looked to be back amongst them all, but he vowed that once he dealt with whatever his father and sister had called him for, he would find Daeron once more and spend time with him, maybe even bringing him to his nephews so he and Luke might play together.

“Otto has requested an audience with us”, his father said as soon as Aegon entered his chambers, “I was told that he continued to scream as much until a guard approached him and swore to alert me of his request, just to get him to stop yelling”

“What a child”, Rhaenyra scoffed.

“Indeed”, the King agreed, “But alas the time has come my girl, we can no longer just act like Otto and Mellos are not still captive in the black cells, especially now that Ormund has finally arrived as well. We must summon the Council once more and finally decide how to best approach the trial”

Aegon sighed loudly, perhaps too loudly as both the people who sat before him immediately looked his way. He knew that his grandsire deserved to be punished for what he’d done and most importantly for what he’d planned to do, and he was most certainly not going to stand in anyone’s way as they dealt him all he deserved, and yet he couldn’t shake the lingering feeling that Otto was somehow going to get away with this.

It seemed too easy, and Aegon knew that things always were anything but.

“The men you sent to Oldtown reported back to us this morn”, Rhaenyra said, “They wished to speak with you as well but we were told you were with the Maesters, do you have something you need to tell me father?”

“I’m ill Rhaenyra”, he sighed, “I’ve been ill for a long time my child, you know this. My body is failing me in ways I can not control, and the Maesters are simply trying to see if there is anything they can do about it. I’m sad to report that they did not seem too optimistic after they assessed me this morn, but alas there is nothing we can do about that, so it does not make sense to focus on it, not when we have much more pressing business to discuss”

“They found some missives”, his sister continued, eyeing their father warily as she was evidently saddened to hear of his health deteriorating ever more, “They were hidden in Otto’s chambers, and Daeron’s as well apparently. I do not know why he chose to keep such evidence that could be used against him, but considering the contents of these letters he most likely did it to have leverage against Mellos if he ever strayed”

As she spoke Rhaenyra handed the King some pieces of parchment paper, that he quickly took hold of and began to read, only to then start laughing quite abruptly.

“That fool”, he coughed out, “He just signed his death warrant”

Once Aegon was handed the letters his breath got caught in his throat, as he realised that they revealed all the treasonous intentions his grandsire had always held. Otto and Mellos both spoke of how to best go about things once the King died, and how they wished to take advantage of Rhaenya’s absence from King’s Landing to keep the news from her for as long as possible, so they might crown Aegon as she remained none the wiser before then sending assassins her way.

“They mention no names”, Viserys mused, “They thought themselves so wise as they used monikers for us all, but the meaning of their words is clear for all to see. The weak they call me, but alas I’ve bested them all"

“Who’s the slow girl they mentioned?”, Rhaenyra questioned.

“Helaena”, Aegon answered, “They spoke of their intentions to marry us to one another, they thought it might be a way to show all what true Targaryens looked like”

“Ah”, his sister sighed, “That’s why Alicent rejected my proposal to betroth Jace and Helaena”

Aegon couldn’t help the wet chuckle that escaped him at her words, finally understanding his mother’s sudden interest in him marrying as soon as possible. She’d said it was all because of the King’s illness, but alas the truth had come to light.

“It won’t happen”, Rhaenyra reassured him, “If you don’t wish to wed he-”

“I don’t”, he stated quickly.

“Then it will not happen valonqar”, she insisted, “I promise you Aegon, both you and Helaena will get to marry whomever you choose, so long as the match is wise and you are content”

And once again, Aegon found that Rhaenyra’s words were enough to soothe his worried heart. The woman he’d been taught to fear, the one who’d ruled his nightmares for years on end, had now become one of the few people who were able to bring him any comfort.

And he was happy.

Chapter Text

“I heard that the Princess went to visit your grandsire in the black cells”, Marla said as the two walked in the Godswood, “Were you not asked to go as well?”

“No”, Aegon replied quickly.

“Do you not want to see him?”, she questioned.

“I don’t know”, he answered honestly, “I can not lie and say that I would not relish in seeing my grandsire in chains, but I’m not certain it is my place to visit him now. My sister and father told me that they were visiting him to gather more information for the trial, so they were there as King and Heir to the throne, and thankfully I have nothing to do with that cursed seat”

Marla giggled a little at Aegon’s most obvious distaste for the Iron Throne, throwing him a curious look as she probably wondered why one would detest the thought of wielding such power. He understood that perhaps it might be difficult for her to grasp onto why he had never wanted to wear the crown, but that was because she did not know all he would’ve had to do in order to take it.

The two had begun spending most of their days together, and while Aegon felt much more free to speak with her than he did with most others, he did not wish to think back on all the conversations he’d had with Otto, as he was somewhat ashamed of himself because of them.

He really liked Marla, and did not want her to think less of him because of how he’d acted when in the presence of his grandsire. How he had never once fought back as the man raged at him and hit him without mercy. How he’d never uttered a word as he declared that his sister’s side of the family had to be slaughtered so he might get the throne he so yearned for.

“What of your mother?”, she asked lowly, her hand coming to gently grab onto his own as she had quickly learned that such a subject was hard for him to speak of, and that her touch seemed to soothe him.

“She’s in her chambers”, he sighed as he mindlessly played with her fingers, “She no longer stays in the Queen’s rooms, as after my father requested for her to be taken from them so they might be searched, she refused to walk back into them, so she was given the old ones she had before she married him. From what I know she just spends her days alone doing nothing”

In truth he’d heard other things about his mother’s condition, such as the fact that she’d fought tooth and nail to get to her husband after he’d become ill in her chambers, quite literally so as she’d left scratch marks on Ser Criston’s face as he held her back. In a moment of rage after learning of how his wife had harmed Aegon in more ways than he’d previously been aware of, Viserys had declared that noone was to see the Queen. Aegon had however intervened, and though his father had tried to resist him at first, he’d managed to convince the man that at least Septa Delena could be allowed to spend some time with her niece every now and then, because whilst Aegon understood why his father wanted Alicent to be punished, he didn’t wish for his mother to be completely alone.

His sister had also told him that she had visited Alicent once more by herself, and that the Green Queen he once knew was no longer, as the anger his mother had felt for so long had seemingly left her, and she had spent the entire time crying and begging Rhaenyra to spare her children and to let her see Aemond, whilst also continuing to insist that he was dead.

Rhaenyra had also recounted how incredibly disturbing it had been for her to see the Queen, as the latter had only spoken of the Mother, and how she had explained to her that the Mother would somehow bring Aemond back from the dead so the two might reunite once more. His sister had also told him that for a moment, when she’d first walked into Alicent’s chambers, it had looked like the Queen had found herself thrown back in time, referring to Rhaenyra as “sister” and asking her if they might visit the Godswood together.

He didn’t know what was wrong with her, but he didn’t want to think about it.

Aegon had dreaded how his mother might react to her father losing power and his sister taking it in his stead, fearing that she might become violent or declare for Otto, and officially present herself as a traitor just to follow him until the end. But it seemed that her fear and desperation had won over her anger, and she now spent her days praying.

“I saw some maids burn her clothes”, Marla said, “Apparently it was her own request that her green gowns be charred, and while I think that that was for the best, I will say that some of them were quite beautiful, so it was a bit of a pity to see them burn”

Aegon just hummed softly, thinking about what it truly meant for his mother to not simply set aside the green dresses she so loved, but for her to have them burned. He knew what they represented to her, not her house of origin as she often claimed, but her loyalty to her father.

He knew that Alicent’s sense of duty to Otto had been her doom, as it could’ve been Aegon’s as well, but alas it seemed that her father losing any true power he’d ever held, had finally allowed his mother to see that the man she’d so feared all her life was no longer.

Or maybe she’d simply gone mad, that was also a possibility.

“What will you do now?”, Marla asked, “What lays in wait for a Prince who shall never wear the crown?”

“I don’t know”, he answered honestly, “But in truth, so long as I do not have to suffer burdens I do not care for, I would simply be content to live out the rest of my life as a nobody”

“What does that mean?”, she questioned.

“I never wanted to be a Prince”, he said, “I know it might sound odd for me to say such a thing, as it might perhaps be difficult for you to understand why I would wish to set aside all the luxuries that come with my title, but all I’ve ever known it to bring is despair and misery, and I don’t want any of it anymore”

“I did not know that that was something one could do”, the girl pondered, “Just give up their title if they so please”

“I’m not sure I can”, Aegon sighed, “But if I could I would do so without doubt in my heart, as I like to think that there is much more to see of this world than the four walls of this place. You asked me what I shall do next, and whilst I do not have a true answer for you just yet, I’d like to believe that my future holds some peace within it. I don’t know where I’d like to go or who I’d want to be, but I hope that once all the matters with my grandsire are settled, I will finally get to live my life as I please”

Marla nodded, a small smile on her face as she began to speak of all she knew of the rest of Westeros, going on and on about the great things she’d heard about Dorne and even Essos, eyes bright as she spoke of how often herself and her brother had dreamed of visiting such places.

“Perhaps I shall take you”, he said with a chuckle, “I have a dragon you know, we could go there together if my father and sister agree to it”

He'd meant each and every word he'd said, and yet he quickly let out a little laugh as he saw how Marla’s eyes widened, fearing that he’d gone too far and hoping that she might just think he’d been joking. He saw how her cheeks reddened and she looked away from him, and he once again cursed his mouth for speaking up before he could think about what he was saying.

“I was just jok-”, he mumbled, suddenly embarassed by how forward he’d been.

“I would like that very much”, she interrupted him, “Travelling the world with you sounds like great fun my Prince”

“Aegon”, he corrected her with a shy smile, “I’d like to be just Aegon with you”

Marla’s smile only grew as she looked at him, thumb rubbing against the back of his hand as she continued to hold onto it tightly, moving a little so her body could face him as she still sat by his side. He could feel himself be assessed, as her eyes searched for his own with something akin to both nervousness and thrill shining within them, and before he knew it her other hand came to gently lay on his cheek.

He stood still as she caressed his face, eyes closing for a brief moment as he almost trembled under her touch, until he finally opened them up once more, only to find himself nose to nose with Marla as a silent question lay hidden in her eyes.

“Please”, he whispered, and just as it seemed like his heart might fail him as he felt her lips come so close to his own, he heard something.

“My Prince”, a voice called for him suddenly, and as if burned Aegon immediately sprinted away from Marla, acutely aware of how bad it could look for them to be seen like that while alone.

He knew that to the rest of the court she was but a serving girl, so none would have cared if rumors had spread about Aegon sullying her, but he didn’t want that for her. He didn’t know what Marla wished to do with her future, and certainly did not want for her reputation to be ruined just because she was seen so close to him.

Thankfully it seemed that Ser Erryk had gotten there but a moment too late to pay witness to their almost kiss, so Aegon just hurriedly bid Marla goodbye before following the knight. He felt bad for leaving her so abruptly, and could only hope that she would understand why he’d done it.

“The King has called for the Small Council my Prince”, Erryk said, “He wishes for you to attend as well”

“Great”, Aegon huffed, “Thank you Ser Erryk”

“I’m Arryk my Prince”, the man corrected him.

“Have either of you ever thought about cutting your hair?”, he questioned as the two finally reached the Council chambers, “Might make it easier to tell who’s who”

“I like my hair”, Aegon heard the knight mutter once he closed the doors behind him, and he couldn’t help but laugh as he took his seat, quickly stopping once he saw the serious faces of those who had already arrived.

His mind was still elsewhere as he listened to his father, struggling to catch up on what had been said before he’d arrived, as he was still thinking about Marla. Thoughts of the girl had occupied his mind since the two had first been reunited, but as he thought back to how it had felt as her lips had come so close to his, he felt his cheeks flush.

“Are you alright Aegon?”, the King questioned, “You look so red son”

“I’m fine”, he said quickly, “Please excuse my tardiness Your Grace”

“I think it is of outmost importance that we figure out who did this”, Rhaenyra stated angrily, “Someone dared go behind our backs and tried to aid Otto, we must find out who they are”

As Aegon threw his sister a confused look, he decided that perhaps it was best he pay attention to what the Council was speaking of, and a heavy sigh left him once he finally understood what had happened. A missive had apparently reached Oldtown to tell all of Otto’s and Mellos’ arrest, and of how they were being treated like common criminals while caged in the black cells, and also that their Lord had been taken from his homestead as well.

Viserys had wished for things to remain as quite as possible while they planned the trial, not wanting for any of Otto's allies that had yet to be found to have the opportunity to get rid of any evidence that may find them culpable. His father and sister had chosen Maester Gerardys to take over Mellos’ duties, and all knew how the man was most loyal to them both, so whomever had sent that letter had done so with their own means.

“When our men reached Oldtown Lord Ormund was still none the wiser”, his sister continued, “He did not know of his uncle’s arrest until he himself was on the road to us, having been taken under the pretence that Otto had asked for him to come here alongside his son Gwayne. None seemed ready to make a move against us back then, but it seems that someone dared to try and secretly call for aid on their behalf”

“How do we know of this Princess?”, Lord Beesbury questioned.

“It seems we have an unlikely ally my Lord”, she answered with a sly smile, “It appears that Ser Otto is not the only man of house Hightower who leaves much to be desired, and though that is a great misery for his wife, it does also mean that the Lady Samahta Tarly is much more keen to help us than one might expect”

Aegon smirked a little, finding it most humorous that during all his talks about needing to gather allies, Otto had never once doubted that his entire house would stand by them when the time came, even after his disagreement with Lyonel, and yet it seemed that it would be one of their own to cause it all to fall.

“The Lady Samantha showed great bravery”, Rhaenyra praised, “She sent a missive of her own, risking her life just to alert us of this missive that Lyonel received and that he told her about, and for that she will be spared of any punishments that shall befall Lord Ormund for his actions. Her children with the man are also innocent, and there is another she believes may stand by us”

As his sister continued to speak, Aegon had to bring a hand to his mouth to contain the chuckle that almost escaped him, as she told all of how Ormund’s eldest son did not seem too interested in partaking in any war against the crown. One by one it seemed that all who Otto had thought loyal to him were leaving his side, and Aegon could only hope that he would get to be there once his grandsire found out that his own kin was leaving him alone to face the consequences of his actions.

“How can we be certain that we can trust her?”, Corlys asked, “I understand that she put her life in jeopardy to send the letter Princess, but how can we know that ‘tis not all a ploy?”

“Because of a small note she sent with Daeron”, she answered lowly, “I shall not reveal its contents as it was specifically meant for me alone to read, and I will not break the Lady Samantha’s trust this way. But I assure you my Lord, though I do not think it wise to just leave Lyonel to do as he pleases once he ascends as Lord of Oldtown, I have reason to believe that neither himself nor the Lady Samantha will rise against us, not when they know that I know”

All who sat the Council seemed most confused by the Princess’ words, and though many tried to question her once more about whatever it was that the Lady Samantha had revealed that could be of such great importance, she refused to say it.

Aegon didn’t know what his sister may have been referring to, as he had never had any kind of contact with his mother’s side of the family, and from what he knew she too had only ever spoken with her father while he was in Oldtown, and her brother Gwayne as well sometimes. He did not know what Rhaenyra spoke of, and yet she seemed certain that whatever secret the Lady Samantha had revealed, would ensure that both she and Lyonel remained loyal to her until their last day.

“There is something else I wish to say”, the King stated, “I have made a decision in regards to the future of my family and that of our Realm, and I think you all ought to know”

At their father’s words Aegon noted how Rhaenyra shifted a little in her chair, subtly fixing her posture and placing her hands on her lap as she toyed with her rings, something she only did when she was nervous.

“As things stand I am in need of a new Hand”, Viserys continued, “I have chosen Rhaenyra, my daughter and Heir, to hold that position. Rhaenyra has been attending our meetings since she was but a child and has been learning all her life, she has been my Heir for almost twenty years now, and I believe she is most suited for the role and understands the responsability that comes with the power she will hold as my Hand”

For a moment all fell silent, and Aegon noticed how while Rhaenyra’s face revealed nothing of her feelings as she remained expressionless, she had started almost digging her nails into the palms of her hands, evidently nervous as to how the Lords of the Council would react.

“That is good Princess”, Lord Beesbury almost cooed with a big smile on his face, “I am most proud to be able to say that I watched you grow from a young girl into a fine woman, and I have seen how you care for your duties. I have been honored to serve you as a Princess, I am now happy to serve you as our Lady Hand, and I can only hope that I will live long enough to serve you as Queen”

After that all arose to congratulate her for her new new position at court, even Tyland Lannister approached her, albeit more sheepishly than the rest of them. Aegon knew that the man had once been allied to his grandsire, and that he still sat the Council only because he’d apparently done a good enough job at pleading his case to the King. The Princess however still did not seem too convinced of the man’s loyalty to her, and it seemed that Lord Tyland knew this, so he made a big fuss of not only congratulating her, but of praising her as well.

As everyone surrounded Rhaenyra, Aegon remained seated, gaze falling on his father as the man stared at the scene before him, eyes filled with tears of both happiness and pride as he looked at his daughter.

“The Great”, Viserys whispered, “She will be the Great”

“What?”, Aegon questioned lowly as he leaned closer to the King.

“The night before we left for Driftmark Helaena visited me”, he said, “She told me that the Great would rise and the Just would follow, so long as the tower did not glow. I’m not the brightest man in the Realm, or even in this room truthfully, but I know a dreamer when I see one. Your sister spoke of the Great, and there she is”

“My little girl will be the Great”

Chapter Text

“My dragon’s name is Arrax”, Luke said with a bright smile, “He’s the most beautiful dragon in the whole Realm, grandsire Corlys said so. We spend a lot of time together, but I have not flown with him yet. Do you also have a dragon uncle?”

“I do”, Daeron answered shyly, “Her name is Tessarion”

“Is she very pretty?”, the younger boy questioned.

“I think so”, his uncle said with a small smile, “She’s all blue and so are her flames”

As he spoke Daeron’s fingers grazed one of the little statues Lucerys had placed before him, ones he had yet to touch even after his nephew had invited him to do so. He slowly picked it up, bringing it close to the one Luke was playing with and making it look like the two were flying together.

“Have you flown with her yet?”, Lucerys asked.

“No”, Daeron answered sadly, “I hope to one day, the dragonkeeper in Oldtown said I was much too young and that Tessarion was still too small, but hopefully we will fly together soon enough”

“Maybe Arrax and I can join you”, his nephew proposed, “You and I could fly for the first time side by side uncle, would you like that?”

Aegon smiled as he watched the two boys play, happy to see that Daeron was finally adjusting to being back at the Keep. His brother had been home for almost a whole sennight, and yet this was the first time he’d actually exited his chambers for something other than food. Aegon had visited him a couple of times, but the boy had not been too keen on speaking with him, just asking about their grandsire and uncle Gwayne.

He could imagine how difficult this all must be for him, as he was brought to a place he probably had few memories of, and was surrounded by those he had more likely than not been taught to fear. For most of the two years that Daeron had spent in Oldtown Otto had been there with him, and Aegon doubted that his grandsire’s ploys had not included his youngest grandson, especially considering the fact that for a long time, he’d been the only one with a dragon

Daeron had been very young when he’d first left the Keep, barely five namedays old as he was stripped away from all he’d ever known, and Aegon could only hope that his grandsire hadn’t managed to poison him as well as he had with his daughter. As he looked at him now Aegon thought that his brother seemed to have remained the sweet child he was before he left, and hopefully things would stay that way.

He didn’t really know how to help Daeron, as he didn’t know how much his grandsire had influenced his opinion on the rest of their family, but it seemed that the boy had taken kindly to Lucerys’ presence and the two were having great fun playing together, and that was enough for Aegon to believe that things could still work for his youngest brother.

“Three legs”, Helaena whispered to noone, “The river I seek has three legs, whilst most have two. Three legs make a lot of noise, and yet I can not hear him. He’s here, but I can not hear him”

“What river?”, Aegon questioned lowly, but his sister just sighed.

She hadn’t seemed too troubled since they’d all gotten back to the Keep, relishing in the company of the family she’d longed for for her whole life, and finally looking like she’d found some peace, and yet in this very moment she seemed sad. He tried to question her again, but she just sighed.

“What’s that?”, Jacaerys asked suddenly, pointing at Aegon as he chuckled.

“What’s what?”, he questioned hurriedly, worried that some kind of bug may have landed on him.

“Is that a flower uncle?”, his nephew teased him, and at that Aegon’s cheeks flushed, quickly bringing his hand to cover up the gift Marla had given him when they’d seen each other earlier in the morn.

As Jacaerys continued to playfully goad Aegon about the flower, he noted that the knight behind him was smiling, and was even more embarassed as he saw the knowing look in Criston’s eyes. The man had seen him with Marla on a couple occasions, and though he’d never said anything about it, Aegon could tell that he’d picked up on the crush he’d developed on the girl.

The two spent all of Aegon’s free time together, and never in life had he thought that he might find someone whose presence was enough to grant him such peace, nobody but his nephews at least.

“The flower will bloom and my girl will come”, Helaena mumbled absent mindedly, “My womb will be empty but my heart will be full”

As his sister spoke Aegon felt a now familiar chill run down his spine, as he’d come to finally understand what she had been talking about this whole time. He didn’t know why exactly, but the Gods had seen it fit to grant her a gift, though to her it certainly did not feel like one, and his sister knew much more than any other. Aegon had heard her speak of her boys and her girl more than enough times to finally grasp onto who she was talking about, and his heart hurt at the knowledge that in some way, Helaena had lost her babes.

He knew that they had never lived in truth, and yet from the way she spoke of them he also knew that due to her dreams, to Helaena they’d been real for a long time, and their lives and deaths alike had tormented her for years.

Aegon felt some guilt at knowing that his own actions had lead to her never having the children she’d dreamed of for so long, but as he thought of what would’ve had to happen for those babes to be born and then to be killed, he decided that perhaps it was better this way.

And yet his heart hurt for Helaena.

“I’m at peace”, she said as she brought a hand to hover above his heart, right where the flower was, “I will live a life and so will she, I’m at peace”

After that Helaena just walked away, mumbling things about a Lady and a river, as a part of Aegon’s heart left with her, one he’d never known in truth, but that he would carry deep within for the rest of his life. If his sister’s words spoke true, and they usually did, he would have a daughter one day, and as he mindlessly caressed the petals of the flower Marla had given him, he vowed to ensure that his little girl would get to live the life she deserved.

With an odd weight on his chest Aegon left the Godswood as well, deciding that perhaps walking might help him get his mind off of things. His steps slowed somewhat once he found himself near the rooms his mother now occupied, and for a moment he thought about entering them, but then he kept walking.

He heard the faint sounds of someone crying within the chambers, and he kept walking.

“I’m sorry my King”, the Maester cooed as he slowly unwrapped the bandages that circled Viserys’ fingers and the man hissed in pain, “The wound seems to be healing well Your Grace, and I’m happy to say that if it continues to do so, we might not have to amputate it”

“That’s good”, his father huffed, trying to smile at Gerardys though it was most obvious that he was experiencing a great deal of discomfort, “Wait a moment Aegon”

As soon as Viserys’ eyes landed on him, he whispered something to the Maester, who in turn placed himself between the King and his son and quickly worked to place some new bandages over the wound on his father’s hand.

“Is everything alright?”, the King questioned once Aegon sat before him.

“I think so”, he answered, “I was thinking of what the future may hold in store for me”

“Ah”, Viserys sighed, “’Tis a grave matter my boy, one that may keep that scowl on your face for the rest of your days if you let it”

Aegon chuckled softly at his words, hand coming to smooth over his face as he took a deep breath. He didn’t know exactly why he’d felt compelled to speak with his father, as truthfully he didn’t know what he wanted to say, if he had anything to say at all.

“I had an interesting conversation some days ago”, he mumbled.

“Was it with your maid friend?”, Viserys teased him, “I’ve seen you with her son and I will say, she is very pretty”

“Yes she is”, Aegon agreed, before quickly clamping his mouth shut as his wide eyes found his father’s, who in turn laughed at how red his cheeks got.

The King’s laughter soon turned into a small coughing fit, and Aegon couldn’t help but cringe as he noted how very painful it all seemed to be for his father, who for a moment too long struggled to catch his breath. He instinctively stood up to get Gerardys back in the rooms, but the King waved his hand and signaled for him to sit back down, so he did.

“What did you and your friend talk about?”, he questioned once his coughing had lessened a bit.

“What I might do once this is all over”, Aegon explained, “Once grandsire is dealt with and the trial is finished, I won’t know what to do with myself”

“There are many roles one can hold at court”, Viserys said, “Or do you not wish to remain here?”

The truth was that Aegon didn’t know. A part of him wanted to stay, as he dreaded the thought of being away from the only place he’d ever known, and most importantly from those who lived within it. For a long time he’d thought that he’d never see Jacaerys again, and that whole moon belonged in the Seven Hells, so he knew he didn’t want to live a life without him in it.

He didn’t want to leave Rhaenyra or his father behind now that he was finally starting to learn what their love felt like, didn’t want to leave Helaena as he felt more connected to her now than ever before, didn’t want to leave Daeron or Luke, o Joffrey, or Aemond once he came back. He didn’t want to leave his mother.

But he just didn’t want to be at the Keep anymore.

“If you leave you can always come back Aegon”, his father reminded him, “There are many things outside the four walls of our Keep, and even more outside the confines of King’s Landing. You’re not a prisoner here my boy, and you must know that if you do choose to leave, you’re always most welcome to come back whenever you feel ready”

Aegon breathed deeply, eyes closing shut as he listened to his father tell him exactly what he needed to hear, and yet he still not knowing what to do. He’d lived all his life as a prisoner of the Red Keep, and in truth he wasn’t certain of who he was outside of it, or who he could be.

“I always thought I knew what the future held for me”, he said finally, “I thought I knew exactly where life would lead me and how it would all end, but now I don’t know anything anymore. I’m certain that whatever may lay in wait for me shall be better than what I feared for all these years, and yet I don’t know what to do”

“You don’t have to figure it all out now”, Viserys stated, “You are still very young Aegon, you have your whole life ahead of you. A great deal of it that you’ve lived already was stripped away from you, and that is most unjust, but that doesn’t mean it’s all over. If one day you choose to take to the skies and disappear into the clouds, then I can only hope the winds are kind to you and they guide you to wherever you need to be, but you have time to make that decision”

The two sat there for some time, as the King nodded to his model and they began playing with it, with the elder chiming in every now and then to give Aegon some insight into what each building was and the name of the various dragons that could be found scattered amongst the structures.

“His name was Aurion”, his father said, “He was one of the very few people who survived the Doom of Old Valyria, and after that he declared himself as Emperor and tried to bring his supposed empire back to life”

“What happened to him?”, Aegon questioned.

“Only the Gods know”, Viserys sighed, “Historians say he did indeed go to Old Valyria atop his dragon and with a whole army, but alas none of them were ever seen again”

“She went there as well”, he said, “The Princess Aerea, she went to Old Valyria too, did she not?”

Aegon had never paid much attention during Mellos’ lessons, and yet the story of the late Princess Aerea had caught his interest immediately, if not for the sheer tragedy of all that happened to the poor girl, and how it all remained a mystery.

“That is one possibility, yes”, the King conceeded, “In truth none know exactly what happened to her, she was missing for over half a year my boy, and yet nobody saw her. That poor child was supposedly atop the biggest dragon in recorded history, and yet nobody saw her. My grandsire tried to look for her, as did his sister, but nothing. Moons on end without knowing if her child lived, I can’t imagine ho-”

“My King”, Ser Westerling interrupted them as he barged through the doors, “I apologise Your Grace, but there is a matter I think you ought to know of”

“What is it?”, his father questioned.

“The Princess Helaena Your Grace”, the knight sighed, “She demands to be granted entrance to her mother’s rooms, and she won’t leave. We’ve tried to move her, as by your order nobody but you, the Lady Hand, and the Queen’s Septa is allowed to come into contact with her, but the Princess refuses to leave and she is becoming upset”

Viserys threw Aegon a confused look, and the boy just shrugged his shoulders, not knowing why his sister would do such a thing. Both knew that Helaena was special, as his father had referred to her as a dreamer before, and Aegon had come to the same conclusion some time ago as well. Neither knew what Helaena wanted from their mother, but alas they both stood up to follow Ser Westerling to the Queen’s new chambers, knowing that if she deemed it important enough to stand her ground against the castle guards, then they should listen to what she had to say.

When they finally reached her Aegon couldn’t help but chuckle as he noted how the guards were looking at her, as some seemed almost afraid of the little girl as she just paced before her mother’s rooms, a small blanket in her hand as she muttered to herself.

Helaena’s behaviour could be most unsettling to witness at times, and it seemed that even grown men with swords could agree with that.

“She must see”, she whispered, “The Lady must see so the Queen may die”

“What?”, Viserys questioned as he approached his daughter, eyes focused on her as he tried to decipher the meaning of her words.

“She must see you”, Helaena stated sternly, “You stole her from herself, so ‘tis you who must bring her back to us”

Their father breathed heavily, coughing lightly more out of something akin to shame rather than his illness. As he’d overheard Rhaenyra tell him before, it was obvious that Otto had played a hand in his daughter finding her way to the King’s bed, but in the end Viserys had been the one to let it happen. He’d married his daughter’s only friend, who was barely older than Rhaenyra herself, and he was right to feel ashamed, though perhaps it was too late for his guilt to mean anything.

Once the guards opened the doors to Alicent’s chambers, Helaena walked in gracefully and with a serene smile on her face, immediately going to sit next to the woman who had yet to look up from where she knelt before a painting of the Seven Pointed Star. Her aunt Delena was there as well, standing by her side with a look of great pity on her face, which for but a second turned into one of anger as she looked at the King, though she caught herself quickly enough.

“Alicent”, his father called for her.

Slowly and seemingly unsure of who had spoken to her, or if anyone had spoken at all, his mother turned to face her husband. For a moment it seemed that she could barely see him, or that she was perhaps not certain that he was actually there, but as soon as her eyes focused on him she stood up.

“Viserys”, she sighed, “Hello”

“Hello Alicent”, the King answered with a look of concern on his face, as he threw a worried glance to Delena, who in turn just let out a shaky breath and shook her head.

“Are you well?”, the Queen questioned, “They wouldn’t tell me anything. I asked them but they wouldn’t tell me anything. The Mother said you were well, but I wished to see you”

“I’m fine”, he said, “Are you alright?”

Before the words could even leave his mouth Alicent began nodding, though tears quickly began to well up in her eyes, and soon enough she was crying. Her body shook as she sobbed with an odd smile on her face, one hand coming to grab at the pendant of the Seven Pointed Star she wore around her neck, one that was much bigger than the ones she’d donned for most of Aegon’s life, as her other hand gently caressed the painting she’d been kneeling before when they’d first walked in.

“I prayed for you”, she cried, “I prayed that you would be well without me. I prayed that they would let me see you, and here you are”

“The Queen was very worried for you Your Grace”, Delena chimed in, “She told me of how she has always been by your side during your illness, and how it pained her to know that she could not do so now. ‘Tis the duty of a wife to care for her husband my King, it’s only natural that she worried so”

Aegon took a deep breath, slowly making his way to his mother as he took in how incredibly disheveled she looked. It was obvious that she had not bathed in some time, and if his memory did not fail him, it seemed that she still donned the gown she’d been wearing the last time he’d seen her, over a sennight ago at this point.

“Aemond”, she said elated once she saw him, “My love, the Mother told me you would come. I prayed for Her to bring you back to me every day my heart, and you're finally here”

He almost flinched as her hand rose toward his face, but as he saw her teary eyes and the small smile she was giving him, he stayed put. For many years he’d longed for his mother’s touch, had prayed for it to be different to the one he’d always known, and the same she’d give Aemond, and there it was.

But he wasn’t sure she was there anymore.

He wanted to correct her, to tell her that he was not Aemond, but as she caressed his face and began to giggle softly, he could not bear breaking her heart. His mother had begun to lose herself the very second his brother had been taken from her, and Aegon couldn’t find it in him to take this moment away from her as well.

“I missed you my love”, she whispered as she hugged him to her, pressing his head against her chest as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.

“I missed you too mother”, he choked out, feeling so conflicted by the embrace that he felt like he couldn’t move.

He’d longed for this all his life, and though he knew that she wasn’t actually hugging him but Aemond, it didn’t matter, and Aegon found himself melting in his mother’s arms, a stray tear running down his cheek as he listened to her coo at him softly.

“The Queen has died”, Helaena whispered, “The Lady rests but she may yet wake”

As she spoke his sister placed the small blanket she had brought with her on their mother’s chair, smoothing it out with a small smile as her fingers gently traced the various embroidered details. The whole piece was blue, with many flowers all around it as little foxes ran amongst them.

“You look so beautiful”, Alicent marvelled as she took his face in her hands, “Please don’t cry my love, mother’s here”

And Aegon couldn’t contain the tears that continued to run down his cheeks, as his mother gently wiped them away with her bloodied fingers. He’d never known how to feel about her after all she’d done, and yet seeing her like this left him a broken man, just sobbing in her arms like a small child as she continued to comfort him.

“Why is he so upset?”, she questioned her husband, “I don’t want him to be upset”

“It’s alright Alicent”, Viserys said with a soothing tone as he placed his hand on Aegon’s back, “I think Aemond is just tired, maybe it’s time he goes to bed, don’t you agree?”

His mother quickly nodded, releasing Aegon from her embrace and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek and bidding him goodnight, even though it was still fairly early in the morn, and telling him that she couldn’t wait for the next day so they might see each other again.

“What’s wrong with her?”, the King questioned both worried and somewhat angry as soon as they left the chambers.

“I don’t know Your Grace”, Septa Delena muttered, “She was already different by the time I got here, and the more she was left alone the worse she got. I tried to bring her back to us, but I fear that the praying may have had the opposite effect that I’d intended it to. I’d hoped it might bring her some comfort to know that our Gods are by her side and that no matter what They always will be, but I fear her mind was already broken beyond repair”

“But she wasn’t like this when we last saw her”, Viserys argued, “She was sad yes, but not like this”

“Because you left her alone”, Delena spat back angrily, before quickly shrinking into herself as she remebered who she was speaking to, “I apologise my King, but I believe that my niece simply needs some comfort. When I first got here she was roaming around her chamers naked, refusing to wear any of the clothes she owned until I found one of her mother’s dresses, and she has yet to take it off since I first gave it to her. She doesn’t sleep, just spends her days and nights praying for you and for her boy. She has nothing else my King, and in truth she doesn’t even have that, as you never visit and her son is far away from her. Her mind has always been a fragile thing, and I do not believe that being shunned to her chambers will do her any good. I tried to help her, but then out of nowhere I was told that I was no longer allowed to be near her for more than a couple hours every other day, by your order. I understand that my niece may have done some unsavoury things, but she is not in the state to be left alone as her mind is simply too ill”

The King sighed, clinging to his walking stick with a mighty grip as his face scrunched up, before he took a deep breath and used that very cane to knock on the door. His mother answered quickly enough, an absent smile still on her face as she immediately approached Aegon, standing by his side and taking his hand in her own.

“I am supposed to meet with the Maesters”, Viserys said as he looked to his wife, “Would you like to accompany me?”

“Of course”, Alicent mumbled hurriedly, “I’m always with you when you’re ill, as I like to think that my presence brings you some comfort”

“It does”, the King conceeded.

Aegon then watched as his mother and father walked together towards Gerardys’ chambers, with her hand on his arm as he could see the King speak with her softly. He knew that many would not take kindly to her being seen around court once more, as all thought her to be naught but her father’s ally, and yet his heart was somewhat soothed as he saw her smile.

Whatever monster had laid within his mother for so long seemed to have left her, and if Helaena’s words were to be trusted, someone else stood in the Queen’s stead, a young girl who had not had the time to live her life before it was stolen from her.

One who would hopefully stay true to herself this time around.

Chapter Text

His mind was set, there was no going back.

He had to see him, he hadn’t wanted to for a long time, but now he had to see him. After witnessing the state his mother was in, and knowing that in the end no matter all she had done it was his fault, he had to see him.

“Aegon”, Rhaenyra blurted out surprised as he barged in her chambers, “Is everything alright?”

“I want to see him”, he said firmly.

His sister let out a shaky breath, throwing a concerned glance to Criston who was also present in the rooms, as was Jacaerys. Aegon faintly heard his nephew try to speak with him, his tone worried as he saw how angry his uncle seemed, but Aegon didn’t answer him.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea”, his sister voiced as she approached him, “But a sennight ago you told me you didn't feel ready and I agreed with you valonqar, as after all he’s done I don’t think it wise for you to see him. Are you alright? Did something hap-”

“I wasn’t asking”, Aegon stated, “I know I should be, but I’m not. I’m letting you know that I want to see Otto and that I will, wether you like it or not”

“I’m just worried”, she whispered, “I don’t know if you’re ready to face him just yet”

“Well I’m about to”, he said before turning his back on her and leaving her chambers, taking large and angry steps down the various flights of stairs that separated him from his grandsire.

In truth he didn’t really know why he’d even gone to Rhaenyra in the first place, as he knew very well that she wouldn’t have been happy to hear that he wanted to see Otto, and yet a part of him wanted to tell her, because he knew she wouldn’t leave him alone. He could hear her hurried steps behind him as he walked and he was glad of it, because he needed her.

“Aegon please wait”, he heard her say at one point, “You’re not in the right state to see-”

“And I never will be”, he talked back, “But I need to see him. I need to face the man whose greed and cruelty split my mother’s mind in half, need to see he who condemned her to a life of misery and who would’ve done the same to us all for a fucking chair. I need him to see me now, I need him to know that I’m no longer afraid of him”

For years Aegon had been terrified of his grandsire, even as the man lived in Oldtown and the two had never really seen or much less spoken to one another, his presence had still loomed large in the shadows of Aegon’s life through his daughter. He’d been scared of the man she spoke of as she always alluded to how he was the one who would “save them all” by plotting the war, and the more he grew the more he understood how all the misery that had befallen his family, had done so because of him.

He’d always heard talks of the mighty Otto Hightower, the man who for years had held the King and therefore the entire Realm in his iron fist, who’d wielded had more power than any before him, but now that was all gone.

And Aegon was no longer afraid.

Rage ruled him as he stalked down that final flight of stairs, ignoring the odd looks from the guards of the black cells and the way his sister’s voice grew more and more concerned as he got closer to the man he was looking for. The man who was to blame for everything that had ever gone wrong in his life.

The man who now stared at him with an odd smile on his face, one that did not belong on someone behind bars.

“Was it worth it?”, Aegon screamed, “Was all you did worth this Otto?”

The former Hand did not answer, just smirking slightly as he noted how disheveled his grandson looked, evidently finding his loss of composure most amusing. Aegon had to resist the urge to throw himself at the man, as now that the two were so close, he couldn’t help but feel the need to wrap his hands around the other’s throat.

“Your own daughter”, he hissed, “Your own flesh and blood, she who looked up to you for guidance and trusted your every word because that’s what you trained her to do, her life sacrificed for your own gain. And you wished to do the same with us all, for a crown that never once belonged to you. And now that you’re finally suffering the consequences of your actions as the rest of us have been doing for years, I want to know if it was all worth it to you”

“Everything that I did was for the good of our family and of the Realm”, Otto said calmly, “Our King chose Alicent as his Queen because he understood that she was most suited for the role, I had nothing to do with t-”

“You sold her like cattle”, Aegon raged, “The whispers never left this place Otto, no matter how hard you tried to put an end to them. Whispers of how mother was seen visiting father before they were wed, before their betrothal was even announced, and that was all because of you. Her life was taken from her because of you”

“If what you say is true, then I made her the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms”, his grandsire mused, “I gave her more power than most women could ever dream of, and I tried to do the same with you, as you will need power if you wish to keep your life and save those of your sibl-”

“Stop it”, he screamed, “Your idiotic talks of war may have worked on me for some time as they did with mother, but no more. You wished for me to kill my own kin for no reason at all, just so you could get me to take the throne for you. Every single thing you did, all the pain you caused your own fucking family, all for that chair”

“You don’t understand”, Otto sighed as he shook his head, continuing to mumble on about how the war would’ve been naught but a necessary evil, as their lives were in danger.

Aegon barely heard him, images of his mother’s current condition flashing in his mind as her cries haunted his every thought, ringing in his ears louder than they ever had as the anger that brewed within him became almost blinding.

His mother had always spoken of war as well, and yet whenever she did Aegon saw fear in her eyes, because in her heart she truly believed her words. He would not deny that envy and resentment had allowed for his mother to behave in ways that were most unkind, not only to Rhaenyra and her family, but to him as well, but he knew that she’d been afraid.

For most of her life Alicent truly had believed that her children’s lives were at risk, and that the war that would come was necessary if she wanted all her sacrifices to mean something, as in the end that is all she’d ever been able to see her children as, physical representations of all her suffering.

Alicent had been afraid, but Otto was not.

As he looked to him now, Aegon saw the almost knowing smirk on his grandsire’s face, of one who had spoken those horrid words many times before through the years, and had written them as well whilst in Oldtown, making sure that his daughter’s mind would be poisoned beyond repair, and that she would not resist him when he forced them all to fight his war, not out of fear but greed.

His grandsire would not have bat an eye as each and every one of them died, suffered pains that Aegon couldn’t even imagine as Helaena’s words about their children rang in his mind, babes who would’ve been slaughtered because Otto wanted a crown.

And the man wouldn’t have cared, as Aegon was most certain that his grandsire would’ve managed to use that to his advantage as well, as he had with every tragedy that had struck their family. Baelon died, and Otto became the Hand of the King. Jaehaerys died, and Otto found his new favourite toy in the new King Viserys. Aemma died, and Otto sold his daughter to the King.

All the man had ever gained had been born of death, and perhaps his time had come as well.

“Did you never fear me?”, he questioned suddenly, putting a stop to his grandsire’s rants, “You wished for me to become the King, the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms, as with a single word I could’ve had your life. Did you never fear that I would do that Otto? That I would finally avenge all the lives that were ruined and lost because of your greed?”

“Everything I did was for you”, Otto insisted, “Once you took your rightful seat on the Iron Throne, you would’ve seen how quickly your beloved nephews and their mother woud’ve turned against you to take it for themselves, how quickly your brother would’ve been killed whilst not under my protection. Rhaenyra would’ve finally shown herself for who she truly is, and you all would’ve seen that I’m right”

Behind him, Aegon faintly heard Rhaenyra begin to talk back, arguing that Otto’s words were naught but lies he’d spun to suit his own narrative, and also calling him some fairly rude and yet creative names Aegon did not think she’d like her children to use.

“Do you truly believe her Aegon?”, his grandsire questioned loudly, “Who between the two of us has more reasons to lie to you? He who has never done anything but try and protect you from certain death, or she who knows that you are naught but a threat to her reign? Everyone knows Aegon, from the very first moment you were born people have been speaking of how it is you who should succeed your father, and she knows this. Rhaenyra was always very good at lying, pretending to be your mother’s friend and then abandoning her when Alicent was no longer a helpless little girl ready to do the Princess' bidding, and spinning her lies to get out of trouble after she whored herself out to her uncle and her shield and began pushing out those worthless bast-”

Out of nowhere, Otto stopped talking, and as Aegon finally looked to his grandsire he noted that the man had done so for a reason, as the point of a sword was now caressing his neck. Criston did not move an inch, not harming the other man in truth, but making it very clear that he could, and that he wanted to. The knight had never expressed his opinion on Aegon’s grandsire, and yet from the way he’d spoken about him when with his mother, and the way he looked at the man now, Aegon knew that he would not lose a second of sleep after killing him.

“Look who’s here”, Otto chuckeld, “The man himself, Ser Criston Cole, he who rose far beyond what should’ve been possible for someone of such low birth, and yet here you are. ‘Tis thanks to your looks you know? Alicent told me at the time, of how the Princess had gushed about the handsome young knight that had shown up and defeated her uncle. You becoming a member of the Kingsguard had naught to do with your victories in battle, but the Princess’ crush on you, but I suppose you know that already, with how close the two of you became at one point all those years ago. A Targaryen King of dornish blood is a feat not many would’ve thought possible, but alas it seems that all it took was one cuntstruck knight and a whorish Princess to ensure that a dornish boy sat the Iron Throne, if he ever does. Who knows if the people will ever let him do that, between the fact that my daughter bore the King three trueborn sons, and that your boy is naught but a disabled basta-”

“Criston”, Rhaenyra screamed, quickly moving to approach him and ordering the guards to do the same, as she saw how the knight was but a second away from strangling Otto.

Aegon had seen Ser Cole angry before, when he failed to pay attention during their training sessions, or when he saw his sister walking around with Ser Harwin by her side, but he’d never seen him like this. Criston looked outright murderous, eyes wide and welling up with a true rage as they grew darker by the second, having thrown his sword to the floor in favor of grabbing Otto’s neck.

“Let him go”, his sister ordered, “Criston let him go”

“He just fuckin-”, the knight grunted as his grip only tightened.

“He’s doing it to rile you up”, she insisted, “He’s trying to get himself killed to avoid the humiliation of the trial, but that will not happen. He will face his trial and all will know of everything he did, because that is the will of our King, and mine own as well. So let him go”

From the look in his grandsire’s eyes, Aegon knew that his sister spoke true, as it was most obvious that for some reason, the man was trying to get Criston to lose control and perhaps kill him. Wether that was because he somehow believed that someone would be mad about the knight murdering the former Hand and that Criston would be punished, or because Rhaenyra was right and he just didn’t want to face the public humiliation that would come with the trial Aegon didn’t know, but if dying now was what his grandsire wanted, then it wouldn’t happen.

Otto had always gotten whatever he desired, using his words to goad or outright coerce people into doing his bidding, and Aegon wouldn’t let him do it again.

Slowly he placed himself by Criston’s side, watching as the man’s eyes remained locked on Otto’s, and though he seemed intent on obeying Rhaenyra’s orders and letting the man go, his hands remained stuck in place as if unable to move. Aegon could see by the look in his eyes that Criston wanted nothing more than to break Otto’s neck, and though a part of him wanted to see that as well, as it would be a fitting end for his grandsire to die and be left to rot in this disgusting cell, it seemed that that’s what Otto wanted.

Criston seemed to realise this, tightening his grip on the man’s neck one last time before grunting and stepping back, not leaving as he did not wish to leave Rhaenyra and Aegon alone, but putting some distance between himself and Otto, as he knew he’d kill him if he lingered for just a second longer.

“Bites and then is called to heel, just like a dog”, his grandsire mused as he rolled his sore neck, fists clenching as his hands were tied up by chains and he gave them all a smile, “Alicent was very fond of you both, and yet here you are now betraying her. He who she thought of as her white knight, turning against her in favor of she who just could not bear no longer being the center of attention, and left her one friend behind when she needed her most”

“And why was that?”, Aegon questioned angrily, “Why would mother need Rhaenyra so much, if not for the position you placed her in in the first place?”

“Your mother is my greatest pride and joy”, Otto said, “She is my daughter before she is anything else, as I am her father first. I wanted Alicent to be the Queen so she could have power, something not many women actually have. ‘Tis thanks to me that she lived a life of such comfort, and you will just stand there and watch as all is taken from her, as she’s killed. All because you’re a coward”

Aegon shook his head, as if willing his grandsire’s words to fall out of his ears. He knew that Otto was saying all of this just to upset him, scare him even, and though he now knew for a fact that they were all lies, a familiar feeling of dread took hold of his heart as the man continued to speak.

He didn’t want to listen to him, and yet as it always was with his grandsire, Aegon couldn’t move.

“Aemond might be dead already”, the man taunted him, “I’m certain Rhaenyra has told you he’s not, probably even tried to show you proof that he still lives, but you must know that that’s not true Aegon. I’ve told you many times before, as I know your mother has as well, you’re all in danger. If you don’t do anything to stop her, Rhaenyra will kill your siblings. I know that Daeron is here, as is Helaena and as are you, all in one place just as she always wanted, making it easy for her to take you all out the second your father dies. Will you just stand there and watch as their heads roll?”

“Shut up”, Aegon screamed, a stray tear running down his cheek before he angrily wiped it off.

Otto finally stopped talking, just staring at him and smirking, evidently enjoying the fact that his words still had such an effect on his grandson. The man got off on having power over others, that much was clear, and Aegon hated himself for allowing him to think that he still held any over him.

For allowing him to still hold any power over him.

Rhaenyra grabbed onto him, berating herself out loud for allowing this meeting to take place and ordering the guards to tie Otto up with every chain they could find, to make sure he was as uncomfortable as he could be, and most importantly to shut his mouth as soon as possible.

“You look so much like your mother in certain lights”, Otto mused as the guards approached him with some pieces of cloth, “Those big eyes and those long curls, you got it all from her. I hope you see her each time you look in the mirror after your beloved Rhaenyra cuts her head off for simply trying to defend her children”

Aegon’s eyes snapped to his grandsire, frozen on the spot where he stood and yet wanting to both jump on the man and finish the job Criston had started, using the cloth the guards were now tying around his grandsire's mouth to instead tie it around his throat, and to run away and never come back. But he just stood there. Images of his mother’s terrified face flashing through his mind, of all the times she’d seen her cry at the mere thought of what might happen to them once Rhaenyra ascended, of what might have been happening to Aemond whilst he lived with Daemon.

His mother had done much wrong, and though that part of her may have died as Helaena had said, it had done so out of a fear so devastating that her mind could not process it, and she’d been left broken by it all. The Queen Alicent Hightower he once knew and feared was dead, and little Lady Alicent had been left behind, as his mother’s fear had evidently gotten to a point where her mind had just split in half, and she’d reverted back to the only time in her life when she’d known any peace.

If she stood by her father as she’d been taught to do the Lady Alicent would die, and her face on his own would haunt Aegon until his last day, just like his grandsire said.

“Valonqar”, Rhaenyra whispered as she called for him once more, as she had been for quite some time now, after having almost dragged him away from the black cells and continuing to curse herself for allowing him there in the first place.

“Aegon it’s alright”, Criston joined in.

But the boy could barely hear them, turning away and somehow finding his way back to his chambers, but not before calling for a servant to fetch him some wine.

Chapter Text

“Uncle please open the door”, Jacaerys begged from outside his chambers, “I brought you some lemon cakes, we could eat them together if you let me in”

Aegon ignored him, laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling as he’d been doing for almost two whole days now, only getting up to eat whatever the maids Rhaenyra sent left on his doorstep. His sister had tried to speak with him more than once, waiting outside his rooms until he finally exited them to get the food, but he always ignored her.

He didn’t want to talk to anybody, didn’t want to see anybody, he just wanted to be alone.

He knew he shouldn’t, as in truth being alone had never done him any good, and he knew that his mind was not in the right state at the moment, but he didn’t care. His last meeting with his grandsire had broken something within him, and Aegon now found himself dealing with the same despair that had kept him chained to this bed for so many years, one he’d thought he’d finally rid himself of once he allowed his sister into his heart.

But now it was back, and Aegon just wanted to be alone.

“Marla has been looking for you”, his nephew said, “She just wants to know if you’re alright, we all do”

Knowing that the girl he so liked had been worrying for him should make him feel something, and though Aegon desperately needed it to, he felt nothing. He didn’t know what was wrong with him, as in truth all his grandsire had said had not been much different from the rants he’d gone on many times over since he’d first come back to the Keep, and yet Aegon couldn’t move.

In the end he’d never ended up drinking that wine, and though he knew that he could as nobody was there to stop him, he didn’t want to. He thought he did when he first asked for that servant to bring it to his chambers, but then he’d simply placed it on the floor and left it there. He’d hoped that the wine might help soothe his heart and most importantly his mind as it had many times before, and yet he almost hadn’t wanted it to, for some reason wishing to feel all the pain his mind had to offer.

“I don’t know what happened to make you so sad, but I’m sorry”, Jace mumbled, “If you need me I’m here uncle, just call for me and I’ll come to you, you know that”

Aegon wanted nothing more than to just get up and open the door, to allow his nephew’s presence to comfort him as it always had no matter how dark his mind got, but nothing. He found himself stuck in place, continuing to stare at the ceiling for hours on end as night fell over King’s Landing.

He hadn’t spoken to anyone since he’d found his way back to his chambers, locking the door behind him and placing a pillow over his face to muffle their voices as both Rhaenyra and Criston begged him to let them in. Their concern for him had been obvious, and though Aegon hadn’t found the strength to get up, he had assured them that he wouldn’t try to kill himself, thinking about what had happened the last time someone in their family had locked themselves in a room alone, and how that probably made their worry for him even worse considering his current mental state.

Rhaenyra had not seemed reassured by his words, and had even threatened to call for someone to break the door down before realising that that would not make Aegon get out, and just standing there with her ear pressed against the doors and listening in until she’d thought he’d fallen asleep, though in truth he hadn’t done that much if at all these past two days. She’d come to try and visit him every couple of hours, trying to get him to understand that she just wanted to make sure that he was alright, as she believed that speaking with someone might do him well.

And though he knew that to be true, he couldn’t.

His mind was haunted by all the ways in which he’d hurt everyone, let it be his father for not being the son he’d so dreamed of, the Queen Aemma for all she’d suffered because of him, Rhaenyra for not allowing her to ascend without worry, Aemond for all the ways in which he’d made his life more difficult than it ever needed to be.

His mother for having been born.

Aegon knew that most of his thoughts were not rational, and yet he couldn’t stop them from bringing him down and making him feel like he could not get off his bed, until he turned his head and his gaze fell on a mirror. As he looked at himself, eyes wide and sad, hair all over the place and nails destroyed as he’d ripped them to shreds without even realising it, he saw his mother.

He slowly stood up, legs shaking underneath him and eyes stuck on his reflection, on the woman he saw staring back at him, and as he sat before the mirror, he almost instinctively brought his hand to touch it, gently caressing her cheek as if to comfort her, something he knew she’d so desperately needed for so long.

As he looked at himself now, he could see how his mother was at his age, looking at her own reflection as she readied herself to be crowned as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, exiting her chambers as a free woman for the very last time and entering a prison she would never escape from. She’d been so young and scared, being forced down a path that brought her naught but misery and despair, that would forever alter her life as the young and happy girl she once had been was killed by her own father, who traded her life for a crown.

She’d become an angry woman, one who took out her rage and frustration on her eldest son whenever she pleased, screaming in his face and hitting him for no reason at all, and Aegon had hated her more than any other for so long. And yet as he looked at her image in the mirror, all he saw was a scared little girl, one who’d given up her whole self for someone who did not deserve it.

Her father had used her as a pawn for his own gain, never seeing her as anything but a walking womb who could get him as close to the throne as one could be without wearing the crown themselves, and her husband had done much the same, placing his children on her without a care in the world for what she wanted, probably never once asking her how and why a girl so young had found her way to his chambers.

Forcing her to bear his children only to then ignore them all for years, as she then had to watch her former friend live out a life she claimed to condemn, but that she envied more than anything while she remained stuck in her gilded cage.

“I’m sorry”, he whispered as he continued to caress her cheek, watching as tears welled up in her eyes and only snapping out of the spell he’d fallen under when he felt them run down his own face.

Without thinking about it Aegon brought his hands to his hair, fingers following the curl pattern his mother had as well, thinking back to the few times he’d been there as the maids created those intricate hairstyles she always wore. From the very first years of life that Aegon could remember, she’d always worn her hair in tight updos, often making him wonder how it could be comfortable for her to go around with so many pins in her hair, until he’d realised that her comfort was not a concern.

Between her hairstyles and her tight dresses, his mother’s appearence was naught but a show of how caged in she felt by the life she was being forced to live, trapped within herself and yet having to play the part. She had not felt comfortable in years, and nobody had cared, not even her.

His mother had gotten so used to pain she felt that she didn’t even notice it anymore, so used to the cage she’d lived in for so long that she hadn’t even realised she’d been making it smaller for herself as the years went by, that she’d been forcing her children in it as well.

The dagger he found had been a present from Helaena for his thirteenth nameday, as she’d asked for it to be commissioned so he might one day “protect the kingmakers”, whatever that meant. Aegon had never used it, apart from the few times he’d gotten so bored whilst alone in his chambers, that he’d wielded it to carve out some drawings under his table.

The first swipe caught him off guard, as even though he’d been the one to hold up his own hair and wield the knife to cut it off, he almost hadn’t expected it to actually work. He just watched that chunk of white hair fall on his leg, already beginning to feel lighter as he continued to cut more and more off, until it reached right below his ears.

He’d always kept his hair long, more out of a lack of interest in getting it cut and figuring out a hairstyle he liked than anything else, and yet cutting it felt meaningful for some reason. His white hair had been a condemnation for him, a constant reminder of the weight his brith and title forced him to carry, and it had been a curse for his mother, as each time she looked at it she was reminded of both her husband and her former friend.

Of all she’d suffered for him and all she’d lost because of him.

As he just sat there, observing the new boy who stared back at him in the mirror, he heard a noise, one so small and insignificant that it probably would’ve gone unnoticed if Aegon’s rooms hadn’t been ruled by complete silence for days now. He looked to his side and saw a small note that had been slipped under his door, and as he let his curiosity get the best of him, he got up to take it.

The second his eyes landed on the missive and saw that beautiful handwriting he knew who’d sent it, and for but a moment he wondered if he could actually read it, but before he could put it aside and go back to his bed, he opened it.

- Aegon, I was glad to receive your letter, as I’d been meaning to write to you as well, but each time I sat down I didn’t know what to say. I wish for you to know that I appreciate your apologies, and I too hope that things can get better between us. I’ve been your brother for my whole life, and though I know you think I only ever cared about books and dragons, I never yearned for anything more than to just be your friend. These past moons have not been easy for me, as I can imagine they have been difficult for you as well and I was happy to read that the wound on your shoulder has healed, and I hope that if we ever do find our way back to each other, we may finally take to the skies together, if you want to that is. I’ve had a long time to think back on all that happened that night, and I now know that I should’ve listened to you and stopped. I can not explain why I did what I did, as in truth I barely remember most of it as I was so angry, but I need you to know that I’m sorry I hurt you, and Jacaerys as well. I know you care for him very much, and I’m sorry I almost took him from you. You asked how I was faring, and though I know it might be hard to believe, Prince Daemon has been kind to me, and things are actually going quite well between us, especially since we left High Tide. Baela and Rhaena have been kind as well, especially considering the fact that they both looked like they wanted to kill me for a while after you all first left, but they seem to have changed their minds. We’ve been speaking much these past few days, and though I don't know why they're being so nice to me I can't say that I mind, and I can see us living together in peace one day. Please tell Jacaerys that I hope he’s doing well, and I don’t know if you’ve gone back to King’s Landing yet, but if you have then please tell mother, Helaena and Ser Criston that I love and miss them all very much, as I hope you know I love and miss you as well. Aemond -

For once in his life, the tears that were streaming down Aegon’s cheeks were not of rage or upset, but happiness. He read the letter over and over again, taking in all the things his brother had written that assured him that things could truly end well for the two of them. It seemed that Aemond did not yet know of their grandsire’s arrest, and he certainly didn’t know of their mother’s current condition, and though Aegon didn’t doubt that neither of those things would bode well with his younger brother, he knew that he’d be there to help him through it all.

As he always should have.

From the moment he was first born Aemond had been his little brother, one he was supposed to love and protect with all his might, one who should’ve known that he could come to him whenever he was hurt or sad, but Aegon hadn’t allowed for that to happen. He’d let his own issues take hold of his heart and hinder their relationship, so if Aemond came back to the Keep and found out that Aegon had aided those they’d been taught to believe were their enemies, and if he didn’t want anything to do with him, then Aegon would have none to blame but himself.

His little brother had needed him all his life, and Aegon hadn’t been there for him, but that would not happen again.

Without really thinking about the fact that it was the middle of the night Aegon stood up, having read the same letter for what felt like hours and finally deciding that it was not meant for him alone, and that another would find some comfort in it as well. He didn’t really know if he was allowed to do this, and considering all that had happened the last time he did something like this he knew he should be wary of this meeting going poorly, and yet he knew he needed to do this.

“My Prince”, Ser Darklyn muttered surprised.

“I wish to see my mother”, he said, “I just want to talk to her, that is all”

Aegon knew that by his father’s first order, none but him, Rhaenyra and Septa Delena were allowed to see the Queen, and yet he also knew that but a couple days ago he’d given a new order, so Helaena might visit her as well, as his sister had apparently made it clear to their father that for some reason she needed to have access to their mother’s rooms. Viserys had tried to question his daughter on the matter, but alas her answers had been as unclear as ever, speaking of rivers and muddy gates, and yet it seemed that the King knew that if Helaena said something, she had her reasons.

“I won’t be long”, he assured him, “You may alert my father if you wish it”

The knight didn’t look like he had valid reasons to deny him, so Aegon assumed that the King’s latest order had included him amongst those who could visit his mother, and the moment the doors opened, he knew he’d made the right decision in coming here.

After Jacaerys was born, his mother had asked for her old chambers to be turned into a nursery so her own children and the Princess’ might sleep in different places, and though Aegon and his siblings had stopped sleeping in their cots many years ago now, he knew that his mother had kept Aemond’s. She’d had it placed in the Queen’s chambers when he was first born to keep him by her side, and when he’d outgrown it she’d had it moved to her old rooms, along with some toys Aemond had so loved as a small babe.

She was sitting by it now, looking within it with a big smile on her face as she caressed a stuffed toy dragon she’d placed underneth the blankets. That had been Aemond’s most favorite toy for years, as Aegon vividly remembered his little brother carrying it around everywhere he went and showing it off to anyone who would pay him any mind as if it were a real dragon, and he also knew that their mother had been the one to make it for him. No matter how much Alicent had always disliked and feared dragons, she knew that her son loved them, and had cared enough to make the toy herself and to then keep it for all these years.

“Mother”, he called for her as he walked to the cot, keeping his tone low to avoid scaring her.

When her eyes first landed on him, they seemed so terribly empty that Aegon was almost certain she was looking through him, and that she wasn’t sure that he was actually there, or worst of all that she once again thought he was Aemond. He’d played along the first time, but he didn’t know if he could do it again.

“Aegon”, she said once she finally recognised him as her smile only grew, “Hi Aegon”

“Hello mother”, he whispered, “I have something to show you”

Alicent looked most intrigued as she watched him approach, shuffling to get closer to him as he sat by her side. Once he handed her the letter she seemed confused, just gently tracing the ink lines that made up the letters of his name, before her eyes widened and she mouthed his brother’s name.

Watching her read the letter was almost painful, as she alternated between giggling and crying in a way that could not be natural and most importantly could not be true to someone who was in their right mind. Aegon knew that his mother’s fears and suffering had broken her in many ways, and could only hope that she could still be put back together, and that perhaps hearing from Aemond would help her.

“My babe”, she cooed as she caressed Aemond’s signature.

“He’s well mother”, Aegon said, “Aemond is well, and I think he’ll be with us again soon enough”

“He’s coming here?”, she questioned startled, “He’s coming home?”

He nodded, happy to see his mother smile so brightly, as he realised this might be the first time he’d seen her truly smile in years. In truth he wasn’t actually certain that Aemond would be joining their uncle as Daemon came back to the Keep for Otto’s trial, and yet as he saw how incredibly happy his mother was, he hoped he would. The moment she threw herself in his arms he didn’t really know what to do, relishing in the way she hugged him close to her as he’d longed for this for his whole life, hence why holding her back felt natural.

The last time this had happened had been most disturbing for him, as he’d known that she hadn’t been in her right mind, and he wasn’t truly certain that she was now, but at least she knew who he was. She understood that he was Aegon, her firstborn child and eldest son, and for the first time in his life, she didn’t seem to hate him for it.

An hour later, the King grew worried about his son, as he’d been told that Aegon had gone to visit his mother, and though he’d wanted to run to Alicent’s chambers and keep an eye on the two as they interacted, especially considering all that had apparently happened between them when they were left alone for all those years, he’d resisted. He knew how important of a moment this was for his son, as Aegon had left his own chambers for the first time in two whole days just to visit his mother, so he must’ve had a good reason to do it, and he’d yet to hear reports of any screming match having taken place so he assumed things were not going too poorly.

But after some time he started to worry, so he made his way to Alicent’s chambers, and what he saw once he entered them confused him and warmed his heart at the same time, and after standing there for a while and taking it all in, he made sure to be quiet as he closed the door once he left.

Not wishing to wake them up as Aegon slept soundly in his mother’s arms.

Chapter Text

“That looks very pretty Alicent”, Septa Delena praised as her niece showed her her work.

“Thank you”, she answered shyly as she continued to braid Helaena’s hair, “I’ve had a lot of practice, Rhaenyra and I used to do this for one another each night before we went to sleep. Your hair always was so very beautiful sister”

“I’m Helaena mother”, his sister corrected her with a bright smile, seemingly unbothered by the continuous signs of Alicent’s mind failing her, or at least not as concerned by them as Aegon and Delena both were.

Helaena had taken to visiting Alicent quite often these past few days, getting very upset whenever someone tried to call for her to leave their mother, as if in her mind she knew she had to stay put. Aegon didn’t understand Helaena’s behavior, and though he’d tried questioning her on the matter, more than ready to just sit there and try to decipher his sister’s riddles, she’d remained silent but for a single phrase.

“You’ll be at the muddy gate and I’ll be here”, was all she’d said.

And whatever that meant Aegon did not know, but nontheless he was happy to see his mother and sister together, as they were finally starting to form the bond he’d always hoped they’d have. When they’d first woken up Alicent had been elated by his presence, immediately calling for her aunt so she might meet her son, and failing to notice that someone else was there as well.

Helaena had been in Alicent’s rooms for almost a whole hour by the time their mother became aware of her presence and actually recognised her daughter, and had immediately decided that they needed to do each other’s hair.

“I was very happy when you were born”, Alicent cooed, “I always wanted a daughter, a little me to dress up and whose hair I could play with, but then you made me sad”

“And why is that?”, Delena questioned, as it seems that the Queen’s aunt had taken it upon herself to try and dive deep in her niece’s mind to hopefully figure out when everything had gone wrong and how it could be fixed.

“Because she reminded me of me”, she explained, “And of her as well, and that made me really sad. I wanted you to be happy, but you were like me so I knew I couldn’t help you”

Aegon sighed, wishing to tell his mother that she could have helped her daughter if she’d simply resisted her father, and yet knowing that that had never been an option for her. He struggled greatly to understand the relationship between those two, and yet found that he really didn’t as for years on end he had found himself in a similar situation with her.

Otto had brought great misery upon his daughter, and she’d still followed his lead and cared for him, and Aegon had done the very same with her. His mother had spent most of his life berating him at every turn and hitting him for no reason at all, and yet here he was, sitting by her side and holding some hairpins for her while she did his sister’s hair.

He didn’t know why things were this way, or how he still felt so attached to a woman who’d hurt him so, and yet as he looked at her now, he found that he didn’t mind it so much. If his mother’s heart darkened once more, then Aegon would hopefully find the bravery to stand up to her, but if she healed and stayed true to herself, then he might finally get the mother he’d always needed.

“I used to braid your hair too when you were small”, she revealed as she ran her fingers through his short curls, “We were so lonely when you were first born, and as soon as your hair was long enough I started braiding it in secret. Father never liked it, as he said it made you look like a girl and it was important for people to remember that you were a boy, but I always thought you looked very pretty”

His mother gave him a small smile, and some minutes later Aegon’s hair had been braided in the ways of their house, and though he didn’t mind how it looked, it was most obvious that Alicent had only ever learned how to care for women’s hair, as the style was a little girlier than what he would’ve chosen for himself.

But she seemed happy, so he didn’t care.

“You look so beautiful”, she cooed as she watched them both, “Do you not think so aunt? When Aemond and Daeron come back I shall have you meet them as well, so you might see how gorgeous all my babes are”

“Of course”, Septa Delena said, throwing a confused look Aegon’s way as she knew very well that Daeron had been back at the Keep for a while now, and was evidently trying to understand wether Alicent hadn’t been told, or if she’d simply forgotten.

“Do you know when that might happen?”, Alicent questioned, “Viserys told me Aemond would be here soon, but it’s been some time now and still nothing. Is he alrig-”

Suddenly someone knocked on the door, and just as Ser Criston’s head popped through it, Aegon felt his mother’s body freeze. She had seen him around court the few times she’d exited her chambers, silently observing him as he stood by Jace’ side, and yet she hadn’t said a word about it.

Aegon didn’t know if his mother’s mind allowed her to remember all the years she spent with Criston or the oath the man had made and then broken, but he could tell that seeing him pained her. The knight as well didn’t look most comfortable whenever he saw the Queen, as the embarassed cough he let out once he entered the chambers proved.

“My Queen”, he said as he gave her a small bow, “The King and the Lady Hand have called for Prince Aegon to join them in His Grace’s rooms”

Alicent didn’t say anything, just standing up and slowly walking to the man, who in turn straightened himself up and placed his arms behind his back like a soldier waiting for orders. His mother was quiet as she observed him, almost assessing each inch of his face before letting out a small giggle.

“I always thought you were very beautiful”, she admitted, “But you look happy now, and that’s better than beautiful. I’m happy too, and I’m sorry we couldn’t make each other happy. I really wanted us to when you were my knight, but I think we just made it worse”

The man remained silent, eyes widening slightly as he probably hadn’t expected the Queen to speak so plainly, and yet knowing that her words rang true. His mother and her now former shield had relied on one another for many years, desperately seeking a comfort they both needed, and yet simply enabling each other’s worst traist and behaviors. Aegon was glad to hear that his mother was happy, and yet his heart broke once more as he realised that she only was because her mind no longer allowed her to think clearly.

Though perhaps that was not a bad thing.

As Aegon noted that Ser Cole seemed stuck in place, unable to move as he stared at the Queen, he subtly placed a hand on his arm to push him out of her chambers, bidding his mother goodbye before himself and the knight made their way to the King’s rooms.

“Are you alright?”, Criston questioned.

“I think so”, Aegon muttered, “It’s weird seeing her like this, but she seems happier than ever before, so I suppose that’s better than nothing. I can’t tell if she really is aware of what’s going on around her, but considering what is about to happen to Otto and how pained we both know she would be by it, it’s probably better this way”

“I was worried when I was told you were alone with her”, the knight confessed, “I didn’t know what she was doing to you Aegon, I need you to know that”

He took a deep breath, eyes rolling in the back of his head as he knew exactly what the other man was speaking of, and very much did not want to talk about it. He’d just spent a beautiful morn with his mother, finally getting to feel her love for the first time in his life, he didn’t want to think about the past.

“I knew she disliked you”, he continued, “I knew she did not care for how you struggled with your duties and how close you were to Prince Jacaerys, and that perhaps at times she raised her voice with you, but I never knew that she hit you or that he did. If I had then-”

“Then what?”, Aegon questioned as he let out a heavy sigh, “You would’ve turned against her to defend me? Ser Criston please, I see that you’re trying to do better and am happy for both you and Jace, but please let us not act like you were nice to me. You never hit me, that is true enough, but you screamed at me almost every single day and made it much harder for me to be with the only people who ever brought me some comfort. One of which you ordered me to beat up with a wooden sword if you recall”

He knew it was probably unkind of him to bring this up, as he saw the man flinch at the memories of that day, but he didn’t really care. Criston was trying to become a better person, but that did not erase all he’d done before his sudden change. He’d been an evil man who aided the Queen in making sure that her eldest son felt like shit under everyone’s shoes for his whole life, and just because he had never hit him, that did not mean he could try and stand on his made up high horse now.

“You were mean”, he spat out, “You were one of the meanest people I knew, and for no reason at all. I can somewhat understand why my mother hated me, but you were just mean. I am trying to put aside everything I ever held against you because I know you’re trying to make up for it all and I want to see you succeed in your efforts, but please don’t ask that I act like you never did anything wrong”

The man fell silent, a pained expression on his face as one might think Aegon had struck him, but he didn’t care. Criston had much to make amends for, and though he understood that his son came first and was his greatest concern, he’d done much wrong to Aegon as well, and he’d have to make up for that too if he wanted the boy to forgive him.

Aegon had tried to just act like nothing had happened between them, knowing that he too had much more pressing concerns when it came to relationships he had to fix, like that with his sister and mother, and that with his brother. Criston was not Aegon’s main concern at the moment, but hearing the man as he spoke ill of his mother had bothered him greatly, even though he knew that she probably deserved it.

Criston had no right to speak poorly of anyone after all he’d done, so Aegon didn’t even turn to face him again before entering his father’s chambers and locking the door behind him.

“We have a problem”, Rhaenyra sighed, “Lord Ormund is dead”

“What?”, Aegon questioned startled, quickly walking to his sister and joining her as she sat by their father’s bed, “What happened?”

He knew that the man had reached King’s Landing alongside Daeron, and that he had been brought to the black cells soon after. He’d heard Rhaenyra and the King speak of him a couple times, as they’d apprently tried talking to him on more than one occasion, but to his credit the man had stuck to his silence apart from his attempts at denying the accusations that were being levied against him, going so far as to claim that the letter he’d sent Otto had not been written by him.

Even as his signature and personal wax seal loomed large on the missive.

“As you know he was ill for some time a while back”, his sister said, “From what we were told by the men who spoke to the Maesters of Oldtown it seemed to have all stemmed from an injury he sustained during a stroll with his wife and son. He fell off his horse and they had to drag him back to Oldtown on their own own, and apparently his wound was grave, but then he got better. The Lady Samantha herself spoke of this in the missive she sent me, of how her husband’s injury had seemed quite serious at first but that he was beginning to feel better, and now he’s dead”

“But why?” he asked once more, “If the injury was so bad then it would’ve killed him long ago, and it’s been over a moon by now since Otto spoke of Lord Ormund’s illness. Why’d it take him now?”

“Gerardys told me it probably became infected while he travelled here”, Rhaenyra explained, “Apparently Lord Ormund began complaining quite loudly a couple days ago, and though at first the guards thought he was just trying to get out of his cell, they quickly saw that the wound on his leg looked much worse than it had but days before, so they called me. Gerardys did everything he could, but from what he said it was already too late”

“We need to send a missive to Oldtown”, Viserys said surely, “If the people find out about this from someone else they might think we killed him. We need to make sure that our letter reach Ormund’s family before anyone else’s, so they might hear the truth before someone tries to spin their own tale”

Rhaenyra quickly reached for some parchment paper, and she and the King began to write a missive, as she tried to reassure her father that all would be well, as she for some reason seemed most certain that neither the Lady Samantha nor Lyonel would be saddened by the news of Ormund’s death. Aegon had asked his sister about why exactly she seemed so keen on trusting the Lady Samantha, as she had yet to reveal to any the contents of the missive the other woman had sent her way, but she'd refused to tell him.

“Shouldn’t we send someone to keep an eye on them?”, he questioned lowly, wishing to speak his mind but not knowing if it was his place to suggest something to the King and his Heir, “I understand that you have your reasons to trust them sister, but should we not send someone to make sure that Lyonel in particular stays loyal to you once he ascends as Lord of Oldtown? From what Otto said at the time he did not seem particularly keen on helping him usurp the throne, but perhaps now with this newfound power he might yearn for more”

“That’s very unlikely”, Rhaenyra almost chuckled, “Do not fret valonqar, we already have men in Oldtown, and we will send even more as they deliever this letter, but I still think that the Lady Samantha and the new Lord of Oldtown know that ‘tis better for them if they stay on my good side”

Aegon shook his head, still incredibly confused and yet feeling somewhat reassured by the certainty in his sister’s voice. He knew that Rhaenyra was not a fool and that she was not one to trust just anyone, so if she really did have her reasons to trust Samantha and Lyonel, he believed that they must be valid ones.

“Does Otto know?”, he asked.

“Yes he does”, Viserys answered, “If I may say it he didn’t seem too upset about it, and from what I was told the last time himself and his nephew spoke to one another was when Ormund first got here, and Otto berated him for getting caught. Apparently Ormund told him of how we lured him here under the false pretence that Otto had called for him, and his uncle did not appreciate him falling for it”

“He knows he can’t count on Lyonel”, Aegon mumbled, “He called him a fool some time ago, because he didn’t want to fight and die for Otto’s ploys. Maybe that’s why he tried to get himself killed all those days ago, he knows he has no allies and that there’s no way out of this, and just wanted it to be over before you got the pleasure of killing him, to not give you the satisfaction. He probably thought that Ormund would help him, but seeing him walk into the black cells took away his last hope”

“That’s what I thought”, Rhaenyra nodded, “Hence why I stopped Criston, a quick death is too easy for a man like Otto, and I want him to suffer. After everything he did and all he wished to do to us, I want him to know that death is coming and have to just wait for it, waking up each day and not knowing if it will be his last. He’s been stuck in the most disgusting cell the Keep has to offer for almost a whole moon by now, and if that last meeting we had proved anything, is that he hasn’t learned his lesson just yet. The trial will take place in the next sennight, and it will be much quicker than previously expected now that Ormund’s dead, so it won’t take long for us all to finally be rid of him”

Aegon observed his sister and the small smile that made its way on her face, knowing that he should probably be disturbed by her smirking at the mere thought of killing someone of his own blood, and yet feeling much the same. Otto would die, and before that he would suffer and then be humiliated, losing his reputation and therefore the one thing he’d ever truly cared for.

He would stand there in the Throne Room as each and every Lord and Lady of Westeros heard of all he did, and of how stupid he’d been as he got caught, humiliated before all the people who for so long had thought him all powerful.

Otto had tried to rally the Realm to take down the house of the dragon, but alas they’d all just stand there and watch as his head rolled.

“What of Gwayne?”, Aegon questioned, “I know that he too came with Lord Ormund, and Daeron has asked about him a lot, but I’ve heard nothing”

“Gwayne is complicated”, his sister sighed, “He was a member of the City Watch for a long time before he left for Oldtown with Daeron, doing so just to be by his nephew’s side. I was there when he came to ask you for leave father, and I remember him being quite upset about Daeron being sent away”

“He was”, Viserys agreed, “I don’t really know what he was told of why exactly Daeron was leaving for Oldtown, but he was not happy about it. He didn’t dare speak his mind with me, but I then found out that he was heard complaining of how such a small boy should not be stripped away from his mother’s arms, so I suppose he did not know that Alicent was the one who suggested that Daeron live in Oldtown”

“I still don’t understand why you did that”, Rhaenyra mumbled, “You knew what Otto was and yet you gave him your son, though I guess you also took him back as your Hand but a couple years after that, so he must’ve regained your trust somehow after he tried to ruin me”

Viserys sighed heavily, hand coming to rub over his face as his daughter once again took the opportunity to remind him of his failures. He’d always had a great relationship with Rhaenyra, or at least that’s what he’d thought until everything had happened, and she’d finally started revealing to him how she truly felt. To know that he’d failed her so and that she knew of it, and thought that he simply hadn’t cared about her enough to protect her hurt him greatly, but alas he couldn’t deny her accusations.

He’d been weak and foolish for a long time, placing his own peace of mind above his family’s safety, and all his children had suffered because of it, but no more.

“Gwayne has been a model prisoner since he first got here”, he said, “I haven’t spoken to him just yet, but I do know that he’s asked after Daeron every day, just wishing to know how he was adjusting. It seems that during these past couple of years the two spent all their days together, and that he became almost like a father to him. I will speak with him later today, and just try to understand if he takes after his father and would rather have power than be with his kin, or if perhaps his love for Daeron will stay his hand”

“He cares for mother as well”, Aegon chimed in, “I don’t remember seeing them together much even whilst he still lived here, but I do know that they kept in contact after he moved to Oldtown, and mother often spoke of how she loved him so. Maybe letting them see one another might help them bot-”

“It’s too soon for that”, his father denied him, “Before Gwayne leaves his cell, if he ever does, we must ensure that he has no intention on continuing his father’s work in his stead. So far we have no reason to believe that Gwayne wished to partake in treason as well, as none of the missives that were found either here or in Oldtown mention him, but we can not be certain. We must tread carefully with these people”

Aegon nodded, just sitting there as Rhaenyra and Viserys continued to work on the letter they meant to send to Oldtown, to let all know that Lord Ormund had passed and that none at the Keep had anything to do with it. From what Rhaenyra said the man had not spoken of his injury when he’d first arrived at King’s Landing, probably to avoid being perceived as weak, and since the Lady Samantha had assured all that her husband had healed well, none had cared to call for the Maester.

But alas it seemed like the man’s pride had been his doom, and just like that, Otto Hightower had lost the one ally he had left and perhaps the only one he’d ever truly had.

Or so they thought.

Chapter Text

The nuncheon had been going so well.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys were speaking about how excited the Princess was about her granddaughters coming to King’s Landing, Jacaerys and Laenor were talking about how well the boy’s meeting with the Maester had gone, Daeron and Luke were fighting about who would get the last piece of cake that hadn’t even been served yet, Helaena and Corlys were discussing some bug the girl had read about that the Seasnake had seen upclose while on his travels, and Viserys was looking at them all like they’d placed the stars in the sky.

Everything was going so well as for once in his life, Aegon could finally feel them all turning into a real family, and his heart almost burst with joy as he saw how natural it had felt for his siblings to come into the picture, as all loved Helaena and had quickly warmed up to Daeron as well. He knew that it would not be so easy with Aemond or his mother, but he trusted that it would work because things were going too well for it not to.

So of course Aegon had to ruin everything.

“I want to be at the trial”, he said suddenly, immediately dropping his fork as he hadn’t really expected the words to actually come out of his mouth.

He’d been thinking about it for a long time now, about wanting to be there as justice was served and his grandsire finally got what was coming for him, and yet he’d never actually spoken on the matter because he’d feared being denied. The more he thought about it the more certain he was that he needed to be there, but he didn’t know if anyone else would agree with him.

Rhaenyra and Viserys shared a look, and from the way his sister’s lips pressed tightly against one another Aegon knew she did not think this was a good idea, and even though he could agree with her, he needed to do it.

“I want to be there mandia”, he repeated more surely now, “I want to be there as Otto is found guilty for all he did and planned to do. I want to be there as my mother is avenged”

“Aegon”, she sighed, “I understand why you want to do this valonqar, but I’m just not certain it’s what is best for you now. Your wounds are so fresh, and though you’ve done a good job so far and are healing well, we’ve seen that that man is still as bad as he was before his arrest. I don’t know what he might say during the trial valonqar, and I’m not sure it’s wise for you to be exposed t-”

“It can’t be worse than anything he hasn’t already said”, he argued, “Trust me sister, though the man was at the Keep for barely over a moon before everything happened, he used each and every second we spent together to be as horrible to me as he possibly could be. I swear to you that I will not utter a word and will not allow him to get under my skin. Whatever he may say is something I’ve probably heard before, and if I do feel like I have to leave then I will”

Rhaenyra did not seem convinced and seemed intent on talking back, but Aegon saw his father whisper something in her ear before her mouth clamped shut, and though he did not get an answer to his request, he was ready to fight to be in that room.

He wanted to be there as his grandsire lost everything, as his mother and as he himself were avenged and the man who’d tormented them so was finally punished.

“Grandsire was always very mean”, he heard Daeron whisper to Luke at one point, and his heart plummeted, “He used to visit me you know, when we were in Oldtown, and he was really mean”

“Why?”, Lucerys questioned.

“I don’t know”, his little brother answered, and Aegon swore that all at the table heard his heart break as a small pout showed up on Daeron’s face, “I think he didn’t like me, but I don’t know why. He was always angry about how small Tessarion was, and about me not being a good fighter. Uncle Gwayne told me to ignore him, but he was always so mad at me, though I don’t know why. Maybe I did some-”

“No you didn’t”, Aegon denied vehemently, his tone loud and angry as he spoke, something he quickly regretted as he saw Daeron flinch, “I’m sorry brother, I didn’t mean to scare you. But you must know that you didn’t do anything”

“You don’t know that”, Daeron mumbled.

“Yes I do”, he insisted, “That man is a monster, always has been and always will be. You didn’t do anything to make him angry, he’s just an evil cunt who gets off on scaring little kids”

And suddenly the whole Great Hall fell silent as everyone’s eyes fell on him, and for but a moment Aegon felt embarrassed, thinking about just standing up and retreating back to his rooms, but then he realised that he didn’t have to hide, because he’d done nothing wrong. Perhaps the language he’d used left much to be desired considering the fact that children were present, but he’d only told the truth, and for once in his life he knew he would no longer be punished for doing just that.

For years he’d told his mother the truth, of how if himself and his brothers just let Rhaenyra take the throne then all would be well, and he’d been hit. He’d told her that forcing him and Helaena into a loveless marriage would mean condemning them both to a life of misery, and he’d been hit. He’d told his grandsire that he didn’t want the throne and that Helaena was too young to become a wife, and he’d been hit.

But that was no longer his reality.

As he finally looked up, he noticed that indeed everyone was staring at him, but they were not angry, just concerned and sad for him. He saw Rhaenyra open her mouth as if to speak, but he just shook his head, not wishing to continue on with this conversation as he realised that if he did wish to talk to Daeron about whatever it was that Otto had done to his brother, he should do it when it was just the two of them so he might feel more at ease.

After some time everyone went back to talking amongst one another, and Aegon just stared at his food and took some deep breaths as he tried to calm down, whilst eavesdropping on a fairly odd conversation between his sister and the Seasnake.

“I’ve never thought about that”, the Lord said confused, “I do like jewelery Princess yes, but I never thought about wearing it in my hair”

“I think it would look very pretty”, Helaena mumbled, “My mother does it sometimes, and I think it would look very nice on you too. Mother did my hair this morn, do you like it?”

“I do Princess”, Lord Corlys said as he gave the girl a sad smile, as he was probably aware of the state her mother was in.

In truth everyone at the Keep now knew of the Queen’s condition, as all had seen her descend in a state of what could only be described as utter madness after her second son was taken away, a state that only worsened once her husband and eldest son left for Driftmark, and all had seen her break down into histerics when her father was arrested.

They’d been most surprised to see her slowly come back to court some time ago, and had been especially taken aback by the fact that she was seen with the King of all people, he who she’d been seemingly certain had taken part in her eldest son’s supposed murder at the hands of the Princess.

Nobody had known what to do to help the Queen, as even though most didn’t really like her due to her treatment of the Princess through the years and how she’d tried to convince them all that kinslaying wasn’t actually that bad when committed by her son, they did feel for her once she started losing it.

“Mother was quite sad”, Helaena whispered to the man as she gently caressed his hair, “But all will be well after tonight, everything will change and all will be well. The river might be there, but so will I”

Aegon’s eyes widened as they landed on his sister, and just as he began questioning her on what she’d said, she got up and left, once again suggesting that Lord Corlys tried placing some jewels in his hair before taking her leave and saying she needed to be with her mother.

He stood up as well, apologising to his father but just vaguely pointing to Helaena before leaving to try and catch up with her, but to her credit his sister was quite fast, and just like that she was gone. He was making his way to his mother’s chambers, wishing to question Helaena once more on why she thought that this night would be important, when he crashed against someone.

Instinctively he grabbed onto them to try and keep them both standing, but alas the person he’d grasped onto was not able to hold him up and within a second they were on the floor. Aegon held his breath and squeezed his eyes shut as he prepared for the impact of his face against the ground, silently bidding his nose and front teeth goodbye as he knew this was bound to hurt, but the body under his own prevented that from happening.

He let out a deep breath and readied himself to apologise to whomever he’d quite literally just dragged down with him, until he finally met their eyes and realised who he’d just crashed against the floor, and whose body he was still pinning down to the ground with his own.

“Hello Aegon”, Marla mumbled as she chuckled at the fear in his eyes, “Though I had been hoping to see you for some time now, I can’t say that this is what I was expecting”

“Hi”, he whispered, beginning to chuckle alongside her at how ridiculous the situation was before remembering that if anyone saw them like this it would not look good, and getting off of her.

“I’m so sorry”, he said hurriedly as he offered her his hand to help her stand, “Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry Marla, I wasn’t looking and I just- Are you alright? I’ll get Gerardys, I really am so so-”

“I’m good”, she reassured him, “Are you alright?”

And so the two went on their merry way, Helaena’s words long forgotten as Aegon found himself lost in his conversation with Marla, as they just walked around the Keep until they reached the Godswood, a place he’d come to think of as their own since they’d always find their way to it for some reason. She told him of a missive she’d received from her brother Jasper, telling her that he’d be coming to the Keep with some of the men from Driftmark who’d been called by Ser Corlys, and Aegon was so happy to see her smile so brightly at the prospect of seeing her brother again, and so he told her of Aemond.

He didn’t know how or why he could feel so comfortable and safe with a girl who in truth, no matter how much he cared for, he barely knew, and yet he did. He told her all about the ways in which he’d been most unkind to his brother, and of how that had been the true reason behind that horrid night at High Tide. He kept his gaze low as he spoke, wary of the looks of judgement she might send his way, ones he knew he deserved but was not ready to face.

“Life can be unjust”, she said finally once he was done speaking, “From what you’ve told me it was most unkind to you, and though that doesn’t justify the way you treated your brother, I do believe he will understand you better if you opened up to him as you did to me. Did you ever speak with him about all your mother and grandsi-”

“He wouldn’t understand”, Aegon mumbled as he ripped some grass, “I tried a couple times, but he doesn’t know mother as I do, and I don’t even know if he and Otto ever spoke while they were both here. All my brother knows is that I was horrible to him for his whole life and for no good reason, he has a right to hate me”

“I don’t think he hates you”, Marla told him as she took his hand in her own, “From what you told me of the letter he sent I don’t believe you have reason to think he hates you. You say you spoke with him, but I have to ask, did you actually do that, or did you just scream out your frustrations at him and expected him to understand like others did with you?”

He shook his head, wanting to be angry at her for daring to imply any sort of similarity between what he’d said about him and Aemond, and what he’d said about him and his mother, and yet he knew he couldn’t. He’d realised it long ago, how unfair he’d been to his brother and how in some ways, he’d almost emulated the way his mother behaved with him when dealing with Aemond, and yet to have someone else aknowledge it as well stung more than it should.

“I’m not trying to shame you”, she whispered as she lifted his chin and allowed their eyes to meet, “I don’t mean to make you feel worse than I know you already do, I’m just saying that perhaps your brother doesn’t understand you because you never gave him the opportunity to. I’m certain that once he comes back here and you two have an actual conversation, things will be better. I failed my brother as well once, more than he will ever know as he was much too young to remember it thankfully, but I do know that if he did ever remember what happened, I would fight to make things right between us. Your brother said it himself did he not, in his missive, that he hoped to rekindle your relationship. Well there you go, he wants to patch things up and so do you, all parts are in the right place for things to be put back together”

Aegon nodded, Marla’s words loud as he played them back in his mind over and over again to reassure himself that things could indeed work out. He’d heard Rhaenyra speak of Aemond as well over nuncheon, and it seemed now certain that his brother would be coming back with Daemon and his girls and they would all be here soon enough, and though Aegon had decided that no matter what he would try his hardest with his brother, knowing that it would happen so soon was scary.

“I really like your new hair”, Marla said, “Though I will say, I already miss those long lock-”

“Happy nameday Marla”, a random maid screamed out as she made her way towards them with a big smile, before she evidently recognised the white haired figure who sat next to her friend and ran off.

“Today’s your nameday?”, he questioned alarmed, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Well I haven’t seen you in days”, she argued, “And I know you have a lot going on, I didn’t think you’d care”

“Of course I care”, he said immediately, almost offended that she’d suggest something like that, and angry with himself for letting her think it, “We must celebrate”

Marla chuckled lightly before her eyes widened as they fell on his own, and she realised that he was deadly serious. She grasped onto his arm to keep him by her side when he got up, declaring that he would make sure that this day would be special for her and heading into the Keep. He bid her goodbye with a kiss on her hand, taking his leave quickly enough after that as his cheeks reddened, but not before once again telling her that they would be celebrating together on this night.

In truth he didn’t really know what to do because there was so much to do. He had to get her a present, something special that she would cherish and that might serve as a way for him to show her how much he liked and cared for her. He didn’t have to think about where this meeting would take place as he couldn’t imagine it being anywhere but in the Godswood, and considering the fact that everyone at the Keep was readying themselves for the trial, nobody would be out so late at n-

“Cake”, he said suddenly as he stopped in the middle of a hallway, “I need cake”

He sprinted down various flights of stairs, grinning like an idiot as he thought back to one of his past conversations with Marla, and how she’d told him of her love for chocolate cake. This was perfect. They would celebrate her nameday together, and perhaps he might finally get the courage to tell her he liked her, and after that she would hopefully say that he liked him as well, and things would be fine. His grandsire would be dealt with, his mother and sister were getting better, he would have a much needed conversation with both his brothers, and he would get the girl he so liked.

It was almost too perfect.

“Prince Lucerys and Prince Daeron already stole some cake my Prince”, the cook alerted him with a knowing smile as he saw him barge in, “I fear you might be too late for that one, but I might have some lemon cakes left if you wa-”

“I would like you to make me a chocolate cake”, he told her.

“You hate chocolate cake”, Anya muttered confused.

“It’s not for me”, he said with a pleading look in his eyes, “Please, could you make it?”

After she agreed Aegon thanked her over and over again, leaving her so very stunned as he hugged her close. He’d seen her almost every day for his whole life, sneaking into her kitchens alongside Jace and then Luke, trying to be subtle as they stole some pieces of cake she purposefully left behind for them, having become aware of their theft the first time it happened and thinking it sweet.

She’d always been fond of the boys, as they reminded her of her own children, and had never once found it in her heart to deny them the cakes they so loved, and making some especially for them whenever the kitchen ran out.

Aegon was over the moon, smiling brightly at all he stumbled upon and ignoring their odd looks, aware of how crazy he might seem, so giddy but a couple days before his grandsire was to be tried for treason, but he didn’t care. He would make Marla’s nameday as special as it could be, and everything would be well. Maybe that’s what Helaena had been speaking of at nuncheon, when she’d said that this night would change everything. Perhaps she’d been speaking of him and Marla, and of how their relationship would change.

Or perhaps not.

Chapter Text

“This was a bad idea”, Aegon mumbled anxiously as he ran his fingers down his doublet over and over again, smoothing out creases that were not there as he stared at his own reflection, “This was a really bad idea”

He’d been so excited to celebrate Marla’s nameday with her, visiting one of the maids of the Keep he knew secretly sold some jewels from her sister’s shop in Flea Bottom, and finding the perfect present for Marla. The poor maid had almost fainted when he’d barged into her chambers and just plainly stated that he needed to see her collection, thinking she was in trouble and readying herself to plead for her life, but once it had become clear that the Prince truly just wanted to see the various pieces she had, they’d actually looked at them together.

Aegon had never cared much for jewelery, and therefore did not think he had the eye for such things, and had asked the maid what she thought of all the pieces she placed before them. But then, just as he was beginning to think that he would never find something he thought was worthy of Marla, he found one he knew she would like. Or at least that’s what he hoped.

“That’s ugly”, he decided as he took off his doublet and put on another one, that looked exactly like the first because much to his frustration he just didn’t own anything but green and black doublets.

His hands were sweaty as he tried to fix his hair, deciding that tying it back did not look right and finally placing it back exactly as it had been before he’d started messing with it. In truth he didn’t even know why he was so nervous about this. It was Marla’s nameday, and as her friend he’d just thought it nice to do something for her so she might have someone to celebrate with, nothing more.

Yes he did like her, and yes if things went well tonight he planned on confessing his feelings to her, and he had reason to believe that those feelings were not unrequieted. But even if they were it would be fine, it’s not like Aegon would be heartbroken if the one and only girl he’d ever actually liked and felt comfortable with, one of the only people in his life who’d ever actually seemed to care for him, turned him down.

Right?

“Come in”, he said mindlessly once he heard someone knock on his door, much too busy staring at himself as he tried to somehow make the doublet look different, even though it had been tailored to his body and the fabric would not budge an inch from where it was meant to sit.

“You look good uncle”, Jacaerys teased him as he walked into his chambers with a big smile.

“Thanks”, Aegon mumbled with an unsure tone, continuing to lace and unlace the bottons of the doublet as he tried to make it fi-

Jacaerys walked into his chambers.

Jacaerys was walking.

“What do you think?”, his nephew asked as he vaguely pointed to his legs, “Haven’t seen me like this in a while huh? I think I’ve gotten taller, maybe even taller than you uncle”

“When did this happen?”, Aegon questioned startled, “I knew your meetings with the Maesters were going well, but this is huge Jace. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wasn’t sure it would truly happen”, Jace answered, “Gerardys had told me that it might, but I think he didn’t want to get my hopes up, but alas here we are. I’m not completely done with my beloved chair just yet, as Gerardys doesn’t believe I’m ready to stop using it fully, but I can walk for some hours of the day”

“That’s great news”, he said in a low tone, voice muffled by his nephew’s doublet as he hugged the boy close, “I’m so happy for you Jace, really I am”

As he looked behind his nephew Aegon noticed that Ser Criston was there, as always, and that he too had a big bright smile on his face, and if that didn’t make it obvious that this was one of the best days of the knight’s life, the unshed tears of pride and joy in his eyes surely did.

“Where are you going?”, Jacaerys asked as he sat down on his bed, letting out a small sigh of relief as he evidently had yet to once again become used to walking on his own without tiring himself out.

“Nowhere”, Aegon answered quickly, too quickly apparently as both his nephew and his knight gave him suspicious looks, “It’s Marla’s nameday”

Once his nephew began to playfully mock him for how red his cheeks had gotten at the mere mention of her name, Aegon turned around and went back to fussing with his doublet, tugging on it and desperately trying to make the neck of this godsdamned piece of cloth fit decently without making him feel like he couldn’t breathe.

“May I?”, Ser Criston questioned as he approached him, “You could just leave this one open my Prince, might help you feel less constricted. Breathing a little might also help, there really is no need to be so nervous my Pri-”

“What if she doesn’t like me?”, he whined almost desperate, hating how much he sounded like a little babe, “What if she turns me away and I ruin our friendship because I just couldn’t help but get a crush on her?”

The knight sighed, giving him a small smile as he gently placed his hands on the boy’s shoulders, smoothing out the fabric of his doublet and massaging his muscles, evidently hoping to soothe him and help him release some tension.

“You are going to be fine”, Criston said reassuringly, “I’ve seen you two around the Keep, and that girl likes you my Prince, trust me. Things can be complicated when feelings are involved, if anyone knows that it’s me, but if you two both like each other and I think you know that to be the case, then I don’t see why you should worry so. Marla likes you for who you are, no reason to be nervo-”

“Do not touch that”, Aegon blurted out loudly, “Jacaerys Velaryon if you touch that cake I swear on the Old Gods and the New that I will shave your eyebrows off while you sleep”

His nephew immediately placed his hands behind his back, a sly smile on his face as he started playfully mocking Aegon for getting a cake for Marla. The cook had done a very good job considering the little time she was given to bake it, and she’d even painted some roses on it with chocolate cream, hence why Aegon was fairly certain she thought the cake was for his mother, as Alicent had always been fond of chocolate.

“I’ll come visit you first thing tomorrow morning”, Jacaerys told him before leaving his chambers, “I ask that you recount each and every second of this eve uncle, so please pay attention”

“Have fun”, Criston said before following the boy, “Not too much fun though, alright?”

Aegon just shook his head, waving his hands around to incite the knight to exit his chambers and leave him alone, something he quickly regretted as his nerves began to take hold of him once more the second he closed the doors. He quickly fixed Helaena’s dagger on his belt, thinking that they might need it to cut into the cake, and then he left.

His sister had given it to him so he might protect someone, the “kingmakers” she’d said, whatever those were, and instead he would be using it to cut himself and Marla a piece of cake. Oh well, he never was much of a fighter anyways, and Helaena would understand.

“It’s going to be fine”, he mumbled over and over again as he walked, cake in one hand and present in the other, probably looking like he’d gone mad as he whispered words of comfort to himself.

The road between his chambers and the Godswood wasn’t actually that long, but as Aegon fought the urge to drop everything he was holding and hide in his rooms it seemed endless, counting each step he took as he tried to convince himself that tonight was no different than any other day he’d spent with Marla, and that their conversation would not change anything.

If she felt as he did, then they could find a way to be happy together, and if she didn’t, then he’d dig his own grave before she could even finish rejecting him. It was all going to be fine.

“It’s going to be fine”, he whispered once more as he finally reached the Godswood, stopping on his tracks as he looked around for her, and letting out a shaky breath once he found her.

She looked beautiful. Marla had always been very pretty, that was one of the very first things Aegon had noticed about her, because how could he not? He wasn’t blind and he wasn’t mad, so he knew true beauty when it presented itself to him as hers did, but tonight she looked gorgous. In truth there wasn’t anything particularly different to the way she looked when compared to the other times he’d seen her, but as he saw her now under the moonlight, he decided she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.

“Hello”, she said as she walked to him, “How are y-”

“This is for you”, he blurted out without thought as he not so gently shoved the little box containing her present in her hand, “And this is for you too”

Marla just stared at him, a smile on her face as she looked at the cake, and a small chuckled escaped her as she saw the terribly nervous look in his eyes. She carefully took the box and sat down under the weirwood tree, taking his hand in her own as she almost dragged him to sit next to her.

“You didn’t have to”, she told him as she carefully undid the little bow that kept the box closed, and Aegon shook in anticipation as he bit his lip and kept his eyes stuck on her face, waiting to see if he’d perhaps gone too far.

He’d thought it a good idea, as he’d seen how pained Marla still was about having had to sell her mother’s ring, and the second he’d seen one that looked like the one she’d described, his mind had been set on it. But as her breath got stuck in her throat and he saw tears well up in her eyes, he knew he’d dared too far.

“I’m sorry”, he said immediately, “I just thought it was a nice thing to do. I saw it and it made me think of the one you told me about, I didn’t mean for it to make you upset. I wanted to get you a nice present because you’ve been so kind to me, and you deserve to get the ring back. Well I can’t get you that same ring because I don’t know where it is, and I know that this can not and will not replace the one you had to give up but I just-”

Aegon had but a second to actually realise what was happening as Marla threw her arms around his neck, holding him close as she whispered little thank yous into his ear, and to have her so close almost made him feel faint. Once the shock began to fade he quickly and yet gently wrapped his arms around her, his hands hovering over her back for a moment as he realised that he didn’t really know where it would be appropriate for him to place them when embracing a woman.

He’d hugged his mother for the first time just a couple days ago, and had hugged Rhaenyra once whilst in the middle of a meltdown, so one might say he didn’t have a lot of experience when it came to hugging women.

“It’s so beautiful”, Marla mumbled against his shoulder, “Thank you Aegon truly, but it’s too much”

“Never”, he said immediately, “Nothing could ever be too much for you”

The second the words left his mouth he cringed at himself, clamping his mouth shut and letting his forehead fall against Marla’s shoulder as he heard her giggle, tightening her hold on him one more time before moving back and taking his face in her hands and forcing him to look at her.

“That was very sweet”, she reassured him, “It really is so beautiful Aegon, and though I am most thankful for the gift, I’m even more grateful for the thought behind it. It looks similar to the one my mother wore, definitely more expensive though, and I’m sure she would’ve loved it as much as I do. But you really didn’t have to”

“I wanted to”, he insisted, “I wanted the gift to be special because I wanted this day to be special, and most importantly I wanted you to feel special”

Marla didn’t say anything, just giving him a curious look and one of those beautiful smiles he’d started dreaming of so long ago, and yet nothing could compare to seeing them in real life. After some time she decided to open the cake, and after the two marvelled at how beautiful the knife Helaena had given him was, he cut the cake and Marla immediately offered him a piece he quickly accepted.

“It’s really good”, she said, “Anya really is the best when it comes to cakes”

“Indeed”, Aegon agreed as he suffered through another bite of this cursed thing.

He knew the cake was good by the way Marla was savouring each and every bite, and he was very happy for it as in the end it had been meant for her, so he was glad to see that she liked it, but by the Gods he hated chocolate cake.

“No thank you”, he muttered hurriedly as soon as she offered him another slice, “When does your brother get here?”

“I don’t know”, she answered, “The letter he sent me arrived a couple days ago, and he told me they would begin their travels yesterday morning, so I suppose he should be here by tomorrow”

“I’m sorry you couldn’t be with him today”, he said, “If I’d known that it was your nameday I could’ve asked Lord Corlys to get Jasper on the boat that arrived last sennight, or I could’ve gotten him here with Sunfyre”

“You would take my eight namedays old brother on a dragon?”, she chuckled.

“Why not?”, he questioned, “I’ll have you know that my Sunfyre is the sweetest dragon you will ever meet, and he would never harm someone I care for, and since Jasper is dear to you and you are very dear to me, your brother would’ve gotten here unscathed”

“My brother is not getting on a dragon before me”, she said surely, “So I’m very dear to you huh?”

“Of course you are”, he mumbled, trying to be brave and actually open up to the girl sitting next to him, and trying to decide if the moment had finally come for him to be honest about how he felt towards her.

He didn’t really know how to put into words all the thoughts that came to mind, and silently cursed himself for not having written anything down, though perhaps showing up with a script to tell Marla he liked her would’ve been a bit much. Before he could think about it too much, he took her hand in his own, lacing their fingers together and marvelling at how perfectly they fit with one another.

“You are much dearer to me than you might think”, he said finally, “I know it might be too soon for me to say this as we haven’t known each other for a long time, but I really like you Marla. I want you to know that, and if you don’t feel the same for me then that is perfectly fine. I need you to know that I really do care for you, and though I’m not the best with words, something that I’m becoming painfully aware of right now as I try to say this, I really like you”

She fell silent next to him, and just as Aegon started looking around to see which patch of grass looked softest so he might start digging his own grave, her thumb rubbed against the back of his hand. He knew that no matter what she said things would change between them, because even though he would not hold it against her if she didn’t like him back, and certainly did not wish to lose her as a friend if she rejected him, he didn’t know if she’d want him around knowing of how he really felt.

“Could it ever happen?”, she whispered with a sad tone, “I like you too Aegon, I really do. But could we ever truly be together? You are a Prince and I’m naught but a servant, I really don’t know how that could work outside of a children’s fairytale”

“You’re so much more than that”, he said surely, “You’re so much more than a servant to me, you always have been and always will be. You’re one of my dearest friends, and I will not let my title take anything else away from me. As I’ve told you before, I never wanted to be a Prince, and I will give it all up without doubt in my heart to be with you”

“You shouldn’t have to”, she insisted, “I don’t want you to lose everything for me”

“I wouldn’t only be doing it for you”, he stated, “I would be doing it for myself as well. I’ve thought about it a lot Marla, I really have, and I don’t want this life anymore. I don’t know how giving up ones title works, but if that’s what I need to do to finally know peace, then it will be done no matter the consequences. But I want to be with you, if you want me as well that is”

As he said those last words he looked into her eyes, wishing for her to know that he spoke true and that if she felt as he did, then things would work out because he would make sure that they did. His cursed title had already stolen fifteen years of his own life and most of his mother’s, he wouldn’t let it take anything else. If Marla wanted him too, then he would ensure that nothing came between them.

Placing his hand on her cheek felt most natural, and the second she gave him a small nod and their lips finally touched, Aegon knew that nothing else could ever compare to the feeling of utter peace and completeness that he felt in that moment.

And then, a dragon’s roar thundered in the night.

Chapter Text

“Aegon please slow down”, Marla huffed as she tried to keep up with him, “I don’t understand what is happening, please just stop for a moment”

He heard her pleas, and though he wanted to stop and reassure her, he knew he couldn’t. His bond with Sunfyre had always been a great one, as Jace had often joked that Aegon and his golden boy were so close that they truly did share a soul, and he knew that to be true.

Hence why he understood that Sunfyre’s roar had been a warning, he didn’t know how or why but he just knew, and he needed to get Marla to safety and protect her from whatever was happening.

“Just stay here”, he said firmly as he almost pushed the girl inside Helaena’s chambers, having come to look for his sister to ensure that she would be safe as well, but alas the rooms were empty.

“Aegon wait”, she insisted as she grabbed onto his hand, “You’re scaring me, please just tell me what’s going on. I want to help you”

He didn’t know how to explain to her what was wrong, because he didn’t know it either, but he knew that something bad was about to happen, and he would not let anyone get to her. In her eyes he saw true fear, and without thinking about it he held her close to him for but a moment, pressing a small and yet somewhat harsh kiss against her forehead before taking hold of her face so their eyes might meet.

“Promise me that you will stay here”, he pleaded once more, realising that he was scaring her and feeling sorry for it, but knowing that he shouldn’t ignore Sunfyre’s warning, and that he needed to know she was safe before he went to figure out what was happening.

He was already scared enough as it was, he couldn’t afford having to also fear for her life as he went to look for whatever had scared Sunfyre so. Marla nodded, and though he could tell she was not happiest about being left alone, she also understood that he would not let her go with him.

“Come back to me”, was the last thing he heard her say before he closed the doors to Helaena’s rooms, and made a silent vow to try and do as she asked.

Aegon knew that if in the end nothing actually was happening, then he’d definitely have a lot of explaining to do after the scene he’d just caused, but the second he’d heard Sunfyre’s roar as it rang out from the Dragonpit, he’d felt it in his bones that something horrible was about to happen, and his boy had never once failed him, so he knew he had to trust him.

He roamed around the various corridors of the Keep, trying to remain silent as he moved around all the familiar hallways, feeling more and more scared as he noticed that since it was well into the night, nobody was around. Aegon had never been the greatest fighter, so he didn’t know how likely it was that he would be able to protect himself form an attacker when all alone, but he still grasped onto the knife that was tied to his belt.

He’d brought it with him to cut that disgusting cake, and was now most thankful for it as even though he wasn’t certain that he would be brave enough to actually use it, just having it with him brought him some comfort.

“Aegon”, a voice said suddenly, making him jump out of his skin as he tried and failed to take the dagger out of its sheathe, before realising that he would’ve been pointing it at his sister.

“What is happening?”, he questioned alarmed, realising that Rhaenyra was not alone as a five armed guards stood behind her, including Criston.

“Come with me”, is all she said as she grasped onto him and began to drag him down a couple flights of stairs, “We were coming to get you brother, now just come with us”

He didn’t understand what was going on, and his worries only grew as he noticed that all the guards were looking around each and every corner before they allowed Rhaenyra to continue walking, and that they all looked scared. At one point Aegon saw a woman open the doors to her chambers, only to be quickly told to lock herself in and not open it for anyone, because the Keep was under attack.

And his heart almost failed him as he thought of Marla, of Helaena and Daeron, of his mother.

“Where are the kids?”, he asked.

“In their chambers with Laenor and Qarl”, Rhaenyra answered quickly, “Rhaenys and Corlys are with them as well, as is Daeron. I don’t know where Helaena is, I looked for her but I just couldn’t find her”

His sister let out a shaky breath as her grip on his hand only tightened, unshed tears in her eyes as she evidently didn’t care to speak on how she was not with her children in this moment. Hearing her say that Helaena had not been found made Aegon’s heart plummet to the floor, as he knew that she was not in her chambers, and couldn’t think of where else she might b-

“Mother”, he exclaimed suddenly, “She’s with mother, she told me this morn that she had to be with mother because something would happen tonight. She knew sister, Helaena knew that something would take place tonight and that she needed to be with mother, but they’re alone. You need to send someone, please Rhaenyra you need to send someone to guard them and make sure they’re safe”

“If she’s there then she’s safe”, she said, “Ser Thorne and Ser Darklyn have both been members of the Kingsguard for almost a decade now, and they’re good fighters. If Helaena said she’d be with Alicent then I’m sure that that’s where she is, so she’s safe, they both are”

Aegon took a deep breath, trying to let Rhaenyra’s words reassure him, but as his heart continue to beat its way out of his chest, he almost felt himself collapse onto the floor. He was more confused than ever, the fear he felt so overwhelming that it left him unable to think straight, and yet not even understanding what he was so afraid of.

One of the Cargyll twins had told that woman that the Keep was under attack, but from who?

“No wait”, he blurted out as soon as he realised what was happening, “I want to help, let me help”

“You’ll be safe here”, Rhaenyra insisted as she tried to push him in their father’s chambers.

“I want to help you”, he fought back, “Whatever is happening, I can help you. I have a dragon too sister, let me reach Sunfyre and I vow to strike down whomever is trying to harm us. I’ll go to the Dragonpit right now an-”

“You can’t”, she denied him, “We don’t know where they are, so you’re not going anywhere”

“Who are you talking about?”, he cried out, begging her to explain to him what the fuck was going on.

“Otto and Willis Fell have escaped”, Rhaenyra revealed, “We don’t know how it happened or who helped them, but as the guards reached the blackcells to give the others their leave, they found that everyone was dead. Ten men were killed Aegon, good and experienced fighters, and nobody heard them make a single sound as they were all murdered. Mellos is dead as well and Gwayne was injured. Whomever did this is dangerous, and since they seem to want to help Otto I can not let you roam around this castle, not when we know that he wants you”

Aegon’s breath got caught in his throat, his vision becoming more and more blurry by the second and his legs almost buckled underneath him, as he knew that his greatest fear had come true. From the very first moment his grandsire had been arrested, he’d felt it in his bones that things would go wrong, and alas they had. He knew that no matter what anyone did, Otto Hightower would find a way to get what he wanted, and in this moment, that was Aegon.

“He might just leave”, his sister tried to reassure him as she saw the true terror in his eyes, “He knows that if he stays for the trial he will be found guilty and executed, so maybe he will just try to escape and not bother looking for you. But we can not risk it Aegon, I swear that I will not let anyone take you away, but you need to listen to me”

He just watched as Rhaenyra closed the door behind her, leaving Aegon alone with his father in the King’s chambers, faintly hearing Ser Westerling vow to protect them both with his life. He didn’t know where Rhaenyra was going or why she wasn’t staying with them, but the second he turned around and noticed that his father was still laying in his bed with his eyes closed, his heart stopped.

“Father”, he whispered as he quickly approached the bed, “Father wake up”

Without thinking about how fragile the older man was due to his illness, Aegon began to shake him quite aggressively, but nothing. He felt tears gather in his eyes as he realised how cruel the Gods had been, to take his father away just as Aegon was locked in here, leaving him stuck in the King’s chambers alongside his corpse. But then his mind cleared for a moment, and he remembered that due to his pains his father sometimes struggled to sleep, and that Gerardys would often brew him some sleeping drafts, so he placed his hand on his father’s neck.

“Gods thank you”, he sighed as he felt the King’s heart beating, trying to let the slow and steady rythm soothe him a little and hopefully slow his own heart down.

He needed to think. There was no way that this had all happened tonight, because for someone to have burst into the Keep and taken two out of the most important prisoners currently held in the blackcells, they needed to have had a plan. This was not something that had just happened, Otto must’ve had more allies than anyone knew.

Aegon remembered how Rhaenyra had spoken of someone having tried to send a missive to Oldtown to request aid for Otto and the others, and though Lyonel had not seemed interest in helping his great uncle, nobody had ever figured out who’d sent the letter. The King and his Council had been working on it, but they’d yet to find out who had done it, and it seems that whomever this was had continued to try and help Otto.

As Aegon sat by his father’s side, mindlessly playing with the sleeping man’s hair as he tried to think about something, anything that might allow him to figure out who was behind this, Helaena’s words came to mind, and as per usual it seemed that his sister had already told him what he needed to do.

“You’ll be at the muddy gate and I’ll be here”, is what she’d said, and Aegon knew he needed to move.

His heart raced as he stood up, immediately walking to the door before remembering that Ser Westerling was outside, and that the man would never let him just walk out after having sworn to his sister that he would keep both him and the King safe. He looked around the room, even making his way to the window and trying to open it, before realising that if he fell out of it and died, he would not be able to help anyone.

“Alright”, he mumbled quietly, wrecking his mind for whatever excuse he could use to convince Ser Westerling that letting him out was not just about the single worst idea anyone had ever had, until his eyes landed on something.

All knew of Maegor’s tunnels, and though the man had ensured that none but him knew where they all were, some had been found. Aegon himself knew of a couple, which he often used them to sneak into Jace’s chambers whenever he felt alone but didn’t want to risk his mother’s ire.

The first tunnel he’d found was hidden behind a wall, the secret opening so small that he never would’ve seen it if Aemond hadn’t told him about it, after his brother had taken it upon himself to discover the Cruel’s passages, and had found one of them. After one knew about the hidden door, it was actually quite easy to spot, and though he knew that the man had done much wrong, Aegon silently thanked Maegor as he found the opening to yet another tunnel in the King’s chambers.

A shiver ran down his spine as he walked down the small hallway, both because of how cold it was, but mainly because of how dark and scary it seemed. Aegon had never been truly scared of the dark, actually finding some comfort in it as once all went to sleep, he could be at peace and not have to worry about his mother or grandsire coming to visit him, but this place was just creepy.

As soon as he stumbled upon another door he walked through it, not knowing exactly where in the Keep he was, but hoping to not end up in another locked room. In the end he found himself standing infront of a bed, and before he could even question why Maegor would care to have a direct route from his chambers to this seemingly random room in the Keep, he realised that he was standing right in the middle of the Queen’s chambers.

“Ah”, he mused, “Makes sense”

He quickly exited the rooms, sneaking around as he made his way towards the exit of the Keep, before realising that he had no idea of where exactly he was going. His sister had spoken of a muddy gate, and though many gates surrounded King’s Landing, Aegon couldn’t think of a single one whose name had anything to do with mud.

As he tried to figure out what gate Helaena may have been referring to, Aegon kept looking around, wary of anyone that might be coming his way to perhaps attack him, his knife weighing heavy on his belt as he wondered if he’d actually have the guts to wield it.

And as he continued to search every inch of his brain for any information that might let him understand what fucking gate Helaena had been talking about, he crashed against something. For whatever reason a huge wardrobe had been placed in the middle of a random hallway, and Aegon just thanked the Gods that he’d hit his forehead and not his teeth.

He liked his teeth.

“My Prince”, a maid called for him surprised as the two stumbled upon one another.

“Go back to your chambers”, he said firmly, “It’s not safe for you to be out here, so just go back to y-”

“I can’t find Marla”, the girl confessed, a hopeful look in her eyes as she evidently knew that the Prince and the other maid were friends, so he might know where she was.

“Marla’s safe”, Aegon told her, “And if you want to be safe as well, then go back to your rooms”

The girl nodded, seemingly not to happy about still not knowing where exactly Marla was, but trusting Aegon when he said that she was safe. Before she could walk away however, the Prince grabbed onto her arm, and asked her the question. Though it shamed him to admit it, as in the end he’d lived in King’s Landing for his whole life, Aegon hadn’t left the Keep much, but the maid probably had. Just because he didn’t know about this muddy gate, that didn’t mean she wouldn’t.

“It’s the River Gate”, she said, “The smallfolk call it the Mud Gate my Prince”

Aegon did not think he’d ever run so fast in his whole life, no longer caring about being seen by anyone as he just sprinted outside the Keep to reach this gate. As he ran he realised that Helaena had actually spoken of something like this before, in the letter she’d left in his bag before he sailed to Driftmark. She’d written that the Green one needed to be stopped at the Gate, and as Aegon trusted his sister, he ran even faster to hopefully get there in time.

By the time he reached the River Gate a fight was already happening, and before he could think better of it, he just threw himself in the middle. He heard his sister scream his name, both surprised and angry as she grabbed onto him and dragged him to her side, behind the guards who were currently fighting men he didn’t know.

There were six men who stood before him, one was Ser Fell, another one was his grandsire, and Aegon’s heart stopped once he realised that Ser Thorne was by their side as well. That man was supposed to be guarding his mother and sister, why the fuck was he here? And most importantly, what had happened to them if he’d seemingly been on Otto’s side this whole time?

He wanted to run back to the Keep, to look for Helaena and his mother, to ensure that the two were safe and hoping that the knight had just abandoned his duties, and hadn’t killed them as Otto’s men had done to Mellos. One might think that his grandsire would not call for his own daughter and granddaughter to be murdered, but Aegon knew better.

Otto had probably had Mellos killed because the man knew too much, and since Gwayne as well had apparently been injured, Aegon feared what may have happened to she who apart from the man himself, knew the most of Otto’s schemes. His mother was not in the right mind, and in truth Aegon had often wondered if she even remembered all she and her father had spoken of through the years, but he knew Otto wouldn’t care about that.

Alicent knew too much, so right now she was naught but a nuisance to him.

“Shit”, he screamed as someone got a little too close to them, eyes wide and afraid as he grasped onto his knife before hearing the haunting sound of a body falling to the ground, and as he turned to his sister he saw her wielding a sword.

“Daemon taught me a couple things when I was younger”, Rhaenyra huffed, out of breath and obviously scared as she stood there with Blackfyre in one hand, and quickly grabbing onto his own once more with the other.

Aegon closed his eyes, trying to remain calm as he breathed deeply, attempting to call for Sunfyre as the dragonkeepers had taught him to do and hoping that their bond would be strong enough for his boy to know that he needed him, and that he had to break out of his chains if he wanted Aegon to survive.

The situation was desperate, as Aegon realised that apart from himself and Rhaenyra, only the Cargylls and Ser Criston still stood, as the other two guards that had been accompanying the Princess when he’d last seen her were now on the ground. Some of Otto’s men had fallen as well, but as Aegon heard the disgusting sound of a sword piercing someone’s skin and saw one of the twins hunch down in pain, he realised that they were officially outnumbered.

Suddenly a mighty roar was heard in the skies of King’s Landing, and though Aegon was glad to hear it as he knew that all dragonriders were on Rhaenyra’s side, he didn’t recognise it. He’d hoped for it to be Sunfyre, so he might get his boy to set fire to those creatures that were now getting closer and closer to himself and his sister, because as the night was so dark, there was no way that whomever had just arrived could see what was happening, and if they went to the Dragonpit, they'd never get to them in time.

“Just come here Aegon”, Otto said from where he stood behind his guards, “Come with me, and we will do it together. We will fight for your throne, and all will be well. You see now how weak those who stand by her side are, and that is because she herself is weak, we can do it together Aegon”

“Fuck you”, he grunted as he tried to approach his grandsire, only to be stopped by Rhaenyra’s tight grip on his hand, “You will die on this night Otto, and even if you don’t, you will never win. I will never stand by yo-”

“I have them”, his grandsire interrupted him with a smirk on his face, “Your mother and sister are with me boy, as is Daeron. Shall you leave them for her as you once did, or will you finally realise that ‘tis up to you to protect them as I’m trying to do? If I’d left them here Rhaenyra would’ve killed them as she did with Aemond, you know that”

The world stopped for a second as Aegon found himself unable to catch his breath, just staring at the man as he tried to rip his hand away from Rhaenyra’s grasp, not knowing exactly what he wanted to do, wether that was strangling Otto, or running away to try and catch up to whomever had taken Helaena, Daeron and their mother.

His grandsire was trying to manipulate him, that much was obvious, and though Aegon was not about to fall for it and leave Rhaenyra’s side to join him, for a second he did think about it. He would not fight against her for the throne, but he couldn’t bear the thought of his mother and siblings being alone with Otto. He could go with them to keep them safe, and together they could then figure out a way to get back to the Keep. But h-

As tears begun to well up in his eyes, Aegon suddenly found himself on the floor, having been pushed to the side by someone who was now striding towards his grandsire, and once again the sound of swords clashing against each other began to ring loudly in the quiet of the night. Aegon stayed on the ground, trying to make out what was happening and who had just arrived even though he could barely see a thing as it was so dark.

“Rhaenyra”, someone screamed, and as he looked up Aegon noticed that one of his grandsire’s men had managed to get close to his sister, who had turned to him once he’d fallen and was therefore too distracted to notice the man stalking towards her.

Things moved in slow motion for a moment, as the man raised his sword and Rhaenyra barely had the time to face him or even try to protect herself, before someone placed themselves between the two.

Criston remained stuck in place for a second, just standing there with a sword poking out of his lower torso as his own fell to the floor, and he stared at the man who’d just stabbed him, a look of both betrayal and disgust as he saw one of his own sworn brothers staring back at him. Quickly enough something switched in his gaze, and with a speed that could only belong to someone who’d been training every day for most of their life, he took out a dagger and stabbed Ser Willis in the neck, before they both fell to the ground.

“No”, a familiar and terrified voice rang out, loud in Aegon’s ears as a small figure ran past him until they reached the fallen knight.

Aemond knelt by Criston’s side, quickly taking off his cloak to place it over the wound and putting pressure on it, apologising through tears whenever the knight made a pained sound. His brother’s sole focus was on the man, just trying to get his wound to stop bleeding whilst also avoiding the sword that was still poking out of Criston’s side, and he just stared.

“Aegon”, Aemond called for him, “Aegon please, we need to help him. Fath- Criston’s hurt, Aegon please”

He stood up on shaky legs, warily looking around to gauge the situation and realising that both Daemon and Rhaenyra were still fighting the few that remained by Otto’s side, with the Prince wearing a huge smile on his face as he fought his way towards his grandsire, taunting him about all he would do once he reached him.

Whomever those men were that Otto had found seemed most skilled, as they had probably been the ones to kill the guards that had been assigned to look after the prisoners in the black cells, all mighty and experienced warriors that these men had murdered without much struggle, but his uncle was Daemon Targaryen, so one by one, they were all falling to the ground.

Aegon was walking to his brother, intent on helping the younger boy as he was trying to drag Criston to the side, wishing to take him away from the fighting. He noted that the knight was attempting to convince Aemond to leave him there, telling him that it was dangerous and to just leave.

But for once in his life, Aemond wasn’t listening to him.

“You fucked it up for us all”, a man grunted suddenly, “If you hadn’t tried to kill that boy none of this would’ve happened. Just fucking it up for the rest of us because you couldn’t fucking control yourself. And you, leaving your Queen after all she did for you, a fucking disgrace”

Aegon ran to reach his brother and the knight, watching as the man made his way to them with a sword in hand, as his words made it clear that he wished to rid himself of both. He saw Aemond turn around to face him, and Criston use the little strength he had left to roll them over so his body might act as a shield for the boy once the man struck them down, but Aegon got there first.

The knight seemed taken aback once the white haired figure showed up, taking advantage of how short he was when compared to the man to sneak under his arms, as he was much too busy trying to slaughter someone's little brother to realise that the elder was there as well.

Aegon had never killed anyone before, and had never intended on doing it. For a long time he’d feared one day being forced to, with all the talks of war his mother and grandsire so loved, but as he watched Ser Rickard drop to the floor, with Helaena’s dagger still sheathed in his heart, he felt no guilt.

“There you are”, Daemon marvelled, “Hello my dear”

And as Aegon turned around, he found his uncle wearing the biggest smile he’d ever seen on the man, holding Otto by the hair as he laughed, and realised that the rest of his grandsire’s body was still on the ground.

It was over.

Chapter Text

“It’s alright”, Criston muttered, “I’m alright, just calm down”

“No”, Aemond insisted, thrashing in Daemon’s arms as he’d been doing since the man had forced him off of the knight, “Let me go to him”

As Rhaenyra attempted to once again explain to their brother that they were trying to take both Cole and Arryk to the Maesters so they might get help, and as Aemond continued to demand that he be the one to care for Criston, Aegon flung himself inside the castle.

He knew that his brother needed him, as he could hear his cries even once he reached the Keep, but he just had to find his mother and his other siblings. Otto had said that they had been taken, and Aegon needed to know that that was not true.

If they had, then he would spend the rest of his days looking for them, no matter how long it took to actually find them, but as he ran to his mother’s rooms, he prayed to the Gods that she and Helaena would be there.

More than prayed he had a small and silent conversation with the Gods in his head, berating Them for allowing his mother to suffer as she had, and for cursing his sister with visions of the horrible future that had originally been in store for them all. He understood that it was mainly thanks to Helaena’s dreams that they had been spared such a fate, and that he should perhaps be grateful to the Gods, or whatever higher power had allowed for her to see such things so she might prevent them, and yet he knew how she’d suffered because of them.

He told the Gods that his mother and sister had suffered enough already, and Daeron had as well having spent two whole years of his life locked in a castle with Otto, so if they had indeed been taken, then the Gods would have to deal with Aegon’s wrath.

“Fuck”, he mumbled alarmed as soon as he reached his mother’s chambers, letting out a pained and fearful cry once he saw that Ser Darklyn was still by the door, crouched down on the ground and with a deep gash on his neck as the knife remained stuck in there, where it had been left by a man the knight had thought he could trust.

And in that moment, Aegon relished in knowing that he’d avanged him by striking down his murderer.

He knew that it might perhaps be odd for him to say that he hadn’t felt much after taking Ser Thorne’s life, and that his lack of remorse should even be concerning, and yet he felt nothing but pride. That man had been but a second away from killing both Aemond and Criston, and Aegon could never feel sorry for protecting his family.

“Mother”, he screamed as he tried to open the door, cursing loudly once he realised that it had been locked shut and resorting to beating his closed fists against it, as if trying to make a hole through it so he might see what laid within it.

So he might see what had become of his mother and sister.

“Helaena please”, he begged, stray tears running down his cheeks as he called for them over and over again, pleading for them both to still be there and alive, or at least well enough to be saved.

Suddenly, he heard a small voice coming from within the room, one so small that he barely understood what it was trying to say.

“Wait”, the voice insisted, and finally Aegon recognised it.

Helaena seemed to be struggling to open the door for some time, and once she finally managed to do it, Aegon couldn’t resist the urge to throw himself on his sister. He knew she hated touch, and would never have done it if he hadn’t been so desperate, if he hadn’t felt the need to feel the warmth of her body against his own to realise that she was alive.

“Are you alright?”, he questioned hurriedly, “Let me see you”

He kept his hands on his sister’s shoulders, continuing to question her on her current condition as he assessed her, wishing to figure out if she’d been harmed in any way, but thankfully it seemed that she had not.

“What happened?”, he asked.

As Helaena began to calmly explain that she had placed one of their mother’s dressers against the door after locking it shut, so none might open it no matter how hard they tried, Aegon noticed that another piece of forniture had been moved. His mother’s bed had been pushed against the wall for some reason, and the woman sitting upon it looked so scared as she hugged her legs to her chest, whining softly to herself before she finally looked up, and-

“Aegon”, she screamed, “Aegon, my Aegon, you’re fine. You’re fine Aegon, I promise you that you’re fine. I prayed for you my son, the Mother and the Warrior both told me that you would be fine, and you’re fine Aegon. Right?”

He nodded as best as he could, head somewhat trapped against his mother’s neck as she held him close to her, grip so tight that he almost couldn’t breathe, but he didn’t care. She ran her hands over his hair as she continued to mumble on about her prayers and her Gods, taking his face in her hands to stare into his eyes and caress his cheeks, thanking the Mother and promising to do better.

“I vowed to Her that I would be with you”, she said with a haunted look in her eyes, “I told Her that if She took you then She needed to take me too. I know Aegon, I think I know now. I was not who I wanted to be or who I should’ve been, but I promised Her and I now promise you that I will change. You’re my boy Aegon, and I told Her that no matter what happened, I would be with you”

“I’m here mother”, he told her, “I’m here with you, are you alri-”

“The river”, she blurted out suddenly, “Helaena said that the river was trapped in my wall”

“What?”, he questioned as he turned to his sister.

Their mother was struggling enough as it was with her not so firm grip on reality, and Helaena speaking her riddles when around her was probably just about the last thing she needed. She’d spoken of rivers before during the past couple of days, but Aegon had never understood the meaning of her cryptic words. But for a river to be trapped in their mother’s wall?

“He wished to take the Lady”, Helaena said as if that explained everything, “I closed the doors, and the river is no more because of what I did, but I did it for mother. He took himself as he would’ve taken you then and as he would’ve taken me now, and the two long lost rivers are finally at peace”

“Alright”, he muttered still confused, promising to remember about this river and to deal with it, though from the was she spoke of it it seemed that whatever it was, it would not be a problem anymore.

They exited his mother’s chambers, as he wished to check on Daeron and his nephews, to get back to Aemond and finally be with his brother as he always should have, and to find Marla. He’d locked her in his sister’s rooms before everything had happened, and he silently cursed himself for that not so bright idea once he realised that Otto’s men had probably gone there as well, to get Helaena.

His grandsire had never once cared for his granddaughter since she could not get him the throne, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t have taken her away just for the joy of knowing the pain he would’ve caused Aegon. If someone had broken into Helaena’s chambers and had found Marla, and if she’d been harmed in any way, he would never forgive himself.

If the girl he cared for had been taken because of a decision he’d made, the guilt would be too much for him to cope with. Marla was not just Aegon’s, she was Jasper’s as well, and if he remembered correctly she’d told him that her brother would be arriving at King’s Landing by the morrow.

Would he have to sit the little boy down and tell him that his sister had been killed because of Aegon’s stupid deci-

“Ouch”, he hissed after someone hit him, “Marla wait”

“Fuck you”, she grunted, “Never do that again. I don’t care about what happened Aegon, never fucking do that again. Going crazy out of nowhere and then locking me in your sister’s rooms without half an explanation before just disappearing into thin air? Are you kidding me? I was so fucking scared Aegon, and then I looked out the window and saw dead men. You lock me in here and fuck off to the Gods know where, and then I see dead people and you’re still nowhere to be fucking fou-”

Suddenly it all stopped, both her screams and the slaps she was continuing to land on his chest, and once he finally opened his eyes he noticed that someone had placed himself between them, and that Marla looked absolutely petrified.

“He’s alright”, his mother whispered as she brought her fingers to gently caress Marla’s forrowed brows, “Aegon is alright”

“My Queen”, the girl muttered, quickly falling into what Aegon thought was supposed to be a curtsy, “I apologise for my crude choice of words, I was jus-”

“Scared”, Alicent finished for her, “Scared can make one do and say bad things, but there is no need to be scared. Aegon is alright, and he is here. Hi Aegon”

“Hello mother”, he mumbled, a small smile on his face as he saw the big one she was giving him.

Marla stood still so long as the Queen continued to look at her, her gaze turning deadly once again as it landed on Aegon. He understood very well that what he’d done may have looked bad to her, as she still didn’t know the true gravity of all that had taken place on this night, and the danger she’d been in.

He would speak with her as soon as he was done with the rest, and as he silently sent a small prayer to whomever might be listening to ask that she would not be angry enough to never speak with him again, he felt her pinky lace with his own.

“I’m sorry that I scared you”, he told Marla as they walked, and though she didn’t respond, the small smile she gave him allowed him to hope for the best.

“My girl will come”, Helaena whispered, smiling brightly at the two before going to stand next to their mother as they walked, and Aegon suddenly felt his cheeks flush at the prospect of having a daughter with Marla, and of all that would take place for her to be born.

“What did she say?”, Marla questioned quietly.

“Absolutely nothing”, he answered quickly, not thinking this the right time to speak with her about his sister’s visions, and fearing that she might think he was lying just to convince her to one day lay with him so they might have this supposed daughter Helaena spoke of.

As they all made their way to his nephews’ rooms, they walked past the Maesters’ chambers, and found that everyone was already there. Thankfully they all seemed alright, apart from Laenor.

“I’m fine”, he sighed, “Mother please, I’m fine I prom-”

“Shush”, Rhaenys hissed as she fussed over him, “What you did was stupid, just so stupid. You could’ve gotten yourself killed Laenor. What were you thinking? I’ve already lost my Laena, do you think I could ever bear losing both my children?”

“I was trying to save mine own”, Laenor snapped back, “I’m sorry I scared you and that I got hurt, but I’m not sorry that I protected my boys mother”

The Princess still did not look happy with her son, but just nodded in understanding as her lips remained pressed together, probably to prevent herself from berating him once more. Laenor’s injury did not seem too grave, as Ser Qarl stood by his side with a piece of cloth placed against his arm, and since his goodbrother was still standing, Aegon presumed that he must not be losing that much blood.

“Jace”, Aegon called for his nephew as he walked to him and the other children, “Is everyone alright?”

“Yes uncle”, Luke mumbled, sad eyes moving from Aegon’s to the boy sitting next to him, who was crying quietly while hiding his face in his hands.

“It’s all over”, he cooed as he grabbed onto him, “Just breathe”

Daeron continued to cry, and after Aegon checked on him to make sure that his brother hadn’t been injured, he came to the conclusion that the boy was simply scared. He stood there for some time, just swaying slowly as he tried to soothe Daeron like he’d seen Rhaenyra do with Joffrey, whilst also trying to listen in on the whispered conversation that was taking place amongst the adults.

It seemed that apart from Laenor, who’d been struck in the arm after throwing himself on a man who’d attacked them once they’d exited their chambers, everyone was alright. A couple of Otto’s men had survived, and they’d been taken to the Dragonpit, as Daemon had apparently suggested that they would be less likely to try something if surrounded by dragons.

“They were not here”, Rhaenyra said as she tried to reassure her aunt, “Daemon said that the girls are coming here on a boat, and that they will be here by the morning. They were not here Rhaenys, so they were not harmed”

“Where is Daemon?”, Aegon questioned.

“He’s in his chambers”, his sister whispered, “He’s trying to calm Aemond down, and I thought that maybe bringing him to his rooms might help”

Aegon nodded slowly, and after asking about Criston and being told that whilst the man would certainly have a long recovery ahead of him, Gerardys was sure that he would not die, he gave Daeron to their mother and left. He tried to be as subtle as possible, silently pleading for Marla to not comment on him leaving as he did not wish for his mother to follow him, though she seemed most taken by comforting the boy in her arms.

He understood that she’d been waiting a long time to see Aemond again, and that they both would befit from being together once more, but now was not the time. Alicent was still shaken by whatever she’d seen or heard whilst hiding in her chambers with Helaena, and Aemond was apparently in the middle of a meltdown.

The two would meet again, but not now.

“We’ve talked about this before boy”, he heard Daemon say from where he stood outside Aemond’s chambers, “I get that you’re scared for your little Crispy, but nobody will kill him. If he dies it will be because of his injury, not because someone purposefully failed to care for him”

“They hate him”, Aemond insisted, “I’m telling you that they hate him. Criston is not loved by anyone but mother and I here in the Keep, so I need to be there. I need to make sure that they don’t tak-”

“Stop it”, Daemon grunted, “I will not say this again. Your mother toyed with your mind just as her father did with her, and since I know that I’ve been patient with you, but now you must stop this. I thought that receiving those letters had assured you that I speak true, and that whilst things may not have been great for you while you were here, nobody wants you dead”

Aemond whined, letting out a noise of both fear and frustration, as Aegon could tell that he was struggling to decide wether he wanted to risk believing Daemon’s words or not. Perhaps whilst in Pentos it had been a little easier for him to say that he believed him, as in the end their uncle could’ve killed him on their first day alone and hadn’t, and they were away from the Keep where everyone else he’d been taught to fear resided.

But now they were back, and the fear had risen once more.

“You’ve been with me for almost two whole moons, and you’re alive right?”, their uncle questioned, trying to remain calm though it was obvious that he was becoming annoyed by a conversation he’d probably had many times before, “From what I know your knight has been by Rhaenyra’s side for almost a moon, and he’s alive. Your mother and siblings as well, everyone is alive. Rhaenyra had all the time in the world to kill them, and yet they’re still alive, so just calm down”

“Grandsire’s dead”, Aemond mumbled.

“He deserved it”, Daemon said as he chuckled, “Your grandsire was a cunt boy, and cunts get their heads chopped off, that’s how it works, not my fault. If you ask me he should’ve become dragon shit years ago, but that’s because he deserved it. Nobody who doesn’t deserve it will be harmed here”

As Aegon heard his brother take a deep breath, he walked into the rooms, finding his uncle where he stood before Aemond, who in turn didn’t even look up as he continued to stare at the ground and toyed with his sleeve. For a moment he tried to assess the situation, to figure out wether his brother was scared of their uncle, or if the latter looked like he would behave violently towards the boy.

One might say it was impossible to determine wether a child was being hit if they didn’t see the act itself take place, but Aegon did not think that to be true. He’d lived his whole life being struck by his mother and then his grandsire, and to him it was most obvious when a child did not feel safe around someone, though that did not seem to be the case with Aemond and Daemon.

He wouldn’t say that his brother looked happy, but that didn’t seem to have much to do with their uncle’s presence, so much as the matter at hand. Aemond didn’t look scared, he just seemed sad.

“It’s alright”, Aegon said as he immediately approached the younger boy.

Aemond’s body stiffened for a second as if he didn’t how to react, and much to his shame, Aegon realised that this might be the first time he’d ever hugged his brother. After some time he felt a pair of shaky and hesitant hands land on his back, and suddenly his skin was being tugged by Aemond, whose tight grip almost hurt as the boy clung to him like his life depended on it.

Aegon held him back just as tight, trying to whisper words of comfort to his brother even though he wasn’t sure that Aemond could hear them over his own cries, and the elder cursed himself for never having done this before. There had certainly been many times when both he and his brother both had needed a hug, and though Alicent had never let Aemond go without, that didn’t mean that Aegon couldn’t have embraced his brother as well.

“Is he dead?”, Aemond cried.

“No”, Aegon reassured him, “Criston is still alive brother, and Gerardys believes that he will make a full recovery. He’ll be fine, everyone will be fine”

“Everyone will be fine”, Daemon parroted him as he sat on a chair, a smirk on his face and a cup in his hand as he sipped some wine, and Aegon finally noticed that his hands were still bloody.

His grandsire’s blood covered his uncle’s hands, and Dark Sister as well from what Aegon could see of the sword as it had been placed on his brother’s table, that was now also marked by Otto’s blood, as was his brother's doublet from where Daemon had grabbed onto him to drag him to this very room. There was something else besides the chair his uncle was sitting on, something that once belonged to someone who had haunted his nightmares for years on end, but as he looked at him now, Aegon knew that that would not happen again.

“He’s dead”, he said suddenly as if just becoming aware of it, “Otto’s dead”

“Very much so”, his uncle mused, “All hail, the cunt is dead. We should throw a feast, and I think I’ll ask Viserys if I can keep his head, might hang it above my bed or turn his skull into a chamberpot”

Aegon stared at the man, and before he even realised it he was smiling, probably looking like an idiot as he continued to caress his little brother’s head with a big smile on his face while hearing the man speak of his grandsire’s death in such a way. And yet from the way Daemon smiled back, he could tell that his uncle understood.

He’d heard the man mention something about how he knew that Alicent had messed with Aemond’s mind, and that Otto had messed with hers, and he presumed that the man knew that they’d done it to him as well, so perhaps Daemon could understand how free Aegon felt in this moment, as he finally realised that the monster from his nightmares was gone.

Alicent was still lost to her mind, but she was at peace. Otto was dead and would no longer harm anyone. Helaena would hopefully lead a better life now as he who had been most evil to them all had finally been erased from their lives, as would Daeron, and as would Aemond.

And Aegon would be there for it all, just watching as his family finally became one in truth, and they could all finally be at peace together, because nothing could get in their way aga-

“Does mother know about grandsire?”, Aemond questioned.

And just like that, Aegon’s fantasy world came crashing down.

Chapter Text

“Stop that”, Erryk chided his brother as he slapped his hand away from his wound, “You were lucky enough to survive Arryk, don’t make it worse”

“It itches”, the other complained.

Aegon chuckled as he watched the two interact, and he heard his brother laugh a little as well once Erryk threatened to tell their mother that Arryk was injured, and as the man did not care to worry her so, or perhaps just didn’t wish to have her there to pester him about the dangers of his job, he fell silent.

Though Erryk seemed a little annoyed by his twin’s insistance on scratching the bandaged wound on his shoulder, Aegon could see that the man was still somewhat in shock by all that had happened some hours ago, and that even though Gerardys appeared confident that Arryk would pull through, his brother was not convinced.

Erryk was clinging onto Arryk’s hand with a mighty and unwavering grip, as he had been since his brother had almost fallen atop of him after being struck, and he didn’t seem intent on letting go anytime soon.

“Are you alright my Princes?”, Gerardys said as he walked to them, squinting his eyes a little as they landed on his forehead, “I don’t believe the wound is grave, it certainly will not need stitches as it is not a gash but a bruise, it will probably just sting for some time”

“It’s fine”, Aegon dismissed him with a small smile, “Just smacked my head against a wardrobe. A big fight happened last night, and like the war hero I am, I crashed against a random wardrobe in the middle of a random hallway of our Keep”

Because of course I did, he thought.

“I did that”, Ser Arryk chimed in, “The little Princess told me to put it there, I don’t know why though. She kept telling me that I needed to stop the river, but I didn’t know what she was talking about and then she just left. She was so upset with me, but how should I have fought a river? Should I have just dropped my sword in the water? I don't know, but she came to find me again right before she went to bed, and just pointed at that wardrobe and told me to put it there. I didn’t question her really, that girl can be so creepy someti-”

“Apologies my Prince”, Ser Erryk blurted out quickly as he covered his twin’s mouth with his hand, “My brother was given a lot of milk of the poppy to help his pain, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Our Princess is not creepy at all, please excuse him”

Aegon chuckled as he watched the scene, as Arryk mumbled on about it not being his fault that Helaena’s behavior was unsettling, and to be fair to him, Aegon agreed. He knew that his sister was special and that her gift had helped their family, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t also creepy at times.

He didn’t know what the deal was with the wardrobe, but he would as-

“Can we go see him now?”, Aemond questioned lowly from where he stood next to him, and though Aegon knew that he probably should’ve asked for permission before bringing his little brother to the Maester’s chambers, he hoped that Rhaenyra would understand.

It had taken some time for Aemond to finally calm down, as Aegon and Daemon had both spoken to him at great length to avoid the boy causing a scene in front of the Maester, since after finding out that Gerardys would be the one taking care of Criston, he’d decided that due to the man’s loyalty to Rhaenyra, he would kill the knight.

Aegon knew that his sister understood very well how Aemond’s mind had been poisoned, and yet he didn’t think she would appreciate it if he showed up and accused her of wishing to kill someone.

“Ser Criston is sleeping my Prince”, Gerardys said, “You can sit by him if you want, but he does need to rest, so please keep your voices down”

The second Aemond spotted Cole’s bed he ran to it, immediately sitting by the man’s side and placing a hand over his arm, and Aegon quickly noticed that his brother was trying to see if the man still lived by feeling his pulse. He’d tried to comfort Aemond as best as he could, as had Daemon much to his surprise, but it seemed that his brother’s fears still lingered.

“Who did that?”, Aemond asked hurriedly as he pointed to a bruise on the man’s face.

“Criston was in a fight brother”, Aegon sighed, not appreciating the implication that one of their own had harmed the knight, but trying to be patient, “I too have a scar from said fight, not just on my forehead but elsewhere as well, because thanks to Daemon pushing me to the ground like the brute he is, I now have a huge bruise on my as-”

“Hello”, a voice said suddenly, making his brother flinch as without even thinking about it, Aemond moved his body to cover Criston’s.

Rhaenyra didn’t move an inch from where she stood infront the knight’s bed, just observing the two boys who sat before her with a sad smile, a look of hurt flashing in her eyes for a second as she noticed Aemond back away from her.

Aegon hadn’t had the opportunity to truly speak with his brother just yet, because even after Daermon had left them alone after a while and Aegon had tried to talk to him, Aemond had been too concerned about seeing Criston to pay attention to anything else. He was so worried that someone might take advantage of the man’s current state to kill him, that he hadn’t even asked about their mother yet.

Aemond had not said anything about Rhaenyra, and though in his letter to her it did not seem that he held a grudge against her for sending him away, and Aegon knew that just as he and Daemon had done, she as well had reassured Aemond in her own missive that she did not wish any harm upon him, he didn’t seem so sure.

“Gerardys has assured me that Ser Criston will be well”, she said as her gaze remained stuck on Aemond, “I do not yet know when he will be moved back to his private chambers, but until that happens he will remain here, and you can visit him whenever you please brother, alright?”

“I want to stay here”, Aemond talked back, trying to sound mighty though his voice shook a little, “I do not want him to be alone”

“He’s not alone”, one of the Cargylls chimed in from their side of the chambers, “We’ll look after him as Gerardys will, do not fret my Prince”

“No”, his brother insisted, tightening his grip on Criston’s arm as for but a second Aegon worried that the knight might wake up due to Aemond’s nails digging into his skin, “I want to stay with him”

“Aemond”, Aegon whispered, “You can visit him every day brother, and I’ll come with you if you want. You heard Rhaenyra, we can stay with him as long as we please whenever we want, but there is no need for you to move in here br-”

“No”, Aemond said once again.

He could tell that his brother was afraid, eyes stuck on their sister as he tried to mantain composure, tried to appear brave as he sat before a woman he’d been taught to fear, confronting her for the first time. He kept a firm grip on Criston’s hand, whilst messing with his own sleeve as well for some reason, and refused to budge. Aegon had always known that to Aemond, Ser Cole was the closest thing he’d ever had to a father, and he was touched by the courage his brother was displaying as he tried to protect the man he so cared for.

But Criston didn’t need protecting, and Aemond had to understand that.

“Aemond ple-”, he tried to say.

“You’re safe here brother”, Rhaenyra interrupted him, “I know it might be difficult for you to believe that, and it pains me to know you fear me, but you have no reason to. Ser Criston is safe within these walls, as are you, I promise. I wish to speak with you once things have calmed down a little, if you’re alright with that”

His brother did not look convinced, almost trembling once their sister spoke of a day when the two would be alone together, and she seemed to notice it as well, quickly clarifying that Aegon could be with them as well if that made him more comfortable.

“Where is my mother?”, Aemond questioned warily, bottom lip shaking even as he tried to control it, as he evidently feared what may have happened to her.

“Alicent is with Helaena”, she answered, “From what I was told they’re having tea with Septa Delena, to calm down after what happened last night, as Helaena is still most concerned about making sure that the river is gone, though I don’t know what that means. I was invited to join them, but I have some pressing business to attend to. You can see your mother whenever you want Aemond, but I do wish to speak with you before that happens, as there are some things you need to know”

“Was she hurt?”, his brother asked lowly, voice barely above a whisper as his grip on Criston’s hand tightened, “Did someone harm her?”

“Not at all”, Rhaenyra said quickly, “She’s not well, but she wasn’t hurt. It’s a little complicated brother, but if you give me the opportunity to explain things, I shall try my best”

Aemond still did not seem convinced, but just nodded slowly before turning his attention back on the knight, who still slept as Aegon finally realised that the man was snoring.

“He’s always done that”, his sister told him with a little smirk, “I should go now”

“Is everything alright?”, Aegon questioned as he noticed her playing with her rings.

“Father has woken up”, Rhaenyra sighed, “I spent some time in his chambers this morn, hoping to be there once Gerardys’ drafts wore off so I might explain all that took place, but alas I wasn’t there and it seems that our uncle is just as sensible now as he always had been. Our father woke up, and but a second later Daemon giddily showed him Otto’s head, and though he has not cared for Otto in some time, our father is already weak enough as it is without being almost struck down by fear as his brother shoves a severed head in his face first thing in the morn. I knew I should’ve taken it away from him, but alas I did not and father fell into another one of his coughing fits, ‘tis why I came here, to ask Gerardys for help”

Aegon let out a small chuckle at that, imagining the big smile that must’ve been on Daemon’s face as he showed his brother his war prize, a very little brother thing to do in his opinion. He knew that their father no longer cared about Otto, and that his anger towards the man he’d once thought of as his greatest friend would’ve allowed for him to behead him with his own bare hands without then losing a moment of sleep because of it, but perhaps what Daemon had done was a bit much for a man as old and sick as Viserys was.

“From what I was told he wasn’t angry”, she continued, “He wasn’t upset with Daemon or about Otto’s death, or saddened by it in any way, my maid actually told me that he seemed disappointed that he’d missed it. But he has asked for me, and you as well, so we might speak of what took place, and figure out a way to tell the Lords and Ladies that had come here for the trial, and the Realm as a whole”

“I don’t know if I can leave him just yet”, Aegon mumbled as he nodded to his brother, who still held one of Criston’s hands in his own, as the other laid on the knight’s chest, right above his heart.

“You don’t have to”, Rhaenyra said reassuringly, “I will speak to father, and when the time is right you will as well. Now, about the whole Alicent thing, I th-”

“Maybe I should tell him”, he suggested, “I don’t know exactly how, but maybe hearing it from me might make it easier for him to believe it. I’m sorry he’s being so cold to you sister, but you must understan-”

“I do”, she interrupted him as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, “I understand valonqar, do not worry. It will take time, but hopefully it will all work out”

Aegon let out a deep breath, watching as his sister took her leave and going back to Aemond’s side, just observing his brother who in turn continued to stare at the knight, as if trying to will him awake with his stare. It did not work, as in the end Criston stayed asleep, and Aemond soon joined him, head falling on the knight’s bed as Aegon just sat there, attempting to figure out how to best speak to his brother about what was going on with their mother.

In truth he wasn’t certain that he fully understood it either, as Maester Gerardys had tried to explain to them all that sometimes, when one’s mind suffered for too long, it just broke. Something within his mother’s brain had snapped, and after years and years of torment, Alicent had just given up.

Aegon thought about it a lot, all the time his mother had spent locked in her rooms after they’d all gotten back to the Keep, just forced to sit with herself as she still believed that Aemond and her father were dead, no matter how Rhaenyra had told her otherwise. She knew that Ser Criston had turned against her, as had her husband and eldest son, though in truth Aegon didn’t know if she’d ever thought of the last two as allies, but no matter what, she was alone.

Her mind had always been a fragile thing, and it seemed that those final days of torture had broken it entirely, and wether it could ever be put back together Aegon did not know.

“Your face will get stuck like that if you keep frowning”, a raspy voice muttered, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just sad”, he answered honestly, “Everything is great and everything sucks”

Criston let out a small laugh, before hissing in pain as it seemed that even a movement so small was enough to hurt due to his wound. He was giving Aegon a small smile, eyes barely open until they landed on the small figure next to him.

“He’s sleeping”, Aegon said, “He fought tooth and nail to stay with you, almost screaming in Rhaenyra’s face when she said that Gerardys would look after you and that he couldn’t move into this bed with you. I tried to tell him that you would be fine, and so did she, but he seems to think that everyone here wants you dead”

“Ah”, the knight mused, “I understand that a lot of people don’t like me, but I prefer to think that they wouldn’t kill me as I lay here in this state. Always liked the idea of having a cooler death”

As he spoke Criston slowly brought his free hand to lay on Aemond’s head, caressing it gently as he sighed, forcing his eyes shut as his thoughts troubled him.

“It’s going to be difficult”, the Prince aknowledged, “He thinks all who surround him now want to kill him, and for some reason I don’t think that seeing Daemon cut Otto’s head off soothed his worries. And seeing mother as she is now probably won’t help either”

“He’s a good boy”, Criston sighed, “He did something horrible, but his heart is good. He’s only ever wanted you all to care about him, and in time he’ll understand that if he just lets them, they will all love him”

“Mh”, Aegon mumbled, toying with his ring as he just looked at his brother, mindlessly bringing a hand to gently rub over his cheek, wishing to erase the small pout from the boy’s face.

There was still much work to be done, but Aegon trusted that it would all work. He had to believe that, he just had to.

“Shush”, he heard after some time, “Be quiet”

He turned around with a smile on his face, just watching as Daeron and Luke tried to sneak around the chambers, attempting to do so in silence though neither of them seemed to realise just how much noise they were both making. His smile only grew once he noticed that Lucerys seemed to be leading the way for his little brother, holding his hand and almost dragging him along as he glanced at each bed before continuing to walk.

“What are you doing?”, Aegon questioned lowly once he realised that Criston had fallen back asleep.

“Daeron is sad”, Luke answered, “He heard that his uncle was hurt and wanted to visit him, so here we are. Do you know where he is?”

Before Aegon could think of something to say to deny them, because although it would break his heart to do so as he knew how Daeron cared for their uncle, he didn’t know if anyone was allowed to be near Gwayne since in the end he was still a prisoner, someone showed up behind the two boys.

“One thing”, Laenor huffed, “I asked just one thing of you both, just stay by my side. Is it that dif-”

His goodbrother stopped in his tracks once he noticed the sleeping knight, and most importantly the boy who slept next to him. Aegon knew that out of him and Rhaenyra, Laenor was the one who still seemed to be struggling the most when it came to forgiving Aemond, or at least understanding that the boy’s mind had been toyed with. He knew that that did not justify what his brother had done, but to him and Rhaenyra as well, it meant that he could not just be thrown to the side forever.

Laenor wouldn’t harm Aemond, he knew that, and yet Aegon didn’t trust that he wouldn’t berate him as he had with Criston, as perhaps from where his goodbrother was standing, Aemond deserved it just as much.

“They’re looking for Gwayne”, he said quickly, gaze stuck on Laenor’s and purposefully getting between him and his brother, “I don’t know if they can see him”

“Yes they can”, Laenor muttered, brows forrowed and lips tightly pressed together as he subtly brought Lucerys to stand behind him as if shielding him from Aemond.

Aegon knew that whole situation as well needed to be handled, that he needed to find a way for Aemond to come back into the family. He knew that Rhaenyra was of the same opinion, but he didn’t know about anyone else. Jacaerys seemed conflicted, as was Lucerys, and Laenor was a whole other matter. He’d never known his goodbrother to be a violent or angry man, and yet it seemed that Laenor was done just sitting there whilst himself and his family were berated and belittled by all, and had begun to stand up to those who’d hurt them, like the Queen, her knight, and the King as well.

He could only hope that with time, he’d come to realise that Aemond was not all bad, and that if cared for properly, his brother could turn into a good man, a great knight even.

“Hello my boy”, Gwayne sighed happily as soon as he saw Daeron, who quickly walked to his uncle and begun climbing onto his bed, almost melting against him as the man wrapped his arms around him, “Thank you for bringing him my Lord”

“Are you alright?”, the little boy questioned, “Rhaenyra said you were hurt, what happened?”

Gwayne let out a deep breath, hand coming to rub over his face as his eyes clamped shut, hissing when he accidentally touched the bandage that covered one side of his head. Aegon didn’t know exactly what had taken place in the black cells the night before, and though he could presume that Mellos had been killed because he knew too much, or even just because he was too old to run and would’ve just gotten in the way of Otto and his escape plan, but he didn’t know why Gwayne had been harmed as well.

“I tried to help someone”, his uncle revealed, “I saw that someone was being hurt and thought it unfair, so I got in the way and since I had nothing to defend myself with, I got hurt too. I honored the oath I took many years ago, to protect the innocent and those who can not protect themselves. One can not say that that man was innocent, but he was unarmed and they were not, and I didn’t think that was fair”

“You were very brave”, Daeron praised him, “But don’t do that again, I need you alive. Grandsire’s dead, so you need to stay alive for me”

Gwayne’s eyes widened as they immediately snapped to Laenor, who in turn just nodded slowly. Aegon would not say that his uncle looked pained or grief striken by the news, just disappointed, and perhaps even a little angry.

“I didn’t know”, the man mumbled, “For years I thought things had happened because they just had, because that's what they all told me, but I didn’t know he was behind it. I would never have let him do that to her, but I just didn’t know”

“What?”, the boy questioned, “I’m sorry if I made you sad uncle”

“It’s alright”, Gwayne sighed, “My father was not a good man my boy, it just took me a while to realise it, that is all. I realised it well enough last night, but in my heart I think I already knew. I just wanted to do good by him, but he was not a good man. Did he die an honorable death?”

The room fell silent for a moment, and before he could think better of it, Aegon shook his head. Getting your head chopped off by a man you’ve hated for years, as he laughs in your face before and after you’ve died, and cheerfully plans to turn your skull into a chamberpot, was not his idea of an honorable death.

For but a second Aegon thought about giving Gwayne his condolances, telling him that he was sorry that Otto was dead, since in the end no matter what the man was still his father, but then he didn’t. He was not sorry about Otto’s death, and he doubted that anyone truly was as the man had done so much to harm each and every person he should’ve cared for.

Otto had lived his whole life striving for more, wishing to be remembered and reveered, and yet he would remain forever unmourned, and nobody would care because his name would be forgotten.

His family would make sure of that.

Chapter Text

“That’s just gross”, Viserys sighed, “Put that away Daemon by the Gods”

Hearing the King’s command, his brother just continued to poke Otto’s cheek as he had been for some time now, finding it funny when his mouth opened up and his tongue slipped out. And though Aegon could not say that he didn’t relish in knowing that his grandsire was finally dead, the sight was a bit much for him as well.

When his father had first called him to his chambers, Aegon had been a little hesitant, not wishing to leave Aemond alone as he knew how fragile his brother still was, and how very scared he was as well, no matter how much he tried to hide it. But then two figures had shown up, and much to his surprise, Aemond had just gravitated towards them as they had to him.

“We need help with our bags”, is all one of Daemon’s twins had said, and Aemond had gone with them without saying a word.

Aegon had remained stuck in place for some time, trying to figure out if there had perhaps been an underlying threat in the girl’s words that he hadn’t caught, and why exactly they’d come to look for Aemond when he knew very well that by the time the boat had reached King’s Landing, many servants had already been on the shore to help the new guests with their things.

But then, as he’d begun to make his way to his father’s rooms, he’d caught a glimpse of Aemond and the twins, and he’d been a little stunned once he realised that they were all smiling, having a casual conversation whilst unpacking the girls’ things.

Aemond had spoken of the twins in his letter, and he had said that they had been nice to him, but he hadn’t expected them to have become so close.

“No you can’t keep it”, his father sighed, “Otto will be buried in Oldtown brother, that is my decision. I did not care for the man, but both his and Ormund’s bodies will be taken back to their homestead so they may be buried there, so you will need to give that head back”

“But why?”, his brother questioned, “Who gives a shit about buryin-”

“Daemon”, Viserys hissed, nodding to Aegon who in turn just laughed at his father’s upset over his brother cursing in front him, when he’d been watching him toy with a man’s head this whole time.

The Prince let out a deep breath, finally letting go of Otto’s head and not so gently dropping it on the floor, a sneer on his face as he watched it tumble away from him. Aegon knew very well that his grandsire had been hated by many, and it seemed that Daemon was intent on ensuring that even those who were not present and could not act against the man, would be avenged as he continued to abuse his corpse.

“Who cares about burying him?”, he asked again, “Why would the new Hightower Lord care to have a cunt like him soil the grounds of his new castle? His father I can almost understand, especially since I believe that little Lyonel has reason to want to make things right after what he did to him, but Otto?”

Aegon threw a confused glance to his uncle, trying to understand what he spoke of when he said that Lyonel had done something to his own father, but alas the Prince continued talking, doing so over Aegon as he tried to question him.

“I actually don’t know what Lyonel wants to do”, Viserys clarified, “From what I was told yesterday morn after you so gracefully woke me up, a missive had already been sent to Oldtown to alert the new Lord of his uncle’s death, and from our calculation he should’ve received the one we sent to tell him of his father’s death just this morn. Lyonel knows of the accusations that were levied against both his father and great uncle, so whatever he chooses to do with the bodies of two who would’ve been declared as traitors of the Realm if they’d lived long enough, is up to him”

“A lot of shit thrown at one who’s still barely a man”, Daemon mused, “We do have people keeping an eye on him, right?”

“Of course we do”, the King talked back offended, “Do you think me so stupid that I would just let a boy who was raised by two traitors take hold of a whole city, without even sending men to guard him?”

When Daemon did not say a word but instead just looked at his brother, his answer was clear in his eyes, and Viserys let out a deep breath.

“I know brother”, he sighed, “Trust me I know, but I promise you that I’ve changed”

“We’ll see how long it lasts this time”, the Prince huffed, “Took you almost two decades to change the first time, when you sent the cunt packing, and then a decade later he was back. That won’t happen again, but it’s thanks to me. I killed him because you took him back brother, because you didn’t listen to me all the times I told you of his true nature and his true intentions. You didn’t listen to me, and that leech almost won”

Aegon sat up straight, immediately beginning to look around for an exit because he was not about to be stuck in this godsforsaken chamber and pay witness to another one of these conversations. He had better things to do anyways, like visiting his nephews or his mother and siblings, like trying to figure out what weird dynamic had developed between Aemond and the twins, like looking for Marla and finally meeting her brother.

Like quite literally anything but sitting here and being forced to listen to another con-

“Aegon knows”, his father said suddenly, “He knows of my dreams and Helaena’s as well, he knows that the Gods truly did speak to us Daemon”

“I’ve heard that before”, the younger man scoffed, “What was it that you said brother? That the Gods Themselves had told you that Aemma would bear you a son, so no matter what the Maesters said, you would continue seeking the boy you’d seen. Right?”

The room fell silent, and Aegon begged the Gods to strike him down now.

“Do not talk about her”, Viserys choked out, “You have no right to talk about her, not when you spent the night of her funeral with your whores after your niece had just had to burn her moth-”

“And what were you doing?”, Daemon questioned, “What were you doing that night brother? I’m the worst man alive because I wasn’t with Rhaenyra after you decided that she had to be the one to burn her mother’s remains, and where were you?”

He knew what his uncle was talking about, as he’d heard the whispers about his mother and father, and how their meetings had supposedly begun on the very night of Queen Aemma’s funeral. Aegon had been stupid enough to speak about it with his mother once, and after striking him, she’d told him that those were all lies spun by the Princess’ supporters, who wished to make her look bad.

But Aegon remembered it, he’d seen it, the shame in his mother’s eyes as she spoke of that night. He knew that his gransire had been behind the whole thing, but as had already been established, the King had been the one to make the final decision.

His father had been a man grown by the time that had happened, and he should’ve known better than to allow for a young girl to show up in his chambers unannounced and alone, in the middle of the night. He should’ve refused her even without knowing of Otto’s schemes, as the whole thing had been most inappropriate, but it seems that yet again, Viserys had placed his own comfort above all else.

“Aemma was my kin too”, Daemon grunted, “She was your wife but she was my cousin and goodsister Viserys, and I loved her. Yes I went out and got drunk, and yes I said things I shouldn’t have, but imagine my fucking surprise brother, when after you berated me so for abandoning my family when they needed me, I found out that Rhaenyra had spent that whole night alone in her chambers because her father, who supposedly loves her more than anything, was too busy entertaining a young maiden in his rooms to be with her”

“I know Daemon”, Viserys sighed defeated.

“All that for a boy”, his brother continued, “From the time she was twelve namedays old you never let Aemma have a single moment of peace, not one brother, no matter how many Maesters told you to just leave her the fuck alone, all for a boy. And then you got another wife, and there you go, little Alicent gave you not one but three boys, and you didn’t give a shit about them”

“I know Daemon”, his father almost cried, eyes cast down in shame as Aegon couldn’t help but stare at him as well, as he knew that his uncle’s words rang true.

“Aemond told me much of his life here”, the Prince said as he threw an angry look towards him, as he quickly shrunk into his chair, “The boy was in a horrible state after we left High Tide, and desperate people talk. You are a shit father Viserys, you just are. And your wife is a shit mother. I might not be the greatest father in the Realm, but at least I remember to speak to my girls every now and then, when’s the last time you did that brother? When is the last time you spoke to Aemond?”

His father sighed, shaking his head as Aegon as well tried to think about it, and realised that he truly couldn’t think of a single time when Viserys had ever held a conversation with any of his siblings apart form Helaena, as the two would sometimes speak of the bugs she so loved.

Even with Aegon, his father had only started caring about actually talking to him after his dreams. If that hadn’t happened, then he truly did not know wether he and his father would ever have spoken before the man died.

“Your son tried to kill himself”, Daemon spat at his brother, “Your child Viserys, barely eleven namedays old, has tried to kill himself more than once already. Did you know about that? You never cared enough about that boy to notice all the times he came back covered in ash because he’d just walked into a dragon’s lair, knowing very well that all but one had already been claimed and that they would kill him for daring to approach, and that Dreamfyre didn’t want him, so she too would’ve gotten to him if the dragonkeepers hadn’t been there those couple times she actually tried to attack him”

“That was my fault”, Aegon admitted, “I was the one who made life difficult for Aemond because he didn’t have a dragon. Father didn’t do anything”

“Exactly”, his uncle insisted, “Your father didn’t do anything about anything, ever. All knew that the Hand was commiting treason, and the King did nothing, and then his own wife declared war against his daughter on her fucking wedding day, and he still did nothing. One of his sons makes the other’s life miserable and what does he do? Nothing. And you boy, you may have done some things to your brother, but shit was also being done to you with your father right here, and he did nothing”

He shook his head, not wanting to think about each time his father could’ve intervened if he’d just paid more attention, or even about the fact that if Viserys had ever been a father to him, he might’ve actually felt like he could speak to him about what was happening. The one time he’d tried to do it the King had sent him away, and the two had never truly had a relationship, so Aegon had always known that he could not count on his father.

But he did not want to think about that right now, not when he was trying to make their family work.

He held much against many people in this cursed place, his father, his mother, her shield and even his sister in some ways, but he would not let that get in the way of him getting the family he wanted and needed. He could cope with seeing his parents everyday after all she did and all he didn’t do, and he could stand being around Criston so long as they weren’t on the training grounds, and the more time he spent with Rhaenyra the more he grew to love her.

He could get over everything that had happened, and suppress all that persisted to make things work, but Daemon was not making it easy for him by bringing back those memories.

“You killed Aemma for these fucking kids”, Daemon hissed, “Your beloved wife, who you still mourn and cry over as if it isn’t your own fault that she’s dead. The babe was stuck, fine, but he shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If you hadn’t fucked her when she was eleven, as everyone warned you against it, and if you hadn’t continued to get her pregnant every two seconds, as everyone warned you against it, then maybe she would have given you a son. You killed her for these kids, for these boys, and then you didn’t even have the decency to give a shit about them, leaving them in the care of the second girl you married, who didn’t give a shit about them either”

“Mother loves Aemond”, Aegon said confidently, knowing that his uncle would have reason to laugh in his face if he claimed that his mother loved him, but he knew that she so cared for his brother.

“Loves him so much that she never stopped you”, his uncle mocked, “Your mother is a miserable woman who only seeks those who are as miserable as she is, like that knight of hers, and she did not care one bit that her son was losing himself, because she wanted him to be like her”

“That’s not true”, he argued, “She spoke to me once, and told me to leave him alone. She doesn’t love me, but she does care for Aemond, she always has”

Daemon just sighed, chuckling slightly as he continued to mumble things about how blind everyone was, and how nobody actually cared to see how much damage Alicent had done. Aegon was surprised to hear how almost angry his uncle sounded as he recounted all his brother had told him about how things had been for him at the Keep, not really understanding why the man cared.

“I was the one who looked after him”, Daemon said, “After that boy broke a fucking window to carve into his arm, I was the only one who took care of him, and do you want to know why Aegon? Do you want to know why you never knew of that happening? Because he begged me not to tell you. Your brother was terrified that you would all think him weak, and that you wouldn’t want him anymore. Apparently Alicent went on and on about how strong and good he was, and how he was just the knight she’d needed all this time, and he was so scared to disappoint her, that he didn’t want her to know about him almost killing himself. Your mother doesn’t know how to love boy, because if she did, then her son would not have been afraid of letting her know that he was in pain, wouldn’t have been afraid of no longer being loved by her if she knew that he wasn’t as strong as she needed him to be for that fucking war she’s apparently so obsessed with”

“She always looked after him”, Aegon mumbled, shaken by his uncle’s words and yet for some reason feeling compelled to defend his mother, “Whenever he was hurt or upset, she always reassured him”

“By telling him that he was too strong to let such things get to him”, the man retorted, “A man’s mind is a fragile thing boy, as you now know since your mother has lost hers from what I’ve heard. By telling Aemond that he was perfect because he was strong and resiliant, and apparently saying the very opposite about you, she convinced him that that’s the only reason why she loved him. And the second he showed some weakness, he feared that she might not love him anymore, or Crispin for that matter since that man said much the same. By the Gods I didn’t even like the kid, and yet I cared for him more in two moons than any of you did in eleven years”

“And how would you know about this stuff?”, he questioned, desperate to find a way to deny or dismiss his uncle’s claims, “Are you an expert in children?”

“Because I know what Aemond is”, his uncle hissed, “I too was like him, the strong one in the family who always had to fight because the other one couldn’t. I know what it means to have to ignore yourself in favor of war because that is what is expected of you. I didn’t give a fuck about fighting when I was younger, but I was good at it and your father wasn’t, so that’s what I had to do. I can not tell you the amount of times my grandsire reminded me that no matter what happened, I had to fight because Viserys was just too weak. I put myself aside for him, and your mother wanted Aemond to ignore all he is and all he could be for you and for her, because you’re too weak and she was too busy plotting a war to realise that her most favourite soldier was a fucking babe”

“Stop it Daemon”, Viserys bellowed once he noticed the tears in his son’s eyes, understanding that his brother had a point, and yet knowing that Aegon felt bad enough as it was without him making it worse, “Leave brother, and do not touch that head”

“I’m just telling the truth”, Daemon argued, “You can’t send me away every time I speak the truth just because you don’t like it Viserys”

Even though it was obvious that the Prince was not yet done with the conversation, as that throbbing vein on his forehead proved that he still had much ire to let out, and that he would love to do it against his brother, he exited the chambers. Aegon remained quiet for some time, minutes or hours passed he wasn’t certain, but he didn’t say a word.

His father tried to speak with him a couple times, but Aegon stuck to his silence.

He left the King’s chambers, aimlessly walking around as he continued to think about Daemon’s words, about all the man had said about Aemond’s condition after Driftmark. He knew of what his brother had tried to do to himself, and yet to hear that he’d been almost too embarassed by it to let anyone tell his family somehow made it all worse.

Aemond had not been in his right mind, and yet he’d begged their uncle not to tell anyone, because he thought they’d think him weak. His little brother, who’d never done anything but train and try to become as physically strong as one could be, had almost been struck down by his own mind, and he feared that they would’ve thought him weak because of it.

He’d probably thought that Aegon would make fun of him for it.

“Hi”, a confused voice mumbled once he walked into their chambers, “What are you d-”

“I’m sorry”, Aegon said, “I’m so sorry”

Aemond hugged him back as the two just stood there in the middle of his thankfully empty rooms, gently rubbing Aegon’s back as he tried to understand what had happened and why he seemed so sad. He questioned his brother over and over again, only receiving a small no when he asked if it had anything to do with their mother or Ser Criston.

“I’m so sorry valonqar”, the elder sniffled in the younger’s shoulders, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. You needed me and I wasn’t there, but I’m here now alright? I know it won’t make up for what I did and didn’t do, but I’m here. I love you Aemond, I really do brother and I’m sorry I made you doubt that”

He hoped to hear his brother say it back, but nothing. Aemond hugged him a little tighter as Aegon just continued to repeat those three words, ones he should’ve spoken long ago, as if he had then perhaps his brother would not have thought his life so worthless. Aegon knew that he’d given Aemond every reason to question wether he actually cared about him through the years, but he vowed to erase all those doubts, no matter how long it took.

“I love you”, he said once again, placing a kiss on his brother’s temple and hoping that the boy knew that his words rang true, and that this wasn’t another one of his stupid pranks, “I missed you so much brother, I really did”

“I missed you too”, he heard the boy whisper, and suddenly everything was alright.

They would be alright.

Chapter Text

“Your dress is beautiful cousin”, Helaena cooed as she ran her fingers on the embroidery on Baela’s gown, “It’s so shiny and very pretty”

“Thank you”, the girl muttered in return, “It was a gift from my mother”

Aegon watched as his sister frowned, before gently placing her hand over Baela’s, something that surprised him greatly as he knew how much she despised physical touch.

“I’m sorry that she’s gone”, she said, “But she and Aelyx are together, and they are happy”

Baela remained stuck in place for a second, wide eyes snapping to the other girl as she observed her with a confused look on her face, probably wondering how she knew the name that her parents had chosen for the babe if they’d been a boy. Aegon smirked a little, finding it most amusing whenever a new person was first faced with Helaena’s gift.

Himself and his sister had been making their way back to their chambers after visiting their mother, and as they walked they'd found the two girls aimlessly roaming around the castle, evidently looking for something do to and pass the time, but not really knowing where to go as they had never been at the Keep before. Aegon had not even had the time to think before his sister almost dragged him to join herself and the twins as they drank some tea in her chambers, telling him that they should thank those who had done what they should have.

And he hadn’t found it in him to deny her words or her request.

“Where’s Aemond?”, Rhaena questioned.

“I think he’s with Ser Criston”, Aegon answered, “I accompanied him to the Maester’s chambers this morn, and I think he’s still there”

He’d tried to speak with his brother earlier this morn, and though Aemond had seemed keen on listening to him, probably still a little stunned by Aegon’s sudden display of emotions and his declaration of love to his brother a couple days before, but in the end he hadn’t managed to tell him of their mother. Aemond had asked to see her, and an attempt at an explanation of what was going on with her had almost escaped Aegon, who had yet to figure out a way to tell his brother of the matter, but alas he’d remained silent, before suggesting that they visit the knight.

Ser Cole was recovering well, but he was still in the Maester’s chambers as Gerardys seemed most concerned about a small infection that had started in Criston’s wound, treating it almost obsessively as he was probably still troubled by all that had happened to the now late Lord Ormund.

“You are very nice to him”, Helaena praised the girls, “I’m happy that you’re nice to him, he needs it”

“We weren’t so nice at the beginnig”, Baela sighed, “I won’t lie, I thought about avenging Jace when you all first left High Tide, but then everything happened and we didn’t even think about being mean after that. Father was quite protective of him as well, much to my surprise, he told us that he would not allow us to be anywhere near Aemond unless we understood that he was fragile and could not be treated poorly”

The girl took a deep breath before continuing to speak, playing with her skirts as she and her sister shared a look, and for but a second Aegon thought about leaving, as he wasn’t certain that he wanted to hear yet another tale of how miserable his brother had been. But then he stayed put.

Aemond’s desperation stemmed from Aegon’s actions, and if his brother had suffered through it all, then he could be brave enough to hear of it.

“I wasn’t there when it happened”, she continued, “I was with Rhaena and our grandmother, just drinking some tea and readying our things to travel to Pentos, and then I just heard this horrible scream. It was a wail of both pain and fear, and it reminded me so much of the night mother passed that I jus-”

The girl let out a shaky breath, tightening her hold on Helaena’s hand before opening her mouth to speak once more, but once it became clear that she couldn’t, her sister took over.

“We followed the sound until we found them”, Rhaena said, “Father was in his chambers with Aemond, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him so concerned, or maybe he was just disturbed by it all, I don’t know. There was so much blood, and Aemond just kept crying and begging father to just let him die. I didn’t really understand what had happened for some time, as in truth I thought somebody had tried to attack him, but after I figured it out I just couldn’t help but feel for him”

“He didn’t want us around at first”, Baela chimed in, “We left him alone for a while even once we reached Pentos, because I think father didn’t trust us to not be mean to him, so he was the only one who saw Aemond for a bit. He seemed very surprised when we showed up to his chambers one day and asked if he wanted to play with us, and I think that he thought it was a prank, or that we might be taking him somewhere to kill him. But then we started playing, and after that it just kept happening. He’s not that bad once you get to know him, quite sweet actually”

“He’s very sweet”, Helaena said with a bright smile, “The sweetest of us all before the eye was taken, but as he has both his heart can still heal”

The girls shared an incredibly confused look, before they both turned to Aegon who in turn just shrugged, much too haunted by what they’d just spoken of to care about explaining to them that his sister knew of a future that never would be.

He stood up quite suddenly, faintly hearing his sister suggest that they might all visit their mother so she could do the twins' hair as well, though the likelihood of Daemon’s daughters wanting anything to do with Alicent was very small, so he doubted that that would happen anytime soon.

Aegon made his way through the corridors of the Keep, wary of seeing Marla, as though he really did want to see her and finally meet Jasper, he was not in the mood for it right now and did not care for his current state to be his first impression on the boy.

He thought about Aemond’s attempt, and those that had come before that as even though he had never really let his mind go there, his uncle had made it impossible for him to not just give up and accept that his brother had always known far too much about dragons to not understand the danger he was putting himself in each time he snuck into one of their lairs.

Aemond had known that each time could be his last, and he hadn’t cared.

“You can eat that”, Criston whispered as he took a bite of his own food, “Look, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry so much, I promise”

“You’re sick”, his brother argued, “Who’s to say nobody put something in your food?”

“I’m sick because I was stabbed Aemond”, the knight sighed, “Maester Gerardys has been taking great care of me, and is now treating this small infection with all weapons in his arsenal. He’s a good man and he only wants me to heal, please Aemond just eat. Nobody wants us dead”

“But why?”, the boy questioned lowly, “They always hated us both, why wouldn’t they want to ki-”

“Because they don’t hate you”, Aegon answered, “Rhaenyra has had more than enough time to get rid of Criston, and yet he still lives. I’ve been with her all alone for a whole moon now, and here I stand. You will be fine as well brother, I promise, nobody wants you dead. Please believe me Aemond, nobody wants you dead valonqar”

As he said those last words he found himself getting choked up, begging his brother to believe him when he said that nobody wanted him dead, wishing for him to understand that and for it to become true to him as well. His brother had been in so much pain for so long, and Aegon had never given him reason to believe that he cared wether he lived or died, but he needed him to know that he did care.

Needed him to know that he needed him alive.

“How is Rhaena?”, Aemond questioned as he tried to change the subject, nodding to a small bracelet the girl had made during her travels to the Keep, as Aegon noted that his brother had one as well.

“Both twins are well, as is Helaena”, he answered, “Have you seen her since you came back?”

“No I haven’t”, his brother muttered, “I wanted to, but every time I asked about her they told me that she was with mother, and I don’t know if I’m allowed to see her”

“Of course you are”, Aegon sighed, though in truth he wasn’t so certain that it really was that obvious, “You can see mother Aemond, but there is something you should know before that happens”

He heard Criston let out a shaky breath, and watched as the man went to slowly lift himself up so he might sit and possibly partake in the conversation if his help was needed, though that small movement seemed to pain him quite a bit. Aegon didn’t know if this was a good idea, as he had wanted for this moment to come at a different time, when himself and his brother were alone and Aemond would be free to rage and cry as Aegon was certain that he would.

But from the way his brother stared at him expectantly, he knew he could no longer avoid it.

“Mother is sick”, he said finally, “Her mind is ill, and she has not been herself for some time. She does not seem to understand a lot of what is currently going on around her, and it’s hard to tell wether she remembers most of what happened before. She seems at peace I suppose, but she’s not thinking straight and she hasn’t for a while. I wasn’t there when it all started, or I guess I was and I just didn’t notice, but she was just in a lot of pain brother, and her mind broke because of it”

Aemond fell silent, frozen where he sat as his eyes remained stuck on Aegon’s, and for a second the elder wasn’t the certain that the other was breathing. He could see the wheels turning in his brother’s brain, and he knew that he was probably thinking about how it was all part of Rhaenyra’s schemes, immediately assuming that his mother had somehow been poisoned by their sis-

“Is it my fault?”, the boy whispered, “You said she was in pain, was it because of me and what I did?”

“No”, Aegon immediately denied, shaking his head and taking his brother’s hand in his own as he noted how devastated and guilty the other looked, “It had nothing to do with you Aemond, I promise”

That was not a complete lie, but also not a complete truth, he knew that very well. His mother had begun to lose herself the second Aemond had been taken from her, so in some ways his brother’s actions had contributed to her losing her mind, but it was so much more complicated than that.

“Your mother was in pain for a long time Aemond”, Criston said, “Her heart was broken when you left, but it had been for many years before that. She is not well now, but she will get the help she needs, and I trust that she will go back to who she once was. Well hopefully not who she was when you last saw her, but who she was when I first met her”

“What do you mean?”, Aemond questioned confused.

“She was still the Lady Alicent when I first arrived at the Keep”, the knight explained, “The Queen you knew was nothing like the Lady I met all those years ago, and I can only hope that the latter will come back in time. She was most kind and caring, and she truly had so much love for those around her. Sadly those people she so cared for are the ones who hurt her most, but things have changed, and hopefully you will get to know the Lady Alicent as well one day”

Aegon had spoken to Rhaenyra about it a couple of times since Aemond had come back, and though his sister had seemed most concerned by how their brother would react to seeing his mother in such a state, she’d agreed that the two could meet.

Getting Aemond away from Criston was a difficult task, as in the end the knight had pretty much begged the boy to leave, promising that he would be fine and vowing to keep his sword by his side so he might defend himself if needs be. Aemond had agreed, evidently much too shaken up by the prospect of what may await him once he saw his mother, to notice that the knight’s sword was nowhere to be found in the Maester’s chambers, and that Criston fell asleep almost immediately after they left his side.

“She’ll be glad to see you”, Aegon said, “She really is happy Aemond, I need you to know that brother. It might be difficult for you to see her as she is now, but I need you to know that she’s happier than ever before. And if she doesn’t immediately recognise you just go along with it”

“What?”, his brother questioned concerned.

But before Aegon could answer, a loud cry was heard and someone ran past him, almost tackling Aemond to the ground as they hugged him close to their chest, body shaken by violent sobs as they continued to ask if he was real.

“I dreamed of you so many times”, Alicent cried, “I saw you my love, night after night I saw you, and here you are. You are here, right?”

“I’m here mother”, Aemond reassured her, clinging to her as he looked to his brother, eyes filled with such pain and sorrow that Aegon couldn’t help but caress his hand, wishing to comfort him.

“You really are here”, she sighed as she took his face in her hands, “My beautiful boy, you’re here. I missed you so much my heart, the Mother knows that I could barely breathe without you here. We spoke of you many times my love, and She promised that if I was good you’d come back to me, and here you are”

By the door of his mother’s chambers, Aegon noticed his father, leaning on his cane as he watched them all, a griefstriken look on his face as he just stared. Viserys had failed many people in his life, the Gods knew he’d almost failed them all, and yet few had been as hurt due to his actions and inactions, as the three who stood before him.

Aemond’s eyes met his father’s for a moment, and though Aegon saw how the King opened his mouth as if to speak, he clamped it shut quickly enough once the boy stuffed his head in the crook of his mother’s neck, evidently wishing to avoid his gaze.

“I told him you would come back to me”, Alicent mumbled, “The river said that you had been taken, but I told him that you would find your way back to my arms. He told me I had to go with him, but I couldn’t leave when I knew you’d come here my love, when I knew you’d come back home”

“What?”, his father questioned, “What river?”

“The river in my wall”, his wife answered with a sad and haunted look in her eyes, “He spoke such horrible things Viserys, and he said I had to follow him. But I told him that I would be staying put because my family is here, and I will not leave my family. How could I follow him when my babes and my husband are here, my sister and father as well? My aunt is here too, you shall meet her Aemond. I’ve spoken to her of you so many times my love, and though I assured her that you were most beautiful, she will not believe how gorgeous you are in person. Let us go find her”

And so the two left, hand in hand as Alicent stopped whenever she spotted someone, introducing them to Aemond as if most of those servants hadn’t been there for the boy’s whole life. His brother looked pained by their mother’s behaviour, and there was great pity in his eyes as he looked at her, but before Aegon could walk with them to avoid them being alone, his father grabbed onto him.

“What river was she talking about?”, the King asked.

“I don’t know”, he answered, “When I first got here on that night she told me that a river was trapped in her wall, and Helaena said that she’d closed the door on him. But I don’t know what or who they were speaking of father, I really don’t”

After noticing how terribly tired his father looked, Aegon suggested that he might call for some guards to help him bring the man back to his chambers, but the latter resisted him, as he wished to spend some time with his son. They sat in his mother’s chambers, and Aegon smiled once he noticed the few drawings scattered around the rooms.

“That’s you”, Viserys informed him as he pointed to a portrait of a little boy, “It’s all of us actually, she even drew Daemon for some reason, with that long hair he had many years ago. Alicent always loved drawing, she even made a lovely portrait of my Aemma once”

“And who’s that?”, Aegon questioned once he found a drawing that was much different than the others, one of a small girl all alone in a room as a man loomed large in the shadows.

Something about this particular drawing was most disturbing, and it was far away from all the others. The ones his mother had made that depicted their family were all huddled together, but this one was almost hidden in the corner of her room, as if she had drawn it but didn’t want to look at it.

The man in the picture had a huge smile on his face, but not one of the kind ones his mother had drawn on the rest of them, this one looked more like a sneer. Once you payed attention to the details, it was not difficult to determine that the girl was supposed to be his mother, and for but a moment Aegon thought that the man was meant to be Otto, until he noticed something.

“He has three legs”, he exclaimed as he shoved the piece of paper in his father’s face, “The man has three legs, like the river Helaena told me about. It’s all connected father, she spoke of a river with three legs that could not be found, and then she told Lord Corlys that a river would be with mother on that night, it’s the same river”

“I don’t understand”, Viserys mumbled, “What man has three legs?”

“You do”, Aegon said with a big smile as things finally started making sense, “It only looks like another leg, and sounds like one even, but if you look closely it’s a cane. Who else do we know who goes around with a walking stick?”

He didn’t know much about Larys Strong, as he’d never once spoken to the man or ever had any intention on doing it as he thought his mere presence unsettling. He’d heard his grandsire speak of him once, saying that he was the one ally Alicent had managed to find in the decade she’d spent alone at the Keep, but Aegon hadn’t payed him much mind as in truth he’d never seen the two speak, so he’d honestly thought that his mother had just lied to her father to not aknowledge that she hadn’t befriended anyone.

But what if something had happened?

What if Lord Larys had been an ally to his mother, or better his grandsire, and what if he'd been the one to plan that night? Aegon had never seen much of the man around court, thankfully, but he hadn’t seen him at all since they’d all come back. He hadn’t thought about it much, but now the wheels were turning.

“Did he ask you for leave?”, he questioned his father, “After he became the Lord of Harrenhal, did Larys ask you for leave to go there?”

“No”, Viserys said confused, “Aegon I don’t understand what you’re talking about. What does Larys Strong have to do with this river?”

“He is the river”, he almost screamed, probably looking like a mad man as he ran to his mother’s bed and began pushing it away from the wall.

It had stayed put for these past few days because Helaena insisted that the river had to remain trapped in there, and none had denied her to avoid upsetting her, and Aegon laughed as he realised how brilliant his sister was, and how foolish the rest of them had been for ignoring her for so long.

“She told me he was here”, he huffed as he ran his hands over the wall, looking for something he knew he would find, “This whole time she’s been telling us father, speaking of all the dangers that surround us, and it seems that when none of us bothered to listen to her, she dealt with it herself”

Helaena had said that the river had wanted to take the Lady, that he had taken himself as he would’ve taken her, and as Aegon finally found the opening to the secret tunnel in his mother’s wall, he knew his sister had saved their family once again.

And Larys Strong’s body dropped at his feet, an empty vile still in his hand as the man lay dead.

Chapter Text

“What do you want from my sister?”, the boy asked with an angry scowl on his face, and Aegon’s heart almost failed him.

“Jasper”, Marla hissed as she smacked her brother over the head, “Please ignore him”

Aegon let out a nervous chuckle, eyes wide and a little afraid as the boy had yet to stop staring at him. He’d been wanting to meet him for some time now, mainly because he knew how very important he was to Marla, and had hoped that the boy would like him.

But things were not going well.

Jasper had been glaring at him since they’d first met, and had simply given Aegon a small and hesitant bow when they’d been introduced to one another, pointedly ignoring the hand the older boy was offering. Aegon was trying his best, he really was, and he could tell that Marla was not too appreciative of the way her brother was behaving, but alas the boy would not let go.

“What do you want from her?”, Jasper insisted, “I lived in Flea Bottom for many years, and I heard much of what rich men like you to do to women. My sister deserves better than that”

“By the Gods”, Marla grunted, “Why in the Seven Hells would you say something like that? Aegon might be my friend but he is still a Prince brother, you can not speak to him like that. And I told you that he’s not like that Jasper, why would you s-”

“It’s fine”, Aegon mumbled, understanding the boy’s worries and yet still hurt that he would think so little of him, “Your brother has a point, as I’m certain that many women you met through the years had not had the greatest experiences with men of noble birth, or some of my own kin even. I care about your sister very much Jasper, I would never hurt her”

The boy did not seem convinced, still glaring at Aegon every now and then as the three of them walked to the Godswood, and Jasper immediately sat down between the two. Marla continued to apologise to Aegon for her brother’s behavior, begging him to believe her when she said that he was a kind boy, but he told her that it was alright.

Marla had spoken to him of her life, and of how for many years it had been just herself and Jasper, and of all the two had suffered, so it was normal for him to want to protect her as she had him. The siblings had had to fight and work from a very young age just to survive, all this whilst knowing that those who lived within the Keep would never have to worry about something like food or having a Maester to care for them, all luxuries in Flea Bottom, things that Aegon had always had available to him, something he could tell Jasper did not care for very much.

“Did you have a good time on Driftmark?”, he questioned, trying to distract the boy so he might stop looking at him like some dirt under his shoe, “I’ve been there before, and it’s a very beautiful place”

“Mh”, Jasper mumbled, “The beaches are nice, and the boats are fast. My friend Addam and I might get to sail together soon enough”

“That’s great”, Aegon said with a smile, thankful to have found something that finally took away the boy’s scowl from his face, “Do you know where you would like to go first?”

Jasper gave him an odd look, as if attempting to read his mind to figure out what his intentions were, but as he came to the conclusion that Aegon truly was just asking, he started talking about all the plans himself and this Addam had, even bringing up the boy’s brother Alyn, who Jasper didn’t seem to like very much.

As he watched the boy speak, wishing for him to know that he was paying attention, Aegon suddenly felt a hand on his cheek, and as he looked up he saw that Marla was smiling at him, and by the Gods he would never grow tired of that sight.

He hadn’t seen much of her since Aemond had come back, spending all his days with his brother as he did not care for the boy to ever be alone as he could tell that no matter how much he tried to deny it, Aemond was still afraid. On this morn however, his brother was with Daemon, as the man had shown up to his chambers and had asked if Aemond wanted to fly with him on Caraxes.

Aegon had almost felt faint at the prospect of their uncle taking his little brother on his dragon, because whilst he did not believe that Daemon would harm Aemond, the image was still a little daunting. But then, once the two had taken to the skies, he'd noticed that while they were flying atop the Blood Wyrm, the Queen of Dragons was right by their side, and for the first time in days, Aegon finally saw his brother smile.

“What’s that?”, Jasper questioned suddenly as he pointed to his shoulder.

“Naught but a scar”, Aegon mumbled as he let out an embarrassed chuckle, fixing his doublet and trying to cover it as best as he could, not really caring to speak much on the matter.

“I have scars too”, the boy revealed as he lifted his shirt, “I got this one a couple sennights ago, because Alyn dropped me whilst we were playing on the beach, and I believe that he did it on purpose, hence why I think he’s jealous that Addam likes me more, like it’s my fault that he’s so boring. And I actually don’t remember how I got this other one, I’ve always had it”

With the corner of his eye Aegon saw how Marla’s entire body flinched at the sight of her brother’s scar, a relatively small mark on the boy’s writ, it almost looked like a burn, though there seemed to be a pattern to the sc-

“How did you get yours?”, the boy asked, his face getting really close to Aegon’s shoulder as he tried to peek through his doublet and see it again, “I didn’t know princelings got hurt”

“I was stabbed”, Aegon scoffed, a little annoyed by Jasper’s insistance on wanting to talk about this scar, “I tried to help a friend and I got stabbed for it, that is all”

Jasper fell silent beside him, eyes wide and confused as he stared at him, and by the Gods for a boy who hadn’t even turned nine namedays old yet, he really could be creepy.

Their meeting came to an end quickly enough after that, with Jasper claiming that he was tired and immediately grabbing onto his sister’s hand when it looked like she wanted to stay with Aegon. Marla gave him a sad look before following her brother, apologising to Aegon once again and promising that the two would see each other again in the next few days, and that Jasper would be nicer.

Aegon chuckled at that, though his smile quickly slipped away from his face as the boy gave him another angry look. He really liked Marla, and knew how very important Jasper was to her, so he was more than ready to fight his way into the young boy’s heart if he had to.

“Hello uncle”, Jacaerys said once the two stumbled upon one another, “How was Marla?”

“She’s fine Jace”, he answered with a snide smile on his face, knowing very well that his nephew so loved poking fun at him for his crush on the girl, “How’s Baela?”

Jacaerys fell silent after that, eyes wide as they quickly snapped to his mother, who in turn just gave him a knowing smile. Aegon had seen his nephew around their cousin a couple of times, as the girl had almost demanded to see him once she arrived at the Keep, wishing to know how he was doing. To say that Jacaerys had seemed most taken with her from the moment he saw her would be an understatement, and the boy’s cheeks reddening as soon as Aegon mentioned her name proved it.

“I was looking for you”, Rhaenyra told him, “We have much to discuss on all that took place at the Council meeting this morn, and I think there are some things you would like to know about everything that actually happened on that night”

Aegon sighed, hand coming to rub over his face as he wondered what else could’ve been discovered about the absolute mess that that night had been. He knew that his sister had spoken to the men who’d survived the fight, and that more likely than not, those men had been quite keen on speaking to her after being told that if they gave her the information she needed, they might be moved from the Dragonpit to the black cells.

“One of them pissed himself”, his sister mused, “He brought up Otto and I guess I got angry, my Syrax roared, and he just pissed himself. So yes brother, you could say that the meeting I had with them revealed much about Otto’s plans and all those involved, and it also explained what you found in your mother’s chambers”

Rhaenyra had been most confused when her father and brother had told her that they’d found Larys’ dead body hiding in one of Maegor’s tunnels within the Queen’s chambers, and though she had admitted to never liking the man, she hadn’t thought him a traitor. She’d also wanted to learn more about Alicent’s drawing, as none could deny that a hidden and horrid truth laid within it, but with the his mother in such a condition, who knew how she would react when confronted with it.

It was true enough that she had made the drawing, but Aegon had found it hidden in a corner, like she just couldn’t bear to look at it.

“Wait”, Jace called for them to stop, “I want to visit Ser Criston”

“He’ll be asleep my love”, his sister said, “I’ll ask Gerardys to let us know once he wakes, but for now he will probably be asleep as he recovers from his injury”

“He got hurt to save you muña”, the boy argued, “He saved your life, so I would like to see him”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, smiling softly at her son and gently caressing his hair, before looking to Aegon who in turn nodded, and so the three made their way to the Maester’s chambers. Ser Arryk was still abed, as his injury had been more grave than the one Criston had sustained, so he'd probably be there for some time before he could go back to attending his duties. Gwayne was in another chamber, and there was a big chance that Daeron was with him, since the boy had taken to spending most of his days with his uncle since the two had been reunited.

And thinking about that Aegon silently thanked the Gods for ensuring that the first time Jace asked to see Criston, his brother wouldn’t be there. He knew that the two were bound to meet at one point, as they were living in the same place once again, but he didn’t really know how things woul-

“Hi”, a voice mumbled, and Aegon just looked up to the sky and asked why.

“Hello brother”, Rhaenyra said, “We were just coming to check on Ser Criston”

“He’s asleep”, Aemond told her, “I came to see him after uncle Daemon brought me back to the Keep, and he’s been asleep this whole time. Gerardys told me that he was in pain this morn, so he gave him some milk of the poppy, and he’ll be asleep for a while”

Once Aegon finally forced himself to face the scene before him, he noticed that his brother was standing by Criston’s bed, both his hands in front of him as he tugged on his sleeve and looked at their nephew. Rhaenyra did not seem mad that he was there, just looking at her son expectantly, as if waiting for him to say something.

Aegon and Rhaenyra had not spoken on how they believed this meeting between the two should go, as they’d had other things to worry about, but as he watched the two boys just stare at each other in silence, he decided that they should have thought this through.

“I can leave”, his brother whispered, “I’ll just lea-”

“You can stay uncle”, Jacaerys interrupted him, “We’re both here for Ser Criston, are we not? You can stay here if you want”

Aemond did not look convinced, keeping his eyes on Jace as he lifted himself off his chair and walked to the one by Criston’s side, legs shaking a little underneath him as he did. Aegon observed his brother, and noted how both pained and yet terrified the boy looked, almost like he was waiting for Jacaerys to either scream at him or take out a knife and stab him.

But nothing of the sort happened.

“You wrote that you were sorry about what you did”, his nephew said after a moment of silence, “Is that true?”

“Yes”, Aemond answered quickly, “I wasn’t thinking that night. I was the happiest I’d ever been as I claimed Vhagar, and then everything just fell apart and I lost control of myself. I’m really sorry about what I did, and that you still suffer because of me. I never meant to hurt you, I only ever wanted to be your friend”

His brother almost whispered those last few words, avoiding Jacaerys’ gaze as he stared at his hands, voicing thoughts he’d always had for the first time.

“And yet you still hurt me”, Jace mused, “You almost killed me uncle, and most importantly you almost killed Luke. Though I now know that you never got them, and even then I don’t know if it would’ve made a difference, we both wrote that we were sorry for those stupid pranks we pulled on you. I know it doesn’t make it right, but we just wanted uncle Aegon to think we were cool, and I’m sorry we hurt you. We hurt you first, I know that and I’m sorry for it, but you almost killed my brother”

“I know”, Aemond mumbled, “I didn-”

“You said that we shouldn’t be alive”, his nephew reminded him, “You threatened to feed us to your dragon and burn us so we might meet our dead father again, that’s what you said, right?”

At this point Aemond looked like he was about to burst into tears, and Aegon was but a second away from placing himself between the two to put a stop to this whole conversation. He understood that his nephew had a right to be angry at his brother, but knowing all Aemond had gone through after that night, he couldn’t just stand there and do nothing as Jace just continued to push him like this.

Aemond was not without fault, but he was his brother, and Aegon would never again let him think that he was not on his side. He moved towards him, but was stopped by his sister as she held onto his arm and shook her head, giving him a small smile as if to reassure him before her son spoke once more.

“You were attacked”, Jace said, “You defended yourself as you had a right to do, but then you turned into someone else, and you said some horrible things uncle. I just want to know if you believe them”

“What?”, Aemond questioned.

“You said that I don’t deserve to be alive”, the boy insisted, “You told me that my brothers and I don’t deserve to be alive because you think we’re bastards, and I just want to know if you believe it. You now say that you were not yourself that night, and though I might believe that, I need to know if you still think that my brothers don’t deserve the air they breathe”

“Of course they do”, his brother retorted, “I never wanted anything but to be your friend, why would I care that much about two boys I think should be dead? I spent my whole life trying to be with you, and you always threw me away without a care in the world. I understand that Aegon might be better company than me, but I just wanted a friend, just one. You all always had each other, and I was alone, and you all made fun of me for your own entertainment. I regret what I said and I never once truly believed that you deserve to die, but I was angry, and I think we both know that I had my reasons”

Jacaerys did not say anything for some time, just staring at his uncle as the other boy stared back, the two testing each other to see who would break first. Aemond was waiting for his nephew to strike, to declare that he wished to be avenged and wanted his uncle dead. Jace on the other hand was simply waiting to see if the version of Aemond he’d met on that night would come back once more if called upon. He knew it had not been kind of him to confront his uncle when he knew he was still so vulnerable, when he knew of what the boy had done to himself, but he needed to know.

Himself and his muña had spoken of this many times before, and Jacaerys had never once faltered in his conviction that he needed to speak to his uncle, to understand if the boy would be a danger to his brothers. He didn’t care much about himself, but he needed to know that Luke and Joffrey were safe.

“I don’t care about any of that”, Aemond said lowly as his gaze switched from his nephew and then to his sister, “I really don’t, though I understand that might be hard for you to believe. As I said in my letter Jace, you are my kin, and I never thought of you as anything but family. I’ve never cared about you looking as you do, I was just angry that you didn’t want to be my friend, and that night it all just became too much for me and I lost it. I know it’s not your fault, but never being you in Aegon’s eyes hurt, and I was just jealous and afraid”

“Why afraid?”, Jace almost laughed, “As that night proved uncle, I could never take you in a fight, even when I’m armed and you’re not”

His brother answered that with a humorless chuckle, eyes falling on Aegon who in turn walked to his brother and stood next to him, taking hold of the boy’s hand before the latter ripped it away and switched it with the other, just shaking his head when Aegon tried to question him about it.

After that they all fell silent, apart from the mumbled words that could be heard from the other side of the room, as Arryk apparently talked in his sleep, something that Aegon thought was absolutely terrifying. He even said it at one point, how scary it must be to wake up and find that whomever is laying next to you is just speaking to noone with their eyes closed, and that seemed to lighten the mood a little.

“Good morrow”, Rhaenyra said suddenly, “Gerardys’ drafts really are magical huh?”

“Hello”, Criston mumbled, eyes still mostly closed as he turned his head and gave them all a big and loopy smile, “You’re all here, hi”

The knight made a big fuss of removing his arms from underneath the blankets, acting like the piece of cloth weighed tons as he evidently thought it was very funny to take forever to finally free his hands, only to quickly bring them to caress the cheeks of the boys who sat by him.

Both Aemond and Jacaerys gave him a small smile, chuckling lightly as the man began to mumble to himself, very clearly under the influence of some milk of the poppy as he just rambled on about absolutely nothing.

“You’re both here”, he marvelled as he looked at them, “My heart and my boy, both here with me”

For a second Aegon thought he saw something darken in his nephew’s gaze, as it looked like he was about to snatch the his hand away and leave, but then he smiled. He didn’t know wether the man’s words had been enough for Jace to finally understand who the knight truly was to him, or if he just assumed that he thought of him like he did with Aemond, a boy he cared for deeply, but in the end his nephew’s smile did not falter.

Aegon did not know wether Rhaenyra and Criston would ever speak to Jacaerys about the truth of his parentage, but as he saw the boy smile at the knight, he thought that perhaps it would not end as poorly as he’d feared for so long.

“I was stabbed, wasn’t I?”, Ser Cole mumbled confused.

“Yes you were”, Rhaenyra said as she nodded to him, “But you will be fine Criston, ‘tis just a small infection, and Gerardys has assured me that you will heal in due time”

“It was for you”, the man muttered with a smirk on his face, “I did it for you”

He watched a small smile show up on his sister’s face, as she got closer to the knight and placed a hand on his head, gently caressing his hair as he continued to smile, before he then mumbled something about how he’d missed her touch, and she quickly stepped away from him.

“I think it’s time for us to retire”, she said hurriedly, “I was thinking that we could all have nuncheon together, would you like to join us brother?”

Aemond seemed conflicted, his gaze falling to his sister before it landed on his nephew, staring at the boy as if expecting him to declare that he did not care for his presence, but Jacaerys did not say a word.

“Will mother be there as well?”, he questioned lowly.

“I would hope so”, his sister answred, “She and Helaena are the ones who asked if we could all eat together, and I think the time has come for us all to reunite”

“For us all to finally be a family”

Chapter Text

“You look very pretty uncle”, Lucerys said with a small chuckle.

“Shut up”, Daeron muttered as he brought a hand to his hair, that had been styled in a way Aegon was most familiar with, as it was the very same his sister was wearing as well.

“Mother did a very good job”, Helaena cooed, earning a big smile from Alicent who sat next to her.

Aegon was sitting between his brother and nephew, not the best position in his personal opinion, as the way Jacaerys was almost glaring at Aemond made things a tad uncomfortable. He understood that whilst the boy had seemingly been ready to put aside what he felt for Aemond after what his uncle had done to him, he wasn’t yet ready to forgive him for what he’d done to Lucerys, and didn’t seem to love that the two were now so close to one another.

Luke did not seem bothered by Aemond’s presence, glancing at his uncle every now and then as he seemed intent on speaking with him, but then his gaze fell on Jacaerys and his mouth clamped shut.

Laenor on the other hand had not seemed happiest when Rhaenyra had shown up with the three boys by her side, his gaze lingering on Aemond for a little too long for Aegon’s comfort, but after his sister had whispered something in her husband’s ear, he’d just sat down without saying a word.

“I would love to do your hair as well one day”, Alicent whispered as she spoke to the twins, “I remember how your mother wore hers when we were younger, it was very pretty indeed, though she was very beautiful already, so I suppose there wasn’t much work to do. You two are most beautiful as well, you look much like her”

“Thank you Your Grace”, Rhaena said, eyeing the Queen warily as she evidently did not feel most at ease in her presence.

“Thank the Seven you don’t take after your father”, his mother joked with a small smile, earning a chuckle from both the twins and Laenor as well.

From where he sat by the King’s side, Daemon observed the interaction with an odd look in his eyes, assessing his mother like he was studying every move she made, almost waiting for her to snap out of the spell she’d fallen under and attack his daughters.

Aegon knew that his uncle did not trust his mother, as in truth he had very little reason to, but he was not certain that the man actually believed that Alicent’s condition was not simply a ploy she had made up to save herself. He knew that many still believed that his mother was naught but her father’s daughter, as she had been just that for most of her life, but whatever had taken over her had allowed for another Alicent to be born once more, and Aegon trusted that she would remain this way.

Especially because if she didn’t, then none could save her from his uncle.

Once the food arrived, all began speaking to one another, apart from Aemond who remained silent, much to Aegon’s dismay as he’d hoped that his brother might at least try to talk with Helaena, as he hadn’t done that yet since he’d first come back to the Keep.

Jacaerys and Baela were talking to one another, with the boy’s cheeks reddening as he dropped his fork on the table once she moved to tuck his short hair behind his ear. As Jace was very clearly distracted by their cousin, he’d finally stopped glaring at Aemond, who in turn stopped looking like he feared that someone might jump him at any given moment.

“Eat”, Daemon said suddenly, staring at Aemond from where he sat opposite him, “Do not start with this again boy, just eat”

“Father”, Rhaena mumbled with a soft tone, turning to Aemond and giving him a gentle smile before nodding to his plate, trying to be kinder than her father had been as she too encouraged him to eat.

Without thinking about it Aegon took a piece of meat from his brother’s plate, making sure that Aemond was looking at him as he ate it, wishing to once again reassure him that nobody had put anything in his food. He didn't really know why his brother seemed to be struggling so much with eating, and though at first he'd thought that Aemond had convinced himself that all were trying to poison him, as he watched how he nervously toyed with his food now, he thought back to something his father had told him.

When they'd all first left High Tide, Aemond had just stopped eating, only doing it when forced to by some maids. His brother's mind was a complicated and fragile thing, that much was becoming more and more obvious as Aegon figured out more things about it, and it seemed that for some reason, Aemond's upset made it difficult for him to eat.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”, he questioned as he tried to start up a casual conversation with his brother, so he might distract him from his thoughts as the boy finally started eating.

“Yes”, Aemond mumbled, “I knew where it was, I just wasn’t sure that I should bring it here”

Aegon gave him a confused look, questioning him once more as to what might have been so important for him to find in that very moment, as Aemond had almost ran away from them all before they gathered in the Great Hall, saying that he needed to get something from his chambers.

“He’s not mine”, his brother continued, “I should give him back, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea”

As he spoke Aemond toyed with something in his hand, the one that laid on his leg and that he’d yet to move since they’d first sat down. Aegon wished to continue on with his questioning, but then his mother spoke, and everyone else fell silent.

“I haven’t seen my father in a long time”, she said mindlessly, “I’m not sure I miss him”

“That’s fine mother”, Helaena reassured her, “You don’t have to miss him”

“Where is he?”, she asked as she turned to her husband, “You two were always so close my love, do you not know where he is now?”

The King almost choked on thin air at his wife’s question, coughing lightly as his wide eyes snapped to his daughter, who in turn just let out a shaky breath and shook her head. Aegon knew that this moment was bound to come sooner or later, because even though his mother’s mind was not with her, she would not just forget about her father.

The man had been by her side for her whole life, his shadow looming large in the corner of her every waking moment even when he wasn’t truly there, she could not just forget about him.

“He’s dead”, Daemon stated plainly, chuckling as he sipped some wine, “Your father is dead Alicent, and trust me, there really is nothing to miss about that man”

His mother’s body froze for a moment, just staring at the man as he continued to casually drink his wine, very clearly unbothered by how very unkind it had been of him to reveal such a thing in that way to a woman who was already suffering so much, and just chuckling some more when his brother berated him for it.

“Was he ill?”, his mother questioned confused, “I don’t remember father being ill”

Alicent’s gaze remained locked on Daemon as the man just shook his head, smirking as he watched her face fall as she began to understand what had actually happened, and then she started crying. Rhaenyra quickly called for some maids to take the children away, so Corlys and Rhaenys gathered them all and left, but Aemond and Helaena both insisted that they had to stay.

Aegon didn’t know what to do, just sitting there and watching his mother sob desperately, tugging at the pendant of the Seven Pointed Star that she wore around her neck, looking around with such fear and despair in her eyes as she made herself smaller and smaller in her chair. By her side Helaena gave her a kind smile, gently caressing her hair as she whispered something Aegon couldn’t hear over his mother’s wails, probably trying to soothe her.

“He told me this would happen”, she cried, “He told me you would kill him”

“Such a smart man he was”, the Prince mused, “Dear old Otto saw the future, too bad he didn’t see me coming and ducked”

“Daemon”, Rhaenyra hissed, “Must you be so cruel? You see how she struggl-”

“Her father was a cunt”, her uncle talked back, “If he hadn’t been one, then his head would still be attached to his neck, and not rotting away in that random chest you put it in with the rest of his body”

The wail his mother let out was almost deafening, and once he saw a small figure show up from behind her, Aegon noticed that his brother was no longer by his side.

“You’re alright mother”, Aemond whispered as he tried to get her to look at him, hand coming to grab onto hers as she began to rip her nails to shreds, “We’re all going to be alright”

“He’s gone”, Alicent screamed, “You killed him, he told me for all those years, he said that you would kill him. He told me that you were naught but a heartless monster, and he was right”

“I’m a heartless monster?”, Daemon laughed, “I’m not the one who whored his daughter out to an old man for a chair, or hit his grandson for fun. I’m not the one who stood there and watched as my father beat my son, though I suppose since you’d been doing much the same for years at that point, the sight wasn’t new to you”

“What?”, his brother questioned as he turned to him, “What is he talking about?”

Aegon just remained frozen where he sat, ignoring Aemond’s questions and just throwing a betrayed look to his sister, as she was one of the few people who knew of all he’d suffered at his mother and grandsire’s hands, and she was also the one who was closest to their uncle, refusing to meet her gaze again even as she shook her head and called for him.

He’d never wanted anyone to know of all that had taken place, of all he’d allowed those two to do to him, and now everyone knew. All now knew of how weak he’d been, how absolutely useless he’d proved himself to be over and over again, and there was no going back.

“You would not believe how much men are willing to reveal once you place them before a dragon”, his uncle mused, “Those couple fucks that that Larys guy found knew much of what had been happening here, as your dear father apparently boasted about hitting a child, and was most proud that you’d done it in his stead while he was in Oldtown”

“My father was a good man”, Alicent insisted as tears ran down her cheeks, such a lost look in her eyes that Aegon wasn’t certain that she’d heard anything of what Daemon had said, “He placed duty before all else, just as he taught me to do as well. I was not good for a long time, but I wanted to be good for him, and now he’s gone”

“Your father was not a good man Alicent”, Rhaenyra said, trying to use a soothing tone as the other woman continued to sob, “I understand that he tried to convince you that he was, but he really wasn’t, and I believe you know that too”

“I followed him”, his mother cried, “For all those years I followed him, if he was bad then what am I? If he was bad and you killed him, what will you do to me?”

Suddenly, she stood up, continuing to ramble on about the guilt they both shared as she got closer and closer to the doors of the Hall, not trying to open them end exit the rooms, just letting her body sag against them. Aegon noticed how his sister started to walk towards her at one point, but then his mother screamed.

“Please no”, she begged, “Please sister, I’m sorry. I was not good, I know that, but please don’t do this. My babes are here sister please, I was not good to them then but I can be now, I want to be good. Don’t take me now that I want to do good”

“Alicent”, Viserys intervened, “Nobody will take you away from our children, I prom-”

“My babes”, she cried, “My little babes, I’m sorry. I was bad my loves, but I’m here now. Mother’s here now I swear it, and if I’m taken then please know I’m sorry”

Aegon’s eyes remained stuck on his mother as she continued to sob, pleading for her life as she let her body drop to the floor, hiding her face in her hands as if to shield herself from whomever she believed was about to strike her down. He faintly heard a choked sob coming from his left, and once he realised that he’d gotten up from his seat and was now standing next to his brother, he tried to take the boy’s hand into his own, wishing to bring him elsewhere and protect him from the reality before him, but Aemond ripped his hand away.

“Brother”, he tried to call for him, but Aemond just kept his gaze locked on their mother, stuck in place with a pained and panicked look in his eyes, and as he went to try and grab onto him once more, he saw blood on his hand.

“Aemond”, he called for him again, louder this time, “Aemond wha-”

“Stop that”, Daemon grunted as he approached his brother, “Let it go boy”

Aemond refused to look at their uncle, beginning to try and run away from him once the man grasped onto his hands and forcefully grabbed one of his wrists, whilst almost gently holding the other in his own hand, looking at it for a moment before cursing and beginning to drag him away.

“No”, Alicent screamed as she ran to them, “No, not him. Take me, let him go. I was the one who was bad, not him, and if he was bad then take me in his stead. Don’t hurt him please”

“I’m not hurting him”, the Prince argued, “He’s doing that enough by himself”

His mother did not listen to him, just continuing to try and wrestle Aemond away from Daemon’s arms, and before Aegon could even question why his brother wasn’t fighting his way out, he noticed that he was actually trying to get away from her.

“Mother please”, he heard him say, “Please don’t”

Somehow, Alicent managed to grasp onto Aemond’s wrist, and Aegon didn’t know what hurt him more, the scream of pain that escaped his brother, or the one of fear that escaped his mother. Her eyes were wide and haunted as she stared at her hand and it stared back while covered in blood, staggering towards the wall as if struck whilst muttering things about someone hurting her children.

“It was me”, she sighed finally, “All this time it was me. I always thought it would be you, but it was me”

“Alicent please breathe”, Rhaenyra tried once more as she neared her, “You’re going to be fine, as are your children, just breathe for a moment”

The two women sat on the floor, quickly joined by Helaena as his older sister used her dress to clean up the blood from his mother’s hand, whilst his younger sister cooed at her softly, telling her that there was no need to be afraid, because the monsters were gone and they would never come back.

“Calm down”, he heard his uncle say, using a softer tone than he’d ever used before, “Just calm down for a second, let me see”

Aegon didn’t blink once as his eyes remained stuck on his brother, watching as the little boy sniffled and covered his face with one hand before giving the other to their uncle, who in turn just sighed and cleaned it up with his own sleeve.

“I thought I told you to stop with this”, he sighed, trying to sound angry though there was some obvious concern and perhaps even some pity in his voice, “You won’t do anyone any favors by hurting yourself like this Aemond. The wound was closed, and forcing it open any time you’re upset won’t do you any good, so just calm down”

And so the two went, hopefully to the Maester’s chambers, and Aegon just stood there. His father was there as well, standing over the three women of his life, as the one whose life he’d taken so long ago begged for it to be spared now, and he just stood there.

“You are good mother”, Helaena said, “You were not then but you are now, and that means something. The tower can not glow anymore, the river is gone and the Lady is back for us all to love and cherish, she just has to accept it”

“You should kill me”, his mother mumbled, “For all I did to my boy, and to you and your own, you should kill me. I prayed for the sin to be punished and your boy was taken from you, I deserve to die for the pain I cau-”

“My boy is alive Alicent”, Rhaenyra interrupted her, “Jacaerys still lives, you saw him some minutes ago, he is well. Your children are well, as are your husband and your brother, all you need to do now is worry about getting better, so you might finally be with us all in truth”

It did not take long for his mother to start crying once again, and though Aegon didn’t know what to do, it seemed that his sisters did, just embracing Alicent as if trying to force her back in one whole piece.

Into one whole woman who Aegon was not sure could ever exist anymore.

Chapter Text

“- and then he just dropped me”, the boy almost screamed, “I’m telling you sister, I was on his shoulders playing with Addam, and that absolute brute just dropped me into the sea. There were so many rocks there and I could have hurt my-”

“Aegon”, Marla exclaimed once he walked into her chambers, “Is everything alright?”

“Can I speak with you?”, he questioned lowly, not wanting to drag Marla away from her brother as he knew how she’d missed him, but needing to speak to someone who wasn’t his family.

Because apparently any kind of conversation with his family just had to end in tragedy.

“Of course”, she quickly agreed, eyes filled with worry as she noted how empty his own were.

Jasper seemed most intent on complaining about his sister leaving him or just outright trying to prevent her from doing it by grabbing onto her, but one look from Marla seemed to be enough for the boy to know that right now was not the time.

The three exited the chambers together, as Marla counciled her brother to not cause any trouble before he just ran away from them, with a not so reassuring smirk on his face. All at the Keep knew of the Prince’s friendship with the maid, and many had probably already figured out that it was a little more than a simple friendship, but Aegon had never once dared to show Marla any affection unless he was certain that they were completely alone.

He liked her, and he knew that she liked him as well, and though he knew that they were both very young still, he hoped that they would remain together for long if not for the rest of their lives, but he didn’t know if she wanted that as well. Aegon knew that since he was a Prince and she was a maid, not many would have cared about seeing them a little too close than what was appropriate, as he certainly would not have been the first man of royal blood to entertain a relationship with someone who worked at the Keep.

But that’s not what he wanted for her.

He didn’t know if Marla perhaps wanted to one day find a husband who was much easier to deal with than Aegon, and whose family would certainly be easier to be around with than his own, so he did not wish for rumours to start and her reputation to be ruined. Hence why he’d never dared too far when in the presence of others.

But right now he needed comfort, so he brushed his fingers against hers, and she took his hand.

“My Prince”, someone called for him, “I found this when cleaning the Great Hall, do you know if it might belong to one of the other Princes?”

The maid held something in her hand, and the second Aegon recognised it he almost burst into tears right then and there. Little Iēdar stared back at him, just as pretty as all the other statues Ser Harwin had made for Jace and Luke, and still tainted by his brother’s blood.

Aemond had meant to give him back to Lucerys before everything had come crashing down around him, and without saying a word Aegon took the small figure from the woman, caressing it gently and holding it close to his chest, right by his heart as he continued to walk.

From what he remembered of all that had taken place but an hour before, his brother had not been holding it when he stood up from his chair, so he’d evidently left it behind in his haste to reach their mother and try to comfort her. For but a second Aegon tried to figure out how his brother’s blood could’ve ended up on the statue, until a vague memory from that cursed night came to mind, of his brother gripping onto something so hard that his hand started bleeding after he was called a kinslayer for the first time.

Without thinking about it Aegon brought the small dragon to his lips and gave it a small kiss, probably looking like a mad man as Marla asked him once again if he was alright, but he ignored her.

The two walked to the Godswood, just sitting there in silence for some time as Marla waited for Aegon to speak with her, but even though he’d been the one to look for her, he didn’t know what to say.

“My mother is sick”, he spoke finally, “And I think my brother is sick as well”

“What do you mean?”, she asked.

Aegon didn’t really know how to answer that question, not wanting to go into detail about all that had happened, all that his brother had tried to do to himself and all the ways he was still hurting himself now apparently, but he just needed to talk to someone.

“I want to help them both”, he sighed, “I want that more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life, but I don’t know what to do. Mother has Rhaenyra and Helaena, and my father as well I suppose, and Aemond has the twins and Daemon, which still doesn’t really sound real. But they’re my blood, I want to help them too”

“It will take time”, she told him, “I don’t know what is wrong with your brother, but from what you’ve told me of your mother’s condition, ‘tis not something that will just go away on its own, and it certainly won’t do so anytime soon. She needs help Aegon, you’re right, but it’s not all on you”

“But it’s my fault”, he insisted, “She suffered for so long because of me, because father wanted a son and grandsire wanted the throne, ‘tis all because of me. And Aemond as well, if I’d been a decent brother then he wouldn’t have tried t-”

He took a deep breath, trying to contain the tears he felt well up in his eyes as he did not care to show such weakness before her, not since it had happened more than once already. Iēdar was staring at him in judgement, probably having witnessed all that Aemond had done to himself, and knowing that he’d been there for the boy more than his own brother ever had.

“Your mother’s suffering is not your fault”, Marla said, “She tried to convince you that it is, and that was not fair of her Aegon, but you must know that it’s not true. Your father wanting a son and your grandsire yearning for the throne have nothing to do with you, you’re not to blame because of the decisons they made and how they affected your mother”

“But Aemond is my fault”, he mumbled, “You may deny many of my claims, but that one will ring true no matter how hard you try to silence it. I was a shit brother, worse than that I was just plain mean. I begrudged my mother for years for hating me for things that were not my fault, and hated my father for abandoning me, and yet I did the very same thing to my brother. All the suffering Aemond knew before that fucking night is my fault, and that will never change”

At this point he’d given up on holding back the tears that were now falling on his cheeks as he angrily wiped them away, almost scratching at his face before another’s hand came to join his own and took it away, being much more gentle as she then wiped away those stray tears.

“I just wanted someone to know how I felt”, he cried, “I was so miserable and I just needed someone else to understand, so I turned against him becuse he was so eager to please and always came back no matter what I did, doing to him exactly what my fucking mother did to me. The second I knew I was to marry Helaena I vowed to care for any children we might have, because they were not to blame for our pain, and yet I didn’t even blink as I made Aemond suffer each day of his life just because he was there and he had what I wanted. It’s my fault, my brother almost fucking kill-”

“Aegon calm down”, he heard her say at one point, but between the sound of his heart as it beat faster and faster and the incessant ringing in his ears, he couldn’t hear her truly, and definitely couldn’t answer when she started asking if he was alright.

He didn’t know how long it took for him to come back to reality, but once he did he found himself with his head stuck between his knees, his hand on Marla’s chest as she continued to beg him to breathe alongside her. He tried to follow her lead as best as he could, hand clinging to the fabric of her dress once he realised how difficult it was for him to actually breathe, as each time he tried it felt like a grown dragon was sitting on his chest.

“There you go”, Marla cooed once she saw his eyes open up, “You’re fine, I promise”

Aegon was confused, not really understanding exactly what had just happened as he’d never lost control of himself in such a way, not even able to breathe as for a moment, he truly thought he was going to die. He didn’t say anything for some time, and didn’t protest when Marla gently guided him to lay down on the floor, mumbling something about wanting him to be more comfortable.

“I failed him”, is the first thing Aegon said once he finally managed to speak, “Helaena says that I saved us all, though I’d argue that she did that in truth. Wether I saved us or not I might never know, but what I do know for certain is that I failed him. My little brother who spent his whole life trying to just be with me, and I failed him”

“I failed my brother as well once”, Marla confessed.

“You’re a good sister”, he argued, “I see you with Jasper, you’re so very caring and it’s most obvious that you love him and that he loves you back just as much. You were but a child when you began to care for him, ‘tis not weird that you made a mistake, but I fear it does not compare to all I did to Ae-”

“I almost got him killed”, she revealed, “He was around four namedays old, and mother had been dead for a couple moons already, so the little wealth she’d left behind was no longer enough to keep either of us fed, and I went to look for work. Very few places care to hire an eleven namedays old girl, and I was trying really hard to avoid the first ones that might come to mind, so I started asking some of mother’s friends, though after she was dead they did not seem to care much for the children dear old Becca had left behind”

Marla let out a heavy sigh, that expressed both her dispair and anger towards these people from her past, and as he noticed her playing with the hem of her skirts, something he’d come to understand she only did when she was upset, he tugged her closer to him, and without thought she placed her head on his chest.

He knew that if anyone saw them like this it would look very bad, but in this moment he knew that they both desperately needed comfort, so he decided that it was worth it.

“I found a job in a random shop in Flea Bottom”, she continued, “The owner was one of the creepiest men I’ve ever met in my life, but thankfully apart from that he was harmless. I worked there for hours on end every single day, and Jasper would come with me since I had nobody to look after him at home. The man didn’t really care about all the crying and whining, because if there is one thing that Flea Bottom just isn’t, is quiet, so it didn’t make too much of a difference to him, but it did to me. I’d been at the shop for almost six hours, and Jasper had kept me up all night just crying for mother, and after the nth time of him screaming his head off I just couldn’t do it anymore”

As she said those final words Marla turned away from him, as if trying to conceal the shame that was written all over her face as she recounted the events of that day.

“I took him home”, she mumbled, “I just left him there because I wanted a second of peace and quiet. I wanted a moment without my poor little brother crying out for his dead mother, and Jasper payed the price for it. Once I finally got home he wasn’t there, I’d locked the door but they took him anyways”

“Marla”, he tried to stop her, seeing how upset she was getting and not wishing for her to continue telling this story if she didn’t want to.

“He’d been taken by some men and brought to the fighting pits”, she said as she let out a deep breath and kept her eyes locked on the sky, “I was told by a woman who lived by us, who’d seen them take him and had done nothing, hence why I pissed in her water bucket every day for two years after that night, and only stopped because she died. By the time I got there they were rounding up all the children, and I only managed to get to him because the men thought I was one of them as well. They’d branded him already, but once the show started everyone was too focused on those poor kids that were being forced to kill each other, to care about the two who were sneaking away. He doesn’t remember any of it now, though I don’t know if it’s because of how scared he got or because of how young he was”

She fell silent after that, still looking away from him and playing with her hands, just looking at anything but him as she resisted him when he tried to get her to turn to face him.

“People do fucked up things”, she huffed, “I almost got my brother killed because I was tired, and you poked fun at yours because you were sad, there is nothing we can do to take it back. All we can try to do however, is make up for what we did and didn’t do, and try to show our brothers that we love them more than anything. You do love Aemond, right?”

“Of course”, he answered immediately.

“Then show it to him”, Marla said as she finally looked at him, “You say that you want to help him, so let him know that he can trust you, and that you will be there when he needs you. As I said, Jasper does not remember that night, but he’s had nightmares about it before, and though I know that it doesn’t erase what I did, I made sure to be there each time he needed me, and I suppose that that is my way of trying to make up for the pain I caused. You are a good person, and you just have to try and let your brother know the Aegon I know, because trust me when I say it’s hard to not care for y-”

If for so long he’d been worried of anyone seeing them holding hands, then the prospect of anyone seeing them now, still laying on the ground as they kissed, should terrify him, and yet it did not.

“You are so beautiful”, he marvelled as he placed a small peck on her nose.

“You’re not so bad yourself”, she teased him before sitting up.

She offered him her hand so he might follow her back into the Keep, and just as they shared a smile and Aegon decided that everything would be alright, a maid ran towards them.

“Jasper’s hurt”, she said hurriedly, “I think his arm is bro-”

Aegon was not certain that Marla was aware of the fact that she was still holding onto his hand when she began to run at full speed towards the Maester’s chambers, with him almost smacking against a wall once she took a corner a little too fast for him.

By the time they got there they found that Maester Gerardys was surrounded by children, all pestering him with questions about how their new friend was doing.

“If you hadn’t been so careless he would be much better”, the man chided them, “Chasing one another around can be fun when one is as young as you all are, I understand that, but perhaps doing it when surrounded by flights and flights of stairs was not your greatest idea to date”

In the corner of the room, Jasper sat on a bed with a frown on his face, staring at his arm with an accusatory look as it remained trapped under layers and layers of bandages, and was strapped to the boy’s chest, something he did not seem to care for much.

“I didn’t mean for him to get hurt”, Daeron said, “I didn’t see the stairs, if I had then I would’ve warned him and he wouldn’t have fallen as he did”

“Are you alright?”, Marla questioned her brother as she sat by his side, “Does it hurt a lot?”

“Yes”, the boy answered whilst biting his lip hard, evidently trying to keep the tears at bay since he saw that Aegon was there as well.

He felt a little out of place as he stood before the two siblings, and once Marla hugged her brother close to her and the boy started crying, he decided that perhaps he should give them both some space, so he went to look for Ser Criston.

“It itches”, he heard someone complain.

“If you don’t want it to itch even more then stop touching it”, another voice said, “If you hadn’t touched it at all then this would not be a problem”

Aegon tried to be as quiet as he could as he peeked around a small curtain that had been placed there to separate the beds from one another, knowing very well who those voices belonged to and knowing that he wanted to be with them, but not so sure that they wanted him as well.

“I’m sorry”, his brother mumbled.

“It’s alright”, Daemon sighed, “I thought you’d stopped with that, and I thought I’d told you that there are much smarter ways to deal with things when you become upset. You can play with that bracelet Rhaena gave you, or read one of those books you annoyed me into getting for you, or even draw one of those little pictures you like so much, or just go outside and throw rocks at birds like I did when I was your age. You can also talk to me or the girls, Rhaenyra even, or-”

“Me”, Aegon chimed in as he revealed his presence to them both, “You can talk to me brother”

Aemond flinched as he saw him, and Aegon almost started crying again as he saw his brother immediately hide his injured wrist behind his back, a look of shame on his face that let him know that he’d been the worst brother in the world.

But it didn’t have to stay that way.

“Whatever is happening you can talk to me”, he said once again, “I promise you Aemond, I will listen. I do not want you to ever think that I don’t care brother, though I am very aware of the fact that I’ve given you plenty of reasons to doubt me. I love you Aemond, and whatever is wrong we will fix it”

“What if it can’t be fixed?”, Aemond questioned lowly.

“We will fix it together brother”, Aegon insisted, “I promise you that I will be with you whenever you need me, and that never again will I leave you alone unless you want me to”

He remained stuck in place for a second, really wanting to get closer to his brother but not knowing if he could dare so far as the boy was in such a vulnerable state, and though Aegon knew that a hug from Aemond was just what he needed right now, he had no reason to believe that his brother felt the same way, not after all he’d done.

But then, before he had the time to doubt himself once more, he found his arms full of his younger brother, who threw his arms around his neck and held him tight, sticking his head in the crook of Aegon’s neck and just staying put.

Daemon left soon after, but not before placing his hand on Aemond’s head and playfully ruffling his hair, once again making Aegon question what kind of weird dynamic had developed between his brother and their uncle’s family in these past couple of moons.

He knew that Aemond had been as desperate as one could be, and that perhaps in moments such as those, when he’d needed someone by his side more than ever before, he’d found a way to sneak his way into the heart of a man like Daemon Targaryen, who for some reason now seemed to actually care for him in his own way.

Aegon did not know much about his uncle apart from the stories of the fearsome Rogue Prince, the man who slaughtered first and asked questions later, the man who’d cut his grandsire’s head off with a smile on his face and still very much planned on pissing in his skull one day, and yet as he heard Aemond chuckle a little as the man ruffled his hair, he found himself doubting that the ruthless fighter was all there was to his uncle.

And even then, monster or not, Daemon had cared for Aemond when his brother had needed him most, and Aegon did not know wether the boy would be in his arms right now if it weren’t for his uncle and his girls, so he was most thankful to them all.

“I love you so much”, he mumbled against Aemond’s temple before placing a small kiss on it.

“I love you too”

Chapter Text

“You look very beautiful mother”, Helaena praised as she ran her hands down the sleeves of Alicent’s dress, “The color suits you”

“Black is the color of death”, his mother mumbled, “I wore it a lot when I first got married”

Aegon sighed, once again being forced to think back on how horrible things must’ve been for his mother when she first wed the King, as she was now evidently forgetting that the colour of house Targaryen was black, and that the clothes she’d started wearing once she’d joined their house were not meant to be anything like the mourning gown she was wearing right now.

Though in many ways someone had died after she was wed to the King.

The Lady Alicent had been a wonderful young girl according to all those who had known her, and she was killed the very second her father sent her to the King’s chambers for the first time, but finally marrying the man had sealed her fate.

Aegon thought about it a lot, how scared his mother must’ve been each time she visited him, probably going to the Sept and praying that it would all be for naught, and that the King would still choose another, even though she knew that her father would not have been happiest with her if that had happened.

Otto would probably have married her off to the first Lord who asked for her hand, uncaring if the man was old or young, ugly or beautiful, if he loved her or not, because that would’ve been her punishment for failing him. His grandsire had always been much too caught up in his own dreams of the throne to realise how much he was taking away from others in order to get what he wanted, or perhaps he had known and just hadn’t cared.

Perhaps he truly had thought that he’d done his daughter a great service by ensuring that she was crowned as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, as to him power was the only thing that mattered, and maybe he’d thought that the same was true for her. But from what Aegon knew of her, the Lady Alicent had never cared about anything other than her family, Rhaenyra, and just living a life of peace, but sadly for her the one thing she’d been taught to place above all those things and most importantly above herself, was her father’s will, and that had been her doom.

“Will there be a funeral?”, his mother asked lowly.

“It already happened”, Rhaenyra lied, “Lord Lyonel asked for both his father and great uncle’s bodies to be brought to Oldtown, so they might receive a proper burial. I’m sorry you missed it Alicent”

That was almost the truth, as Lord Lyonel had indeed asked for his father’s body to be sent back to his homestead so he might be buried with the other late Lords of the city, but he hadn’t asked about Otto. He’d actually made it quite clear that he could not have cared less about what was done with his great uncle’s body, stating plainly that he believed that Otto had toyed with his father’s mind, and that it was because of that and that alone that now all would think of Lord Ormund as naught but a traitor.

He’d actually suggested that Otto’s body might make a great treat for one of the dragons.

“He wouldn’t have wanted me there anyways”, his mother whispered as she stared at her own reflection, “He always said that he wanted a royal funeral, but without the fire part as he never liked your dragons. He told me that I had to ensure that he was buried with the pin of the Hand of the King, and that his title as Hand would be written before any other in our records, before his title as a son or brother, before his title as a father or grandsire”

She sounded almost pained as she recounted his words, a little angry even, beginning to tug at the black dress she now wore, like she was beginning to understand that there was no need for her to be wearing it, as there was no need to mourn someone like Otto.

“He never cared about me, did he?”, she mumbled finally, turning to his sister as the latter just let out a shaky breath, “I always thought he did, but he didn’t truly”

“Alicent”, Rhaenyra called for her, seeing the tears that were welling up in the other’s eyes and probably wishing to avoid another meltdown.

“I begged him to let it go”, his mother revealed, “At first I really did just think that he wanted me to comfort Viserys, and though I was sad because I wanted to be with you and not him, I actually thought I might be doing something good as I helped him. But then he began to say that my dresses were not revealing enough, and that I still looked too much like a child, so I understood what he wanted and begged him to just let it go”

The room fell silent as the Queen continued to ramble on about her past, one she’d kept hidden for so long and that had haunted her every waking moment as she just bared her deepest shame to them all.

“Viserys was always very kind to me”, she continued, “We only ever talked, and he always was so very nice, but then we got married. He still was kind and gentle, but I didn’t like our visits as I once did or as I do now. It hurt a lot, and even when it was supposed to stop hurting it just didn’t, and then my babes were born. I’d dreamed of them for so long, as all women are supposed to want nothing more than to become mothers, but I just couldn’t be near them”

His mother turned to him and Helaena as she spoke those words, though her eyes were so lost and confused that Aegon was fairly certain that she couldn’t see them truly, or perhaps thought that they weren’t really there.

“Each time I touched them I thought of him”, she said as she brought her hand to hover over his cheek, “I don’t know why but being around them hurt me, and I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t have a choice with him, but I did have a choice with them, and I chose wrong. I couldn’t stop him from touching me, but I could stop them, so I just handed them over whenever I got the chance to. Maybe if I’d ignored the pain with them as I did with him, then none of us would’ve been as alone as we were”

“You can try now Alicent”, Rhaenyra encouraged her, “Your babes are still here, they’re all at the Keep right now, and unless they choose to leave they will be here for a long time. You have the opportunity to make things right by them, and perhaps having them by your side might help you as well. I know that when I first had Jace, he brought such a light to my life that it made everything hurt a little less”

“I hated you for it”, the Queen mused, “I hated that you could do it and I couldn’t. I did everything I was supposed to, and yet I couldn’t do the one thing I actually wanted to do. I’d always wanted to be a mother, and yet I couldn’t even look at my children, you’d never wanted any, and yet you doted on them all with such ease”

“My boys are the very reason my heart still beats”, his sister said as she brought little Joffrey closer to her as he slept in her arms, “I have never known a love quite like the one I feel for them, and I’m sure you love your children too Alicent. You did wrong by them, that is true, but it doesn’t have to be like that anymore”

“They could never forgive me”, Alicent mumbled as she caressed his cheek, “My Aegon, out of all he’s the one who suffered most because of me, and I shall never know how to take his pain away. I broke my babe sister, my first babe. I broke him as my father broke me, and I can’t change that”

Aegon tried to deny his mother’s words, bringing his own hand to lay atop hers to try and make her see that he really was there, but she didn’t even blink. Her eyes remained as wide and lost as they had been since he’d first walked into her chambers, and before he could scream in her face and beg her to snap out of it, she started undressing.

“I don’t want him anymore”, she huffed as she ripped her dress to get out of it as quickly as possible, “I want my mother”

“I always thought you looked quite beautiful in blue”, Rhaenyra cooed as they all helped his mother into that gown she so loved, “I had a couple blue dresses as well when I was younger, to honor my mother’s house, but I always thought it was more your colour”

“Black is yours”, Alicent told her, “Though you did look very pretty in white as well, on the day of your wedding, as you danced with your knight”

Rhaenyra froze at that, her smile was still stuck on her face, but the look of pure pain in her eyes betrayed how much the memories of her and Harwin’s past still hurt. Though it had felt like a lifetime with everything that had happened, it had only been a little over four moons since Ser Harwin had passed, just four moons since his sister had lost the man she’d loved for years.

“I didn’t mean to”, his mother said, “I didn’t know what he did until he did it. I never wanted that to happen sister, and I’m sorry to have taken him away from you, but I really didn’t mean to”

Aegon had to resist the urge to place a hand over his mother’s mouth, not knowing what exactly she was speaking of, but not thinking it a good idea to just let her confess to yet another sin she’d seemingly committed, especially not one of this nature. He did not think his mother capable of murder, and he knew that she had not been anywhere near Harrenhal when Ser Harwin and his father had died, but that didn’t mean that she hadn’t had anything to do with it.

He wanted to put a stop to it, place himself between his mother and sister and just force them all to forget about what she’d just said, but he couldn’t. Images of the knight’s kind smile flashed through his mind, of all the times he’d helped Aegon sneak around just to be with his nephews, of that last day they saw one another, and he just couldn't move.

“I was upset about him”, Alicent continued as she nodded to Joffrey, gently poking his nose as Rhaenyra remained frozen on the spot, “I didn’t ask for it to happen, but Larys did it anyways. I was really sad when he told me, and really scared of him. I knew he was a bad man, and he was never nice to me, but I never thought he’d harm someone because he thought that that’s what I wanted”

“The river is gone”, Helaena mumbled reassuringly, “The two long lost rivers are at peace sister”

There was something akin to grief and despair in Rhaenyra’s eyes, but over all that there was anger, just pure and utter rage, and wether that was directed at the woman who stood before her, or at the man whose body laid in a chest in the black cells waiting to be brought to Harrenhal, Aegon didn’t know.

But when his sister stormed out of his mother’s chambers, he knew he had to follow her.

“Rhaenyra wait”, he tried to call for her, but to no avail.

She was almost running by the time he caught up to her, chest heaving and eyes wide and filled with angry tears as she mindlessly caressed Joffrey’s face, willing him to sleep as the boy had awoken due to his mother’s sudden movements.

“Did you know?”, she asked.

“No”, he answered immediately, “I didn’t sister, truly. I never even saw mother speak with Larys, I just saw that one drawing she made and she did mention him once with grandsire, but I never saw them together, and I certainly did not know of th-”

“Why?”, Rhaenyra screamed, “Why him?”

As he realised that they were still in the middle of a hallway, and that it would not bode well for the Lady Hand and Heir to the throne to be seen crying as she was, he gently guided her to her chambers. As soon as she walked in Rhaenyra placed Joffrey in his cot, evidently aware of the fact that she was not in the right state to carry him around anymore.

“He was good”, she cried, “He was good and he’d never harmed anyone. Lyonel as well, they were both so good, and they took them away. He never wanted anything but to be by my side, and the boys’, he loved our boys more than anything”

Aegon didn’t really know what to do, just watching as his sister sobbed desperately, and realising that this might be the first time she’d ever allowed herself to cry over Harwin’s death. He knew that nobody had been permitted to truly mourn him when everything had first happened, as he could imagine that everyone’s eyes had been stuck on the Princess and her sons when all of Dragonstone first heard about the knight’s death. After Driftmark Rhaenyra had certainly had other things to worry about, and then everything with his grandsire had happened and she just hadn’t had the opportunity to sit down and truly grieve for the loss of a man she’d so loved.

But it seemed that the time had come.

“His heart was so good”, she continued, “There was not an inch of that man that was anything but good and kind, and they killed him for it. Larys is lucky he’s fucking dead already, else I would’ve had Syrax eat that cunt piece by fucking piece, making sure he survived long enough to then burn him, so he might know all that my Harwin and his father suffered”

He wanted to ask about his mother, he really did, as he knew that now more than ever Rhaenrya did have an actual opportunity to rid herself of the other woman, and that she perhaps had more reasons than ever before to want to do it, but before he could even think of something to say, someone knocked.

“Is everything alright?”, Ser Criston questioned as he peeked through the door, “I was going back to my chambers and heard such noises, is everything alright?”

Rhaenyra did not seem to have noticed the knight, just continuing to cry into her hands as she mumbled Harwin’s name over and over again. Criston looked at Aegon, who in turn just shrugged his shoulders because he didn’t know if it was his place to tell the knight of all that had just taken place, so the man walked to her.

“Are you alright?”, he asked lowly as he neared his sister, “What happened?”

“They killed him”, Rhaenyra choked out, “She had him killed, or he had him killed, I don’t fucking know. My Harwin’s death was not an accident, there is no curse, they did it”

“I’m sorry”, Criston mumbled, throwing Aegon an even more confused look than the one he’d been wearing before, which reassured him that the knight had not known of what Larys had done.

Aegon watched as Ser Cole placed a hesitant hand on Rhaenyra’s shoulder, almost flinching as she covered it with her own and held it tightly, gripping onto it with all her might as she continued to cry. His sister did not seem to be in control of herself in that moment, and almost trampled the still not fully healed knight to the ground as she threw herself in his arms, making him freeze for a second before he embraced her back.

To say that Aegon was uncomfortable would be an understatement, just watching his sister cry her heart out in Criston’s arms, who in turn caressed her back and seemed to be whispering something in her ear, and for but a second it seemed that Rhaenyra was actually starting to calm down.

Until she didn’t.

“You did this”, she screamed at the man, backing away from him and beginning to land punches on his chest, “You fucking did this. If you had just left him alone then none of this would’ve happened”

Aegon knew very well what his sister spoke of, as he’d been there as well the day Ser Criston had goaded Ser Harwin into fighting him, which had been the reason as to why the man had then left for Harrenhal. When Criston had first arrived into her chambers Rhaenyra had seemed much too distraught to truly think about anything, but now it seemed that she was beginning to remember what had actually brought her love to the place where he was then killed, or rather who.

“Jace told me everything”, she grunted, “You said that Harwin was behaving like my boy was his son, you of all fucking people Criston, you poked at him until he broke and you got him sent away. If it hadn’t been for you, he would never have left our home, would’ve been safe in my arms and would still be with our boys. Were you jealous? Is that why you fucking did it?”

The knight did not respond, just standing there motionless as Rhaenyra continued to hit him, not trying to stop her or even to protect himself, just letting her rage at him, as he probably understood that she had every reason to.

“He was their father”, she cried, “He was their father in all ways that truly mattered. He loved our boys more than life itself, and you fucking took him away from us all. You couldn’t stand seeing that Jace had someone who had the guts to be by him despite the stares, couldn’t bear knowing that you were naught but a weak little boy who would never be a real man, not when my Harwin was but a reminder of all you could’ve been if you hadn’t chosen to abandon me”

At this point Rhaenyra began to sob once more, almost falling to the floor as she continued to ramble on about how good Ser Harwin had been, and how her boys would never truly know just how much he’d loved them. Aegon walked to her, wishing to hold her up as he could tell that she could no longer do that on her own, but Criston beat him to it.

“You will tell them”, he whispered as he guided her to sit on her bed, “You and Ser Laenor will both tell them how devoted Ser Harwin was to you all, and trust me Princess, you could ask anyone here at the Keep and all would testify to how much he loved your boys. I was a little older than our Prince is now when I lost my mother, and though I don’t remember much of the time we spent together, my father always made sure to let me know how much she’d loved me. It didn’t make her loss hurt any less, but it was nice to know that I once held such a place in someone’s heart”

“Get out”, his sister told him, “Please Criston, just get out”

The knight wavered for a moment, evidently not wishing to leave the Princess considering the state she was in, but when his eyes met Aegon’s and the boy nodded, he left.

“Why did she have to say it?”, Rhaenyra sobbed, “I’m trying brother, I really am. I’m trying to just let our past go, as I wish for nothing more than for us all to be a family, to finally be at peace. But things just keep happening, and now this. I can’t do it anymore”

“He’s dead sister”, Aegon whispered as he neared her, sitting by her side as her head dropped onto his shoulder, “Mother said that Larys was behind the deaths, and he’s gone now. Ser Harwin and Lord Lyonel have been avenged, there is nothing else we can do. She said that Larys had done it all on his own, probably to gain more power as he became the Lord of Harrenhal, and though I understand that she hid it from us and that she shouldn’t have, I don’t believe she lied when she said that she didn’t ask him to do it. You see how she is, I don’t think she could lie even if she wanted to”

“He died because of me”, she said, all the fight gone from her body as she just stared at nothing, “I know none believe it, but Laenor and I did try to have a child of our own. After Jace was born we forced ourselves to lay with one another so many times for so many years, no matter how horrible it felt, because we really did want to do our duty, but it didn’t work”

Rhaenyra let out a deep breath, wiping the tears that had fallen on her cheeks before her hand took hold of Aegon’s, evidently seeking some comfort that he was more than ready to give.

“He was so good”, she cried, “He was by our side for years, always so kind to us both and to Jace as well, probably the only person apart from you who didn’t judge my boy. He caught me crying one day, as I’d heard someone mock my beautiful babe and compare me to my mother, because just like her I was struggling to have children. I couldn’t bear it anymore, and I was sobbing when Harwin came in to see what was wrong. He was so kind Aegon, just held me in his arms until I calmed down, and then I kissed him. After that we spoke with Laenor, and things just happened. I didn’t know that my love for him would be his death”

“He loved you too”, Aegon tried to comfort her, “I saw you two every day for years sister, Ser Harwin loved you all more than anything. All he did was for your family, and I know he would never take any of the moments you all spent together back, no matter what happened next”

“He must’ve been so scared”, his sister sobbed, and he just held her.

Aegon didn’t know exactly how to properly comfort her, and in truth he wasn’t certain that anyone could comfort his sister as she was now, but he tried his best. He held her as her body shook from the violent sobs that were escaping her, embracing her tightly for the Gods know how long until she fell asleep.

As he sat on his sister’s bed he looked around, trying to take his mind off of the horrible images of the pain Ser Harwin and his father had suffered at the hands of someone they’d trusted, someone they’d loved. He noticed that one of the drawers of his sister’s dresser was opened, and as he went to close it a piece of paper slipped out of it.

Ser Harwin’s smiling face stared back at him as his mother had evidently drawn him as well at some point, and had given the portrait to Rhaenyra, who kept it close to her at all times, forced to hide it in her rooms, where they’d hidden their love for years.

He remained by her side for some time, caressing her hair and willing the frown she had on her face to leave her be, silently praying to the Gods to give her some peace at least while she slept.

Praying that They might grant her a dream of her Harwin, and all the love they’d shared.

Chapter Text

“I don’t think that’s right”, Viserys huffed, “By the Gods, I knew I wasn’t the brightest man who ever lived, but this game really is just making me feel so very stupid”

“That’s because you’re not playing it right brother”, Daemon chuckled, “You can’t just take the pieces and move them around as you please, and you certainly can not take one of mine and hide it up your sleeve”

Aegon chuckled as he noticed how red his father’s cheeks got at having been caught, sheepishly putting that one piece back only to then deny that he’d ever taken it. He’d been the one to call for his uncle to join himself and his father in the King’s chambers, wishing for the two brothers to spend some time together as they hadn’t done much of that since their last conversation, especially since Helaena had insisted that it had to happen, and Aegon had learned that ignoring her was never a good idea.

But he swore that if they started bickering again, he’d throw himself out of the window before getting stuck in the middle of it again.

“How did you learn how to play this game?”, his father questioned, “I’ve never even seen it before”

“I learnt much whilst I fought your war my King”, his uncle mused, “Prince Qoren of Dorne was in the Stepstones fighting by our side, and though he acted like he didn’t like me, I assure you it did not seem like it when it was just the two of us”

His father made a face at that, quickly going back to staring at the pieces on the board when his brother gave him a look, as if daring him to comment on what he’d just said.

“There is much pleasure to be found anywhere if one knows where to look”, Daemon teased, “But either way, Qoren brought this game with him, and gave it to me as a parting gift, as thanks for all I did for and most importantly to him”

“Alright”, the King sighed, “Thanks for the story brother, terribly insightful”

“My Laena loved it very much”, the Prince mumbled with a small smile on his face.

“I’m sorry for your loss Daemon”, his father said in a somber tone, “I sadly didn’t see much of you two together, but I do know how you cared for her, and I know how one’s heart breaks beyond repair after it suffers so greatly”

“She was everything I’d ever dreamed of”, Daemon sighed, “I know you might not believe me brother, as you still think that I was just being a bother when I asked you to grant Rhea and I an annullment, but I really did just want to find someone I truly loved. And I did, but then I lost her”

“It wasn’t your fault”, Viseyrs muttered, “The Gods can be most cruel, you and I know that very well, not only because of Aemma, but muña as well”

Aegon knew that many women from his line has lost their lives due to complications during the childbirth, like the late Queen Aemma and her own mother, and his father’s mother as well, the Princess Alyssa. He’d always wondered how the Gods could ever allow for them all to suffer as they had, but sadly he knew that no matter how many times he asked, he’d never know the answer.

“I don’t even remember her”, his uncle confessed.

“She loved you very much”, his father said with a big smile, “I’d wager she loved you much more than she loved me, both of them did. Kepa always doted on you most, probably because you look like her”

“I do?”, the Prince questioned.

“Your girls do as well”, the King told him, “Rhaenyra looks much like her too, and Helaena. Our muña was one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met brother, and I see her each time I look at our girls, and you. It pained me greatly for some time, when we were small, but then I grew to love it”

“Love it so much that you exiled me every two seconds”, Daemon mused.

Oh Gods please no, Aegon thought, silently cursing Helaena for insisting that the Rogue must not become foe, and convincing him that this was a good idea.

“I regret most of it”, Viserys admitted, “Looking back I now see how much Otto’s hand truly guided mine own, and how right you were as you tried to warn me brother. But I don’t regret those last two times, that falls on you”

The room fell silent after that, and Aegon immediately walked to the window.

“It was an honest toast brother”, Daemon argued, “I could’ve worded it better if I hadn’t been as drunk as I was, but I was being sincere when I toasted Baelon. I loved Aemma Viserys, you know this, I would never have poked fun at her death like that. I know Otto probably did not doubt it for a second, but you knew how much I cared for her, how could you think so little of me?”

“I was at a loss”, the King sighed, “I barely remember those first few days after they were taken, as I was in such pain. Otto told me of what you’d said, and I was so horrified by the mere idea that you would say it, that I couldn’t think straight. Not that you helped yourself much when we spoke of it”

“I told you that the cunt was a cunt”, his uncle chuckled, “I am a beacon of truth Viserys, and you simply didn’t care to hear it at the time. And just for your information, I never laid with Rhaenyra. I took her to the city and then to a brothel yes, but I didn’t touch her. Well, not a lot anyways”

His father let out a deep breath, throwing a worried glance his way as he just shook his head, not caring to hear his uncle recount the night he’d spent with his sister. Rhaenyra had told Ser Criston that before him she’d never laid with another, but Aegon supposed that there were other things that two people could do together, and he didn’t really want to hear his uncle speak about any of them.

“The past is in the past”, he chimed in, “We are a family, and if these past few moons have taught us anything, is that we thrive when we’re together. King Jaehaerys said it himself, did he not? That the only thing that could destroy our house was itself, so we must make peace if we want to survive”

He quickly regretted ever opening his mouth, as he found that both men who were sat before him had now turned to stare at him, one with a look of great pride and perhaps some sorrow, and the other looked like he was about to start laughing at him.

Aegon knew that open hearted conversations were not really a thing in his family, but he believed that the time had come for things to change. His grandsire was gone, and from what he knew there was no reason to believe that any other would try to strike them down, so if he wanted for things to work amongst those he cared for most, they all needed to talk things out.

“I’m sorry I chose him”, Viserys said finally, “I look back on it now, and I don’t really know why I always chose him. From the moment the Great Council picked me, I knew that I was not fit to wear the crown, and I immediately began to rely on Otto because he already had experience, and because I thought he just wanted to help me, though I now know that that was not true. He always told me that you cared for the throne more than you could ever care for me, and even once implied that you might kill me for it”

“I raised an army for you”, his uncle retorted, “I was ready to fight and die to support you brother, and I was ready to continue doing that once you were crowned, but you never let me”

“I think I was envious of you”, his father pondered, as if he hadn’t heard his brother, “I heard the whispers the very next day after the Council, of all those who believed I was much too meek to wear the crown and had only picked me because I’m a man, and some even believed that the curse Queen Visenya supposedly placed upon the throne might strike me down because I was unable to wield its power. But everyone adored you, they admired you even. I was the eldest brother, the first son, and yet all believed that you had what it took to be the true Heir of the house of the dragon”

“Nobody wanted me to sit the throne”, Daemon mused, “You said it yourself more than once, and your dear Otto declared that I'd be a second coming of Maegor, with you by his side as you just let him speak of me like that. I almost ripped a kid’s ear off his head when I was six namedays old Viserys, just because he’d called you fat, and you simply sat there as that cunt compared me to Maegor of all fucking people”

In the end Aegon left his father’s chambers, very much not caring to witness the two brothers fight once more, or even worse for them to involve him somehow, but as he heard more apologies come from his father, he hoped that things would be resolved between them.

And if not, he just hoped that his uncle wouldn’t decide to leave the Keep again, because Aegon was not about to let him take Aemond away.

He made his way around the castle, just walking aroud aimlessly as he tried to decide what he wanted to do, until the choice was made for him as three boys tackled him to the ground as they ran away from something and laughed like mad men.

“What happened?”, he huffed, trying to get Daeron to move his leg a little as his brother’s knee was pressing right against his co-

“Jace and Baela kissed”, Luke exclaimed as he continued to laugh, “They were kissing uncle, I saw it”

“Are you certain that that’s what they were doing?”, Aegon questioned, doubting that his nephew would be bold enough to do such a thing when he could barely hold eye contact with their cousin without looking like he was about to feel faint.

“Yes”, Daeron chimed in, “I know what kissing looks like brother, I saw uncle Lyonel and aunt Samantha do it many times when I snuck in her chambers to take some sweets”

Aegon wanted to correct his brother, to remind him that the Lady Samantha’s late husband was called Ormund, and that he must’ve been getting the names confused between father and son, but then he thought back to the letter his sister had received from the Lady.

Rhaenyra had never revealed to him or anyone else what exactly the Lady Samantha had spoken of in her missive, but she had said that by telling her of this secret, the Lady had risked her life, and that Rhaenyra knowing about it ensured that both she and Lyonel would remain loyal to her. Aegon had also heard whispers of the Lady supposedly being pregnant, with a child she claimed had been fathered by her now late husband, though from what he knew, the Lord Ormund had been bed ridden due to his injury when his wife had gotten pregnant.

No wonder Daemon had said that Lyonel had much to make up for with his father.

“Who bit me?”, he almost screamed as he looked to his arm, only to find a little boy staring at him as he licked his lips.

“Have you ever kissed my sister?”, Jasper questioned, an accusatory look in his eyes as Aegon once again wondered how a boy so small could look so scary.

But thankfully, before he had to answer his question, and before he just blurted out the truth, a loud voice rang in the hallway.

“Get back here”, someone called for the boys, who quickly tried to get away only to be grabbed by Aegon, “You better not be saying anything about anything”

“So it’s true”, Aegon teased his nephew, “Go Jace”

“Shut up”, the boy mumbled, “It was just a kiss on the cheek, ignore whatever these three may have said. Baela was just being nice”

“I’m sure she was being so so very nice”, Luke mocked as he began to imitate the sound of two people kissing, while sending air kisses to his brother and then backing away when the elder tried to grab onto him.

Aegon chuckled as he watched his younger nephew run away, whilst Jacaerys complained about how unfair it was that he couldn’t run after his brother, but promising to avenge himself once he got his hands on him, and then everyone stopped laughing.

Lucerys bumped against someone and they both fell onto the floor, and everyone stopped laughing.

“Are you alright?”, Aemond questioned with a small voice.

“Yes”, Luke said, getting off of his uncle as they both stood up, “I’m fine, are you alright?”

As Aemond nodded, Aegon noticed that both the boys were looking behind him, and he sighed once he heard the sound of Jace’s chair moving closer and closer, the angry grunts coming from the boy testifying to his displeasure with the sight, as he used his hands to move the wheels and tried to reach the two.

“Give them a second”, he whispered as he turned to him.

“No”, his nephew denied, eyes filled with anger and yet also fear, as Aegon could imagine that the sight of those two figures standing so close to one another was taking his nephew back to a different time, back to that night.

“Give them a second”, he insisted, “They live in the same place Jace, you can’t keep them apart forever. I understand that Aemond hurt him, but he will not do that again”

“How can you know?”, the boy questioned almost desperate, “How can you know that he won’t just change his mind and decide that he wants to get revenge because Luke attacked him first? I can’t protect him like this uncle, I can barely make my way through a hallway without having to sit back down on this cursed chair. If Aemond attacks Luke then I won’t be able to help him”

“I’m not going to attack him”, Aemond stated firmly, and suddenly Aegon noticed that both his brother and nephew had moved to stand next to them.

Jasper and Daeron had disappeared, as they too seemed to hate moments like these just as much as Aegon did, but he knew that he needed to be there for this conversation, so he stayed put.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone”, his brother sighed, “I know what I did, and though I can not take it back, I need you to know that that’s not who I am. I understand that you don’t trust me Jace, but please believe me when I say that I don’t want to hurt anyone”

“If you ever want to then take it up with me”, Jacaerys said, “I’m Luke’s older brother, so I will take your act of revenge in his stead if you one day change your mi-”

“I’m not a monster”, his brother cried, “I’m not a bad person, I’m not going to kill anyone. I know that what I did was bad, but that’s not who I am, it’s not all I am. I’ve been trying to do good for my whole life and nobody ever cared, and then I’m bad and that’s all anyone knows me for. I don’t want you to think of me as a monster, because that’s not what I am”

Aegon didn’t even have to think about it, just walking to Aemond and wrapping his arms around the younger boy, who cried softly and continued to ramble on about not being a monster, but a kid who’d just wanted a friend. His heart broke as he heard the pain in brother’s voice, but then he felt two small arms wrap around the other boy's waist.

“I believe you uncle”, Luke mumbled against his doublet, “I don’t think you’re bad”

Aemond’s body froze at Lucerys’ words, and Aegon saw how his brother’s eyes widened as they landed on their nephew, who in turn repeated himself with such certainty in his tone, that it was hard to question that he spoke true.

“I wrote you many letters”, his nephew said, “I wanted you to know that I was sorry for all the pranks, and that I didn’t mean for them to make you sad. Uncle Aegon said that they would be funny, and I thought you would think so too, but I’m sorry that we were mean uncle”

“It’s fine”, Aemond sighed.

“I also wrote to ask about Iēdar”, Luke continued, “You said that he wasn’t with you on Driftmark, but then we came back here and muña wouldn’t let me in your rooms, so I asked Daeron to look for him but he wasn’t there. Do you think someone took him?”

Aemond slowly stepped away from Aegon, a question hidden in his eyes as he looked to his brother, who in turn smiled and nodded to encourage him. His hand shook a little as he took something out of his pocket, caressing it gently before offering it to the other boy, who almost squealed in excitement.

“There he is”, his nephew exclaimed, “You took such great care of him uncle, and I can tell that he’s very happy”

“He took great care of me too”, his brother mumbled with a shy smile on his face.

When Aegon had first given the little statue back to him, Aemond had opened up a bit, and shared that he’d slept with the little dragon cradled in his arms for all these moons, as it was the one thing that brought him some comfort. He thought he’d lost it for some time after they'd left Driftmark, and had apparently been terribly broken by it, until one of the twins had revealed that some maids had left it behind whilst packing Aemond’s things, as he hadn’t been in the state to do it on his own, but the the girls had found it and had held onto it for him.

“You can keep him”, Lucerys said, “He’s very dear to me, and so are you uncle. It would make me really happy to know that you’re there for each other when I’m not around”

Aemond seemed taken aback by their nephew declaring that he cared for him still, even after all that had happened, and without giving his thoughts the opportunity to get in his way once again, he hugged him close.

“Thank you”, he whispered.

Aegon glanced at Jacaerys, wary of the boy breaking up the embrace as he knew that that might just be what Aemond needed to fall into a pit of despair once more, but as he looked at him, he noticed that his nephew did not seem angry, just ashamed.

“I didn’t mean to make you sad uncle”, he mumbled, “I was just scared for Luke. I dreamed of that night many times, and I guess seeing you two together brought me back there”

“I dream of it as well”, Aemond revealed, “I will not hurt any of you again Jace, I promise. I know that what I did was wrong, but I really do just want to be your friend”

The two boys stared at each other for some time, until Jacaerys smiled, and Aemond did as well. Aegon did not doubt that it would take a while until things went back to the way they were, or hopefully much better than they were, but once Jace proposed that they all go to the Godswood to play, and asked Aemond to join them, he decided that it would all work out.

“Can I?”, he heard his brother question.

“If you can manage it”, Jace chuckled, “Luke always says I’m much too heavy for him to wheel me around, but that’s probably because he’s so short”

“I am not short”, Lucerys argued terribly offended.

And so they all went, and as Aegon watched his brother stand behind his nephew with a big smile on his face, he thought that the two actually made a great pair.

Aemond had always wanted to become a knight, and Jacaerys would one day be the King, so perhaps things could actually work out between them.

Chapter Text

“So Larys was behind the whole thing?”, Aegon questioned as he tried to understand all his sister was trying to explain, “But how?”

“From what the men said it was all about power and him trying to save his own skin”, Rhaenyra spat out, “I spoke to them again yesterday, confronting them with what we now know about all he did. They said that Otto had leverage on him, that he somehow knew of the part Larys played in the murders and was threatening to reveal everything. I don’t know exactly how Larys himself found out about it, though I can assume it was due to Thorne’s betrayal, but after that he agreed to help Otto. It’s still unclear what exactly Otto had against him, or how that was enough to convince Larys to help, though according to one of the men there is a chance that Larys was promised something that involved Alicent, and once again both those men are lucky they’re fucking dead”

Aegon took a deep breath, trying to process all the information that had been thrown his way, and gently placing his hand atop his sister’s as he noted how her voice shook when she spoke of the murders Larys had planned, and of this promise his grandsire had apparently made.

“They said that he’d been allied to Alicent for years”, she muttered, “I’ve been meaning to speak with her about it, and to find out the truth behind that drawing, but I don’t know if I can face her right now”

“She’s asked for you”, Aegon revealed, “I visited her this morn, she was really sad that you hadn’t visited her in days, begged me to tell her if she’d done something to upset you. I don’t think she remembers what she said”

“Well I do”, his sister grunted, “I just need some time Aegon. That woman knew who was behind their deaths for moons, and she didn’t say anything. If she didn’t want to speak with me then I understand that, but she could’ve said something to our father or just anyone. She knew what that man was capable of, and she kept him around. She knew that he was a kinslayer, that he’d ordered the deaths of his father and my Harwi-”

Rhaenyra let out a shaky breath, her grasp on his hand tightening so much that it almost hurt, but Aegon did not move an inch, wishing for her to know that he was there for her.

“How is she doing?”, she asked after some time.

“Gwayne visited her”, he said, “It was actually quite the sad scene, just the two hugging and crying, with him apologising for not knowing all their father’s ploys. From what I understood he did know of Otto’s intention on crowning me, but not of all that had happened before that, of him sending her to father’s chambers”

“How could he have known?”, Rhaenyra whispered, “Now it seems almost impossible to not see it, as looking back I really don’t know how I ever thought that Alicent would’ve gone to him willingly, but at the time it just made sense. I was still so hurt by my mother’s death, and Daemon had spoken to me of Otto’s hunger for power so many times before, and I suppose that whilst still blinded by grief I just assumed that Alicent was like him”

And perhaps for a time she was, Aegon thought to himself. He knew that his mother had never yearned for the power she was given once she was crowned as Queen, and that she would not have chosen to do all she’d had to in order to get it, but he did believe that for some time she had wanted it.

She’d never held any power in her life, and perhaps for a time she’d felt the thrill that sometimes came when one realised that they could act against those they believe slighted them, and that they could do it without consequence because of their title.

His mother had berated his sister, the Heir to the Iron Throne, for years on end, and nobody had said a thing. She’d done it all with a smile on her face, and it had been out of naught but envy. She'd often gone on rant after rant about how the Princess’ dalliances with her shield had been the sole reason for her upset, because as a woman of the faith she could not just stand by and watch as such a sin was not only committed, but presented to all without shame.

But Aegon knew very well that his mother’s anger had had nothing to do with her faith, but it had had everything to do with her envy. Alicent had never had anything, and the little she’d had was taken away when she'd first become the Queen, forced into a marriage with a man she didn’t love and made to bear his children, all this while she watched her former friend live out the rest of her youth without knowing such burdens, and then finding her way around them when she'd actually had to face them.

Both Rhaenyra and Alicent had been made to marry men they didn’t love, but whilst his mother had stuck to what she knew, her sense of duty and honor, Rhaenyra had found a way out. His mother did not know of how his sister and her husband had struggled for years on end to have another child, so to her Rhaenyra had just chosen to lay with Ser Harwin because she couldn’t be bothered to even try and do her duty with her husband.

In many ways Rhaenyra had lived the life Alicent had dreamed of, with children she loved and who adored her back, and a faithful knight by her side who knew no devotion but the one he felt for her and their family. Alicent had wanted what Rhaenyra had, so she’d tried to take it from her using the power she held as the Queen, perhaps even enjoying the fact that nobody could chastice her even if they wanted to, because the only one who could, was too busy playing with a model in his rooms.

“I feel for her”, she sighed, “I really do brother, trust me. I can not imagine how scared she must’ve been, or how much pain she suffered, but I’m not yet ready to face her and act like everything is fine. I want to confront her, want to rage at her for hiding such a thing from us all for so long, but I can’t. Even if I tried to, she probably wouldn’t understand, and I would just feel cruel afterwards”

“It would be like screaming at a babe”, Aegon pondered, “I’ve thought about it too you know, telling her all I truly think of who she once was, but I don’t know what I’d gain from it. Me yelling at her would not change the past, and it would not erase all she did, so I suppose that in my eyes there is no point”

“Maybe”, his sister muttered, “But as I know that I would not be able to keep my thoughts to myself at the moment, I would very much prefer to avoid her for the time being. I’ll go to her when I’m ready”

“And what if you’re never ready?”, he questioned.

“I have to be”, she answered, “I want nothing more than for our family to be at peace, and for that to happen I must be ready to face her. She is family, and she has been for almost our whole lives, so I will find it in my heart to face her one day. Wether I’ll truly forgive her or not I do not know, but I’ll try”

Aegon left his sister’s chambers with a smile on his face, as he knew what awaited him once he reached his own rooms. His nephews and brothers had decided that on this very day, since in but a sennight it would be Helaena’s nameday, some of them would go to the Godswood to try and find the bugs his sister had lost, whilst others would do their best at embroidery.

None of them had ever done it before, and Aegon highly doubted that any of their works would actually be decent, but as he knew Helaena, he knew that she would love it all anyways.

He felt a small pang in his heart when he realised that if things hadn’t happened as they had, then himself and Helaena might be married already. His grandsire had made it clear as day during their last conversations, that Aegon needed to marry his sister as soon as possible, because he needed an heir.

The mere image of Helaena as she was now, still barely a girl and let alone anything close to a woman grown, being forced into a marriage and then to carry his child, was more haunting that anything else Aegon could dare think of.

She’d told him of their children before, two boys and a litte girl, and though he could only hope that they would’ve been good parents, he was glad that those children would not be raised by two who were still children themselves, and who in truth had no idea what good parenting looked like.

“By the Gods”, he hissed and stumbled back as a small figure suddenly appeared before him, “Jasper what are you doing?”

The little boy stood before him in silence, and once their eyes finally met, Aegon expected to see that look of both annoyance and contempt that could usually be found in the boy’s when he looked at him, but Jasper just seemed sad.

“What’s wrong?”, he asked as he knelt to be at his eye level, “Did something happen?”

“I can’t find Marla”, Jasper mumbled, though Aegon barely understood him as the boy had his fingers in his mouth, biting on them hard for some reason.

“She’s gone to the city”, Aegon explained, “She wished to get some things for one of her friend’s namedays tonight, but she will be back soon. Is everything alright?”

Jasper just shook his head, making small noises that Aegon could barely hear, getting closer to him to try and perhaps understand what he was saying, until he realised that the boy was crying. Without really thinking about it he got even closer, wishing to hold him in his arms and try to comfort him, but he stopped before the two actually touched.

The boy already didn’t like him much, touching him without first asking if he could would certainly not help his case.

“I want my mother”, the boy cried, and just as Aegon was about to almost beg Jasper to let him hug him, the kid threw himself in his arms, “My arm hurts and I want my mother”

“I’m sorry”, Aegon cooed, trying to soothe the boy as best as he could whilst holding him close, walking towards the royal apartments not only because that’s where he usually went, but because there were less people around.

Jasper didn’t seem like the type of person who would appreciate being seen in such a state, and Aegon believed that the boy deserved some privacy as he mourned his mother.

The two just walked in silence for some time, with Aegon pacing in a thankfully empty hallway as he whispered words of comfort in Jasper’s ear, wishing to help the boy calm down at least a little bit. Jasper was quite small for his age, a little smaller than Luke was, though he was a couple years older than the other boy. Aegon had actually asked Gerardys about it whilst Jasper was still in the Maester's chambers, and the man had explained to him that it probably had something to do with him not getting enough food when he was younger, and that had been enough to break Aegon's heart.

For a moment he thought about bringing him to Rhaenyra’s rooms, knowing how his sister seemed to just know what to do to soothe a child, but also that she knew what it meant to lose a mother. Many people knew such a feeling sadly, and in some ways Aegon supposed that he did as well, as the mother he once had was no longer, though he couldn’t say he mourned that version of her.

He began making his way to Rhaenyra’s chambers, until a small voice called for him.

“Hello Aegon”, his mother said as she waved to him, “Who is this here?”

“This is Jasper”, he introduced the boy, who in turn just looked at the woman before him with his big eyes filled with tears, sniffling softly as he mindlessly played with Aegon’s hair.

“That’s Marla’s brother, right?”, his father questioned as he neared them, and Aegon finally noticed he was there too and that his mother and father must’ve been in the King’s rooms together, probably reading that one book she seemed to love so much.

From what Rhaenyra had told him, it was a book that the two of them used to read together when they were younger, nothing too interesting as far as Aegon was concerned, just a normal history book. His sister had been surprised to learn that the Queen had kept it for all those years, as it had apparently disappeared from the Keep’s library some time after the two had fought, and she’d actually thought that Alicent had thrown it away.

But alas it seemed that his mother had kept it hidden in her chambers for years, and it was the one thing she’d gone back for before she moved to her old rooms.

“What’s wrong little babe?”, Alicent asked, “So many tears for such a small boy”

Jasper didn’t answer, just whining a little as he placed his head on Aegon’s shoulder, letting out some deep breaths as he stared at his mother with a few stray tears running down his cheeks, unmoving even as she reached to wipe them away.

“Do you want some sweets?”, his mother proposed with a small smirk, “Viserys and I were just eating some cake, do you want a piece?”

The boy nodded, and Alicent almost jumped with joy, immediately taking hold of her husband’s hand and leading them to his chambers, where they found various pieces of cakes just laying on a table.

“We’re seeing what we like for Helaena’s nameday”, his father explained, “She’s already told us that she doesn’t like cake and has no intention of eating any of it, so we made sure that there will be something she does like. But Alicent insists on picking a ca-”

“What is a nameday without cake?”, she questioned almost offended, “Do you like cake Jasper? I do, I really like cake. My favorite is chocolate cake, what kind do you like?”

“I like chocolate cake too”, the boy answered, tone much kinder than he’d ever used with Aegon, “My mother made the best chocolate cake”

“I’m sure she does”, Alicent said with a bright smile, “This might not be the one your mother makes, but it’s still really good. You can have some if you want”

Aegon and Viserys just stood there for some time, observing the two as they ate a whole chocolate cake by themselves, with Aegon almost gagging a little at the mere thought. He really did just hate chocolate cake, he couldn’t help it.

Jasper was a little hesitant at first, watching the Queen eat and letting his own piece just sit there, as if waiting for her to take it from him or to to say that she’d changed her mind and wanted him to leave. But Alicent did nothing of the sort, instead swiping some chocolate cream on the boy’s nose to make him laugh.

“My mother’s name was Alyrie”, she said, “She was the most beautiful woman in the Realm, and the kindest soul mine own ever met. What is your mother’s name?”

“Becca”, Jasper mumbled, putting his cake down as a pout showed back up on his face, “Her name was Becca, and she was very pretty as well. She’s not here anymore”

“Oh you poor boy”, his mother cooed as she grabbed onto him, “I’m so sorry Jasper, to lose a mother is to lose a part of your very heart, and I’m sorry you know such a pain when you’re still a babe”

Aegon watched as Jasper tried to hold his tears at bay, biting his lip so hard that it bled and his mother quickly cleaned it off while hugging the boy close to her chest, which seemed to break him. Himself and Jasper had had a rough start, and the boy had been most unkind to him pretty much every single time the two had seen each other, and yet Aegon’s heart broke as he watched him sob.

He so wished Marla was here, as he knew that her presence would soothe her brother, and yet it seemed that his mother’s was helping him as well.

“She is with you Jasper”, he heard her whisper, “All babes are but pieces of their mother’s heart, so she is with you, and she always will be. Mine own mother passed away many years ago, and yet I still feel her by my side. I didn’t for some time, and I was so very lost without her, but she’s come back to me and all is well. She’s still here because you are, and you are a part of her, the most precious”

Aegon could tell that his mother’s words were somehow comforting the little boy, and though a couple stray tears were still running down his cheeks, Jasper finally stopped sobbing. At this point his mother finally noticed the boy’s injured arm, and once he told her that he’d hurt himself whilst chasing Daeron around, her eyes lit up.

“My Daeron”, she exclaimed as she looked to her husband expectantly, as if silently asking him if there was another with the same name who lived at the Keep, “My little babe Daeron, he’s my littlest, did you know that Jasper?”

The boy nodded, and his mother began to fawn over how beautiful Daeron had been as a small babe, and how since he’d been her last one he had allowed her to know freedom, and Aegon didn’t miss how his father’s eyes dropped to the floor after that.

“He’s in my rooms”, Aegon said once his mother began asking after him, “We can go to him if you w-”

And just like that, both himself and Jasper were being dragged towards his chambers, as his mother chided the boy softly, wishing for him to know that getting hurt was not fun, and that he should be more careful next time.

“What the fuck?”, he questioned loudly as soon as he opened the doors to his rooms, ignoring the upset noise his mother made at his words in favor of staring at what had become of his chambers.

“I told them it was a bad idea”, Baela sighed as she just sat on his chair, sipping some tea with her sister as they remained surrounded by the boys, who seemed to be ripping some fab-

“Those are my sheets”, he complained as he walked to them, “You animals, I leave you alone for but a second and you trash my rooms?”

Immediately all the boys began trying to defend themselves, explaining that they had realised a little too late that they didn’t actually know where to get the fabric they needed for Helaena’s present, and proudly showing Aegon the bugs they’d collected in the Godswood.

“Why would you put them in my shoes?”, he asked bewildered.

“Where else should we have put them?”, Lucerys questioned back, looking at his uncle like he wasn’t making any sense.

“I just got here”, Aemond said hurriedly once Aegon’s gaze landed on him, “Hello mother”

Alicent remained by the door, just standing there for some time with Jasper by her side, who looked like he was but a second away from bursting into laughter. His mother seemed to be assessing his rooms like she’d never seen them before, until her eyes snapped to him.

“Her name is Jeyne”, she said confidently, “Hello my love”

“Who’s Jeyne?”, Aegon sighed defeated, just holding his poor sheets, innocent victims of whatever his nephew and brother had been trying to do with them and those needles they were now throwing at each other.

“She’s the one who gets the things Helaena needs for her works”, she answered as she poked the boys’ noses before taking the needles from them, “I think Viserys has some glass containers for those creatures, so maybe we can go ask him”

And so Aegon and all the children that had found their way to his chambers, spent the rest of their day trying to figure out what embroidery actually was and how it worked, and then holding Daeron to the ground once a bug landed on the boy and they did not want him to kill it by thrashing around.

When Marla got back to the Keep, she immediately began looking for her brother after being told of how upset he’d seemed, and she quickly found her way to Aegon’s rooms to ask for his help.

The sight before her was not one she had expected, but it was most welcomed, as Aegon sat on his chair with Jasper in his arms, and they both slept soundly.

Chapter Text

“If you don’t want to do this then we don’t have to”, Aegon said.

“I do”, Marla mumbled, sweaty hand grasping onto his own as she gave him a shaky smile.

“You don’t have to be scared”, he reassured her, “Sunfyre is a part of my soul, he and I have an understanding Marla, he would never hurt you as he knows how I care for y-”

The kiss she planted on his lips took him by surprise, though it was most definitely one he welcomed. They just stood there for some time as he hesitantly placed his hands on her hips, until someone coughed quite loudly, and Aegon swore that he almost died from embarassment when he turned around and saw his uncle.

“How very romantic”, the man mused, “If you’re going to do it amongst the clouds then just be careful nephew. My parents did it quite often if the whispers are to be belived, and from experience I can say that it’s most thrilling. Just don’t fall”

“Gods please no”, Aegon muttered as he quickly dragged Marla away, his face turning various shades of red as he heard Daemon laugh behind them, “I’m sorry about him”

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that”, she said.

Aegon’s heart almost dropped to his feet as he turned to her with wide eyes, stumbling over his words as he tried to tell her that they didn’t have to lay with one another if she wasn’t ready, that he would wait forever if needs be.

“We never have to do it if you never want to”, he muttered, “It will never happen unless you want it t-”

“I was talking about flying”, she stopped him, cheeks red as she let out an embarassed chuckle, and Aegon was now more ready than ever to walk infront of Sunfyre and beg his golden boy to take him out of his misery.

They made their way to Sunfyre’s lair in complete and utter silence, as Aegon knew that if he said another stupid thing he’d just run off, and he didn’t think Marla would appreciate that very much since even though she’d agreed to come with him, and had insisted that she was not afraid, the way her body trembled once she saw his dragon proved otherwise.

“Just breathe”, he counciled her as he approached Sunfyre, his hand still in her own as he gently guided her towards him, but not holding onto it tightly so she might leave if she changed her mind.

“He’s beautiful”, she marvelled, eyes wide and filled with great fascination, though she remained put and kept a distance from Sunfyre.

Aegon walked to her, reminding her once again that she could leave, before placing his hand on her hip to gently spurn her to make her way to Sunfyre, who in turn just smelled this new person who stood before him. His beloved kept his head down, as Aegon caressed him and whispered commands for his boy to remain calm, not wishing for him to make any sudden movements and scare Marla.

“May I?”, he asked as he grabbed onto her hand and lifted it a little, and once she nodded, he slowly guided it to Sunfyre’s side, “He already likes you”

Marla didn’t say anything, and for but a second Aegon worried that perhaps he’d gone too far and too fast, as he understood that though he’d never once feared Sunfyre, Marla had never been so close to a dragon before. She might have seen one fly atop her as she lived in Flea Bottom, but she certainly had never touched one, had never been close enough to truly have to fear for her life.

But then, just as his grasp on her hip tightened a little to drag her away, she smiled.

He slowly placed himself behind her, gently embracing her to him as he just watched two of the most important beings in his life finally meet one another, and he could tell that they were already most taken with each other. He would never know how to properly explain his bond with Sunfyre to someone who was not also a dragonrider, but Aegon just knew that his boy had immediately taken kindly to Marla’s presence.

“He really is gorgeous”, she said.

“So are you”, Aegon muttered before placing a kiss on her cheek, quickly hiding his face in her neck as he felt his face flush, and once again was forced to wonder if he would ever be able to express how he felt for her without his heart beating so fast afterwards.

“I’m glad we did this”, she told him, “I know how important he is to you, and knowing that you wished for me to meet him makes me happy”

“You are very important to me too”, he reminded her, “My boy and my girl finally together, I couldn’t ask for anything more”

Marla turned to him with a little smirk on her face, and if Aegon’s eyes didn’t fail him it seemed that she and Sunfyre shared a look for just a moment, before she turned around while still caged in his arms and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“So I’m your girl huh?”, she questioned with a knowing smile.

“I’d like you to be”, he answered meekly, “If you want me too that is”

Though they’d kissed many times before, Aegon did not know if any of those past acts of affection could ever compare to the kiss they shared in that moment. He had never experienced romantic feelings for anyone before, as he’d never dared to dream that he might one day meet someone he could truly love, not when he knew that he’d be forced to marry another.

Himself and Marla had known each other for over five moons now, six if one counted their first meeting, and though Aegon knew that it was probably much too soon for him to say that he love her, and definitely too soon to tell her, he could feel it.

“Jasper will be so jealous”, she mused as they walked away from Sunfyre’s lair, “He will not believe that I met a dragon before he did”

“As if your brother needs more reasons to hate me”, he sighed defeated.

Since that fateful day in which the two had shared a moment, Jasper had not been so outwardly hostile to Aegon, or at least not as he had been when they’d first met, but it was obvious to him that the kid still didn’t like him.

“He doesn’t hate you”, Marla reassured him, “Living in Flea Bottom exposes one to some horrible truths, and though I tried to protect Jasper from them all, he knows of what men can do to women. He’s simply worried about me, but he will come around Aegon, I promise”

“I just don’t understand what I did”, he insisted, “I know that many people are most cruel, but I don’t understand why he would think that of me. I’m not the greatest man to ever live, and I’ve definitely done much wrong in my life, but I’d never hurt a woman”

“Because you’re this you”, a new voice suddenly appeared, “The other you did brother, drunk and angry he was, demanding love from those who didn’t care to give it”

Helaena walked to them with a serene smile on her face, waving to Dreamfyre before reassuring her that she would go to her soon. Aegon was taken aback by his sister’s words, staring at her with something akin to both hurt and disgust in his eyes. Hurt that she’d say such a thing, and then disgust once he realised how she knew.

His sister’s mind remained a mystery to him, but Aegon knew that just as she had seen their children all this time, she’d seen him. He hadn’t thought about it much, never caring to even just imagine what would’ve become of him if his grandsire and mother had gotten their way, but he hadn’t thought this.

“I would never”, he muttered, “I’m not like that”

“You’re not like that now”, his sister said, “Wine and pain created a monster, but he’s no more. We will not know your anger, and you will not know such despair. All is good”

He could feel Marla’s eyes on him, and could tell that she wanted to ask what exactly was going on between the two siblings, as they just stared at one another in silence. Marla had asked him about Helaena on a couple of occasions, as she’d heard his sister speak her riddles and had wished to try and understand her, though Aegon had quickly told her that that was much easier said than done.

He’d told her of Daenys the Dreamer, and of how some people from his line had a gift, one that was both a blessing and a curse, and that his sister somehow knew all that had happened and all that had not, all that would happen and all that would not.

Helaena’s words stung, as Aegon was forced to imagine a version of himself he couldn’t recognise, one he didn’t want to hear of and yet felt like he had to.

“You were not so bad with me”, she said as if to reassure him, “It was bad for me as it was for you, and that was perhaps the one pain we both knew until our boys were taken. You were not kind but you were not cruel, except when you were drunk, but that will not happen again, right?”

He just shook his head, vowing to never touch that cursed liquid again.

“You are oh so pretty”, his sister cooed as she turned to Marla, “He will be good and kind, and he will love you both once my girl comes. He cared for her much when she was mine, but he will love her to no end now that she’s yours”

“What girl?”, Marla questioned lowly.

“The most beautiful you’ve ever seen”, Helaena marvelled, “It was a great pain when she came, but before I knew our ends would be the same, she brought me such peace. The boys too, but I always knew that they were not meant to be. My girl will come, and I know you’ll love her as much as I did”

His sister’s hand hovered over Marla’s face, the tips of her fingers barely grazing the other girl’s cheek, assessing her before declaring that it was a great pity that their girl would not take after her.

“They all looked like him”, she revealed with a small smile before turning around and leaving, as the two stayed put for some time, just listening to her sing softly as she entered Dreamfyre’s lair.

Marla and Aegon walked back to the Keep in silence, both still shaken by all Helaena had said, and not really knowing if they wanted to speak on the matter. Aegon did not know what to do now that he knew all his sister had suffered at his hands in her dreams, and though he could not imagine a universe where he actually wanted to marry her, and therefore knew that each and every version of himself had been forced into it, to hear that he’d been cruel to her broke his heart.

From the moment his mother had announced that the two would be wed, Aegon had known that he would never love his sister as one should a wife, and had known that being forced into a marriage and then a marriage bed would change them both for the worse.

But he’d never meant to be cruel to her.

He knew that the consummation of a marriage could hurt, wether one wanted it or not, but Helaena had said that he’d been cruel. She’d spoken of others as well, women who had suffered at his hands because what? Because his mother didn’t love him? Because he was married to someone he didn’t yearn for?

Aegon knew suffering, he knew misery and he knew loneliness, and none of that could justify whatever the version of him that his sister spoke of had done.

“You’re not that man”, Marla whispered in his ear, and he finally noticed that she had lead them to his chambers, “You’re good, and you would not harm anyone. You have naught to be ashamed of Aegon, that wasn’t you”

“But it was”, he mumbled confused, “To her that was me. For years on end my sister had to be by my side during the day, only to suffer so at my hands in her dreams”

“Dreams are not reality”, she insisted, “I understand that perhaps to her they might seem like it, but you didn’t do anything Aegon. She does not begrudge you for it, because she knows that that’s not who you are. She won’t know such a pain, and she will be happy. And so will we apparently, with a little girl”

Aegon chuckled at that, and Marla soon joined him, just sitting side by side as they both tried to imagine what their girl would look like.

“She said she’ll look like you”, Marla reminded him.

“Poor thing”, Aegon sighed, falling backwards to lay on his bed and taking her down with him.

“Nine moons of work and she’ll look like you”, she scoffed, “What am I, chopped liver?”

“You’re my girl”, he said proudly as he hugged her close, “My beautiful beautiful girl”

The two almost fell asleep, her head on his chest as he placed small kisses on it, closing his eyes for a moment as he silently thanked the Gods for allowing him such a gift, and for the one that would one day come if Helaena spoke true.

“You two are disgusting”, someone mumbled suddenly, and Aegon was quickly thrown off his bed as Jasper pushed him aside to place himself next to his sister, “You could at least lock the door if you’re going to be gross”

“Young love is a precious thing”, Alicent mused as she walked into his rooms, sitting on his bed as she looked at him expectantly, before taking his hand in her own when he sat by her side.

“My Queen”, Marla said hurriedly as she stood up to curtsy.

“I never knew young love”, his mother revealed mindlessly, “I thought I did for some time, twice over, but now I’m not sure. She didn’t want me anymore and he left too, but I don’t know if I loved either of them like a wife should”

Aegon took a deep breath, caressing his mother’s hand and throwing a worried glance at Marla, who in turn just gave him a small smile before grabbing onto her brother and moving to take him out of the rooms, quickly placing her hand over his mouth when he started complaining about having to leave the bed.

“You know love”, Alicent blurted out as she turned to Marla, “You love my son, I can see it”

“I care for him very much Your Grace”, the girl mumbled quickly.

“I care for my husband too”, his mother said, “But you don’t care for Aegon like I care for Viserys. I never could care for him like that, I tried to for a long time, but I couldn’t. But he’s very nice to me now, and I don’t hurt anymore when I see him, so that’s good. Is Aegon nice to you?”

“Yes my Queen”, Marla answered with a big smile, “The nicest”

“He better be”, Jasper muttered as he glared at Aegon.

Alicent laughed at that, letting go of her son’s hand in favor of walking to Jasper, cooing at him softly as she praised him for protecting his sister so fiercly, before telling him that her Aegon was a good boy. She then announced to the room that herself and Jasper had actually been on their way to the kitchens, as the boy had walked into her chambers to ask for more cake and since she didn’t have any, she would go and ask Anya to make some.

“You went to the Queen for some cake?”, Marla questioned with a horrified look on her face, “Your Grace I am so sorry, my brother hasn't been at court long, he just doesn't underst-”

“I love cake”, Alicent said surely, “Mine own babes do not, apart from Daeron, but we didn’t eat a lot of cake together, because I sent him away”

“He’s here now mother”, Aegon reminded her, “We can go get him, and I’m sure he would love to eat some cake with you”

“He’ll be with the Princess”, Jasper told them, “I was with them before, but then Daeron got hurt and Aemond and Jace brought him to the Princess’ chambers”

Alicent became really concerned all of a sudden, muttering things about her boys being all alone with Rhaenyra, very worried by the prospect thought she didn’t seem to know why. Marla on the other hand was busy chastising her brother for not addressing the Princes by their titles, with the boy arguing that they were his friends, so he could call them whatever he wanted.

“It’s just a splinter brother”, Rhaenyra sighed as she tried to get Daeron to calm down, “If you stop moving for a second I’ll remove it, that’s how long it will take, just one second and it wil-”

“It will hurt”, Daeron cried, “It will hurt so much sister please”

Aegon tried and failed to contain a chuckle as he watched his sister let out a deep breath, just holding onto their brother as he cried his head off over a small splinter, as Lucerys remained by his side and tried to comfort him.

“Just close your eyes”, his nephew said, “I’ll hold your hand and you just close your eyes, it won’t hur-”

Suddenly, Daeron was almost snatched away from Luke, who alongside Rhaenyra turned to look for him, only to find that he’d been taken by Alicent, who was now holding him behind her back.

“Aemond”, she whispered, “I want Aemond too”

“He’s with Jacaerys”, Rhaenyra said, and though Aegon could tell that his sister was still angry at the other woman, it seemed that she too understood that fighting with her now was useless.

“Our babes together sister”, Alicent blurted out as an absent smile appeared on her face, “We always spoke of this, remember? We dreamed of our babes growing together, and being as we were, and here they are now. Little us Rhaenyra”

His sister sighed, giving the other woman a gentle smile and grabbing onto her hand, her grip a bit too tight perhaps, as his mother whined a little, but she didn’t let go. As he looked to them now Aegon could see the young girls they once were, and he could only hope that his sister would find it in her heart to let them become that again, though he knew that his mother did not deserve it.

“Hello”, she said suddenly, “My love you look so beautiful”

“Thank you mother”, Aemond mumbled shyly.

Alicent got up, walking to her son and placing a small kiss on his hairline, before turning to the boy who stood next to him, and Aegon finally noticed that Jacaerys was indeed standing, and that he was doing so thanks to Aemond’s help as his nephew’s hand gripped the other boy’s arm.

“You are very beautiful too”, she whispered as she caressed his short hair, “I always hated it, but it’s really beautiful. You remind me of someone I once loved, two someones”

“Thank you Your Grace”, Jacaerys said, glancing to his mother who in turn just gave him a nervous smile, and continued to almost glare at the woman who stood so close to her son.

“Cake”, Alicent exclaimed, “Who wants cake?”

After Rhaenyra managed to convince Daeron to stay still long enough for her to take the splinter out of his finger, ergo after both Aemond and Aegon held him down until she finally got it, they all left for the kitchens.

To say Anya was surprised by all the royals who showed up in her kitchen would be an understatement, and yet she was happy to see them all together. She’d been working at the Keep since Queen Aemma had asked for her to follow her when she'd first left the Vale, and Anya had not been able to deny the scared little girl who was almost begging for someone from her home to come with her, so she would not be so alone in a place she didn’t know.

She had been there to witness all the tragedies that had struck the royal family, and in truth she had expected many others to come as well, fearing for the lives of the children she’d seen grow up.

But as she looked at them all now, just sitting there as they waited for their cake to be ready, she knew they would be alright.

Chapter Text

“You all look very beautiful Princess”, Ser Cole said, “Do you not think so as well my Prince?”

“Yes”, Jacaerys mumbled as his eyes remained locked on Baela, “Very very beautiful”

The three girls giggled at the boy’s terribly awkward behavior, and giggled even harder when he almost fell back once Baela approached him, taking his hand in her own and asking him if he might accompany her to the feast that they would all be attending soon enough.

“It would be an honor”, Jace said, and Aegon just had to laugh as the boy’s eyes widened once he heard his own words.

“Where did you get these?”, he questioned his sister.

“Rhaenyra and mother gave them to us”, she answered, “They were one and the same once, and their clothes reflect that”

Helaena and the twins were wearing matching dresses, all of different colors, but that had very clearly been chosen because of how very similar they looked. He could see his mother and sister donning them as they walked around the Keep together, hand in hand as they walked around their home and their hearts shared a beat.

It hadn’t been like that for some time now, but as Aegon looked to them as they awed at the girls before them, remembering the times when they wore those very gowns with big smiles on their faces, he thought that perhaps they might become one again.

“My mother so loved this dress”, Rhaenyra said as she gently caressed the sleeves of Rhaena’s gown, “She had one like it as well, so we might all match”

“I loved the Queen Aemma”, Alicent mumbled, “I was so sad after she was gone, and her crown weighed heavy, as her broken husband did too. But she’s happy now, Helaena said so”

His sister nodded, walking to Rhaenyra and telling her that her mother was at peace, and that she hadn’t felt pain in a long time. Their sister did not seem to know how to respond to such a statement, grief taking hold of her for a moment before she smiled to Helaena, thanking her for letting her know.

“She loved you very much”, Helaena told her, “Her one babe, her one love”

“It’s why Aemond is Aemond”, his mother revealed, “Daemon and Aemma, two of the three your father loves most. I wasn’t happy about the Daemon part, but Queen Aemma really was so dear to me”

Seeing the tears that were welling up in Rhaenyra’s eyes, Aegon began to approach her, only to stop once little Joffrey let out a shrill scream that scared him away. His sister did not seem fazed by the horrid sound her child was emitting, just calmly walking to him with a small smile, cooing at him softly and placing small kisses on his forehead.

Which seemed to calm them both down.

“I hate babes”, Rhaena muttered, “They make such noises but they don’t actually do anything”

“When have you ever been anywhere near a babe?”, her sister questioned.

“I don’t have to be near them to know how they work”, the other girl argued, “I’ve never been on a dragon either, but I know that they fl-”

“Yes you have”, Daemon said as he walked in the rooms, “You both spent a lot of time on not one, but two dragons when you were first born. Your mother and I did little else with you but fly my girl”

As the twins ran to their father to gather further information on exactly how many times they’d been on a dragon, and which one of them had been there the most, Aegon walked to his brother. He knew that Aemond and Daemon had taken to the skies once more this morn, and though he was still a little wierded out by the thought, and was most thankful that his mother did not know of it, he’d come to understand that it was something his uncle had started doing to calm his brother down.

“He said that being with Caraxes is the one thing that always helped him”, Aemond had told him, “So one day, when I was particularly upset, he asked me if I wanted to join him. I honestly thought he’d just drop me as soon as we were up in the air, but I said yes anyways. Once we took to the skies Vhagar found us, and we flew side by side with her for hours. We did it a few times after that, and she always found us”

His uncle was many things according to many people, and yet Aegon did not know if anyone would ever have thought of him as a good man, he certainly had not. He would not go so far as to say that Daemon Targaryen was a kind man, but alas it seemed that for some reason, he’d found it in his heart to care for Aemond as best as he could when the boy had needed him most, and Aegon would always been most thankful to him for it.

“Brothers”, Helaena mumbled as she dragged Daeron closer to himself and Aemond, “I need sisters”

She quickly made her way towards Rhaenyra, who handed Joffrey over to Laenor to follow their sister, who made her stand alongside their brothers. Aegon would not lie, it was a little awkward, just them all standing there so close to one another, when but a few moons ago they had barely uttered a single word to each other, but he didn’t mind it so much.

Helaena stared at them for a while, turning around as if looking for something, or perhaps someone.

“Sister”, she insisted, “I need a sister”

“I’m here Hel-”, Rhaenyra tried to say.

“My goodsister”, Helaena interrupted her, “My goodsister must be here as well, I shall only have the one before the storm comes, I want her here so we might all be together”

Aegon felt his cheeks flush as everyone turned towards him with knowing smiles, with Daeron poking him in the leg and making kissy faces at him as Luke laughed from where he stood with his father.

“This is a royal feast sister”, he said lowly, “You didn’t want the Lords and Ladies to come, but it's still a royal affa-”

He really needed to start training again if people were just going to keep making him run around the Keep, was something Aegon realised quite quickly as he found himself hunched over and trying to catch his breath as soon as himself and Helaena reached Marla’s chambers.

“Princess”, the girl muttered evidently startled by the sight, “Happy nameday”

“She wants you to come with us”, Aegon huffed, “How am I in such bad shape? I’m only so young, barely fifteen namedays old and I can’t ev-”

“You’re fine”, Helaena dismissed him, “I’d really like you to be with us all tonight”

“I thought it was a family thing”, Marla mumbled.

“You are family”, his sister insisted, grabbing onto the girl’s hand and giving her a shy smile, silently begging her to not deny her request.

And so they went, with Helaena and Marla quickly disappearing into his sister’s chambers as she declared that they needed to dress for the occasion. Marla still seemed most confused by everything that had just happened, but by the big smile she gave Aegon before Helaena dragged her away, he knew she wasn’t unhappy with this new development.

“Where is Helaena?”, his mother questioned as soon as he got back to the Great Hall, “Her presents are here, and so is the cake, and us. Does she want to come?”

“Of course she does”, Viserys intervened as he placed his hand over his wife’s, “I’m certain that she’s just making herself beautiful for you”

“She already is most beautiful”, Alicent cooed, “My pretty little girl, we made such beautiful children my love, perhaps all the pain was worth it”

As Aegon saw his father’s face fall, smile wiped clean off his face as he tried to take his hand back only for his wife to pout and hold his even tighter, he was thankful that all others present were busy speaking amongst one another, as he did not care to hear the comments he was certain his uncle was bound to make if he heard his mother speak such things.

The relationship between his father and uncle was complicated enough as it was, and Daemon poking fun at Viserys for his abilities in bed would not help.

“That’s just rude”, Laenor complained, “Hours on end in your muña’s arms and you decide to become sick as soon as you’re in mine. That’s just unkind Joffrey”

“You did much the same when you were a babe”, Corlys told him, “Spent all your days with your mother, calm as any, and the second I showed up you started crying. Laena never did cry much, my girl really was the sweetest soul”

Aegon watched as Rhaenys approached her husband, placing a hand on his arm and a kiss on his cheek, with Rhaenyra walking to them quickly enough, to take the fussing babe away but not before whispering something to Laenor, who in turn gave her a small smile.

“No I was not”, Rhaena hissed as she pinched her sister, “You were the annoying one, kepa said so”

“No I didn’t”, Daemon denied as soon as Baela’s angry gaze fell on him, “You were both quite calm actually, something that surprised both Laena and I since you are of my blood”

“They aren’t so calm now”, Aemond mused, joking with his uncle who in turn chuckled, leaving everyone to just stare at them.

They really made such an odd pair, though in truth, the more Aegon thought about it the more he realised how much they made sense together. The only thing that made things weird was the fact that Aemond was a child, and none thought that Daemon would ever care for kids, and the fact that he was of Otto’s blood, though all present had vowed to never think about that.

Their family was weird, and many had many reasons to hate one another, but they all wanted things to work, so they’d all sworn to put leave the past behind, though it was never that easy.

“You can’t sit there brother”, Helaena bellowed as she walked in the Great Hall.

Aegon watched as his sister made her way to the table, grabbing onto Aemond and moving him next to one of the twins. Helaena had taken great care to arrange everything just as she liked it, and since they were all so fond of her, and considering all they owed her with all she’d done for their family, they’d let her do as she pleased.

Nobody bat an eye as she arranged them as she saw fit, moving them around to form a pattern only she could see, but once everyone was in their place, she paled her reasoning.

“For all those we’ve lost”, she said with a bright smile as she pointed to the empty chairs, and the Hall fell silent, “I wanted us all to be together”

Rhaenyra looked but a second away from bursting into tears as she remained alone between two of the empty chairs, teary eyes locked on her father as he too looked worse for wear. Before anyone could say anything, Helaena began walking around, placing some little pieces of paper on the table before those empty chairs, and at that point Aegon felt tears well up in his own eyes.

“My girl”, Rhaenys mumbled, her fingers grazing over the drawing of Laena that now laid next to her, with her husband’s hand quickly coming to grab onto hers.

“Who’s that?”, he heard Daeron whisper as he tried to see the picture to the King’s right.

“It’s my mother”, Rhaenyra answered lowly.

Aegon immediately reached out for Jacaerys, who in turn just continued to stare at the drawing of Ser Harwin that separated him from his mother, the knight’s smiling face staring back at him as the boy clung to his uncle’s hand like his life depended on it.

“This is my mother”, Alicent said with a big smile as she showed Marla the picture she’d made, “Do you remember her brother?”

“Not really”, Gwayne mumbled, taking the piece of paper in his hand as he looked at the woman who’d given him life, and who he’d lost when he was much too young to truly remember her.

“My father is dead too”, his mother whispered as her eyes became lost for a moment, “But he doesn’t deserve to be here with us. I’m sorry I couldn’t draw your mother, I don’t know what she looked like”

“That’s fine Your Grace”, Marla said with a small smile, clearly not knowing how to behave in that moment, though in truth nobody did.

Helaena and Alicent both looked very happy with themselves, evidently most proud of the work they’d done as his sister praised their mother for how beautiful the drawings were, and Aegon had to agree. It took some time for people to stop just staring at the pictures and actually start talking, but once it happened the air finally started feeling less heavy.

“Are you alright?”, Marla questioned as she caressed his hand, and Aegon almost flinched as he suddenly remembered that she was there.

“I’m sorry”, he blurted out as he turned to face her, “I didn’t even accompany you or welcome you here, I was just taken aback by al-”

“It’s fine”, she said reassuringly, “I think they meant well, but that was perhaps a bit much”

That would be an understatement as far as Aegon was concerned. He knew very well that his mother and sister had not had bad intentions when they’d conjured up this plan, as he could see them smiling to all as they waited for them to smile back, unaware of the weight they’d just placed on their hearts.

“She looked like this when Alicent last saw her”, Daemon told his daughter, who was evidently questioning why the picture of her mother didn’t look as she remembered her, “I was there as well, it’s when Rhaenyra and Laenor got married. It’s the night your mother and I truly met, and also the night I knew she was everything I’d ever wanted”

“Because she was so beautiful?”, Rhaena questioned.

“Not just that”, her father mused, “She was gorgeous, a true Valyrian beauty if I’ve ever seen one. But she was also a dragonider and had such true fire within her. We spent most of that night speaking of dragons and of the history of our family, and seeing how much love she held for all I loved as well, I just knew I had to have her”

“I miss her”, Baela mumbled.

“I miss her too”, Daemon agreed, looking at the picture with a small smile on his face.

After all were done eating, Helaena quickly grabbed onto their mother, and the two started dancing. It took a second for the musicians to realise that their time had come, but alas soon enough there was music in the air, and Aegon saw Jacaerys’ face fall as he looked at Baela.

But before his nephew could even start feeling bad about not being able to dance with her, she started walking towards him.

“Oh Gods”, he mumbled nervously.

“You’re going to be fine”, Ser Criston whispered with a big smile, knowing very well of the boy’s crush on the girl and wishing to reassure him, “Just be yourself”

“And what if she doesn’t like me?”, Jace questioned with wide eyes as Baela got closer and closer.

“How could she not?”, the knight asked back, before his gaze fell on Aegon and he understood that he needed to move, not only because Baela would need a place to sit soon enough, but also because he had his own business to attend to.

Marla was looking at him with a knowing smile, barely containing the chuckles he knew were bound to escape her soon enough as she evidently noticed how nervous he was. Aegon was almost a man grown by now, so one would think that he’d at least have the guts to ask a girl he knew liked him to dance, but alas whatever came out of his mouth was naught but a barely understandable mess of stuttered words that sounded nothing like an invitation.

“May I have this dance?”, she questioned as she made a big fuss of pretending to bow before him, offering him her hand and then shaking it a little when he took too long to take it.

But alas he did, and as their hearts beat together while they danced, he knew they’d been meant to find one another.

Chapter Text

“Your siblings put on quite the show”, Marla chuckled as he walked her back to her chambers.

“Indeed”, he mused as he thought back to how Aemond and Helaena had looked as they danced together, “We started taking lessons when we were mere babes, and they always took to them with much greater ease than I did”

Aegon had been very happy to see his siblings dance with one another, and even happier when he’d seen how his brother had smiled, a look of tranquillity on his face that he hadn’t seen in quite some time, especially not when he was surrounded by the rest of their family.

Helaena had been the one to approach their brother, who had just been sitting there while everyone else danced, including Rhaenyra and Laenor who had decided to see if they still remembered the dance they’d performed on the day of their wedding, all this after they’d both downed a couple cups too many to cloud their grief stricken minds after what his mother and sister had done.

He knew they’d meant well, but by the Gods had it soured the mood.

“Does he like her?”, she questioned.

“I think he did for some time”, he revealed, “I don’t know if he does anymore, and I don’t really know how I could ask or if I should”

“Could they wed?” she asked, the look on her face making it obvious that the thought of a brother and sister getting married was a bit too much for her, but that she was trying to get over it.

“Sure they could”, he answered, “They wouldn’t be the first pair of siblings to marry, as my grandparents were brother and sister, and my great grand parents were as well. It’s usually between eldest son and eldest daughter, but since Rhaenyra is already married and I’m very much not interested, I suppose it could happen if they’re both willing”

He hadn’t thought much about his siblings marrying, though he knew that they probably would at some point. Rhaenyra had told him that he and Helaena would both get to marry whomever they wanted, so long as they were content, and he hoped that the same would be true for Aemond and Daeron.

Aegon didn’t know if a marriage would ever take place between his brother and sister, as Aemond had spoken to him of wanting to become a member of the Kingsguard to be like Ser Criston, so he would not be able to marry anyone, and Helaena had never spoken of a husband or children for herself, so he didn’t know what would happen to her.

But so long as they were both happy, he didn’t care.

“You are so beautiful”, he marvelled as he stopped in the middle of an empty hallway, finally getting the opportunity to truly look at her, and just admiring the girl who stood before him.

He’d been waiting for this moment for the whole night, almost desperate to compliment her and just awe at how absolutely gorgeous she looked, but he hadn’t found it in him to do it in front of his family. He was not ashamed of all he felt for Marla, and he knew that everyone already knew of them being together, but he’d just feared someone commenting on just how terribly awkward he was certain his compliments would’ve been.

“You truly are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen”, he told her as he playfully spun her around, observing the dress Helaena had given her as its silver details shone like stars in the night sky.

His sister had chosen one of the gowns she herself had taken from Rhaenyra’s old collection, a black dress with silver lining, shoulders bared a little but not too much, arms uncovered as Aegon immediately took off his cloak to place it on her once he saw her shiver.

“You are so special”, he said as he placed his hands on her cheeks, “I’m so lucky to have you”

“You’re pretty special too”, she mumbled in return, smiling in their kiss once he actually got the guts to gently place his lips on hers.

He knew this was not his brightest idea to date, as they were in a very open space and anyone could walk by at any given moment, but he didn’t care. For so long he’d feared someone seeing them and Marla’s reputation being ruined, because not many would care to marry a girl who was believed to have been sullied, but as far as he was concerned, that would not be a problem.

“You look so beautiful Marla”, he whispered as he looked into her eyes, hands on her hips as he tightened his hold on them for just a second, before he quickly tucked his head in her neck and just held her close.

“I look like one of you”, she mused, “Like one of the girls you might meet once you have to marry”

Aegon’s heart hurt as he heard the humorless chuckle that escaped her, and he silently chided himself for allowing her to think that there ever could be anyone but her. He knew that they hadn’t known each other for that long, but his heart knew that they belonged together.

He immediately moved to look at her once more, wishing to understand if she’d been joking or if she’d meant her words, and alas her face told her all he needed to know.

Marla looked almost afraid as she stood before him, playing with the hems of her skirt as she gently pushed him away from her, one of her hands still on his chest as she toyed with the buttons of his doublet. There was something akin to sorrow in her eyes as they refused to meet his, and though it was obvious that she wanted to say something, the words remained stuck in her throat.

“What is it?”, he questioned worried.

“It’s fine Aegon”, she answered with a sad smile, “I’ve accepted it, truly I have. I know of what your sister said about our girl, and I will love her with all my heart, I promise. I know that we can not marry, and that is fine. I know my place just as I know yours, I will not demand of you what I know you can not give me, but I dare ask that once you do find a wife, that you will not shun our chi-”

“Never”, he interrupted her, “There will never be another”

“You can’t know that”, Marla insisted as her smile fell, “You’re a Prince Aegon, wether you or I like that or not does not matter. You have a duty to the Realm and most importantly to your family, that’s just how it works. I care for you, I truly do, and because of that I wish to be by your side in any way I can, though I accept that you will one day have to marry. I don’t want to be a mistress bu-”

“No”, he almost screamed, “What are you talking about?”

The way Marla flinched almost made him feel sick, quickly stepping back to give her some space and apologising once he realised that he’d pretty much just yelled in her face, but she didn’t seem afraid of him, just upset.

“I can’t do this anymore”, she said, and his heart stopped, “I can’t pretend anymore Aegon, I’m sorry”

“Pretend what?”, he asked lowly.

“Pretend that I don’t know who you are”, she answered, “I fell for my Aegon, not for a Prince, but you can’t have one without the other, and I can’t have a Prince. I’m a random girl from Flea Bottom with two dead parents and nothing to my name but one ring, a ring that you gave me Aegon. I tried to act like it doesn’t hurt to know that you’ll never be mine in truth, but tonight made it impossible for me to ignore that we are not of the same world”

“That doesn’t matter”, he stated firmly, “None of that shit matters to me, especially not more than you. Never in my life have I cared about titles, and I’m definitely not about to start now. You are the one I care for Marla, more than any other, and I do not wish for this all to be over. If you don’t want me anymore then I will make peace with that and leave you alone, but not because of this”

“What else is there?”, she questioned, “I know that in your heart none of that stuff matters, it’s one of the reasons why I care for you so much, but it’s just not how things work. You are my great love and I wish to remain by your side if you will let me, but I can’t ever marry you”

“And who said that?”, he asked desperately, “Who said that Marla? Who decided that we can’t marry? I’m barely a Prince, I’m nobody, I can marry whomever I choose. I am the firstborn son of the King who will never succeed him, the first of my kind unless you count those who died before they could be crowned. I am the son of one who could scarcely remember my name for most of my life, and one who can barely remember it now if she’s having a bad day. I’m the brother of three siblings who I barely fucking know and one who I almost pushed into an early pyre with my own hands. If I’ve ever been anything in my life it’s an uncle, but my nephews have others by their side when I’m not there. I’m fucking nobody Marla”

The girl standing before him just stared at him for a moment, and as it looked like she was about to take her ring off, Aegon’s heart failed him. It really was over. He’d met her and had fallen for her within the span of a few moons, as she’d become one of the most important people of his life, earning a place in his heart day after day, and she was leaving him.

“You’re not nobody”, she sighed as she toyed with the ring, “You are somebody to me Aegon, and it’s not that I care about getting married, but I just know that certain things are expected of you, and that I can not help you with those. I have no dowry to offer, no chests of gold or silver, no armies. I have nothing”

“You are everything”, he insisted, “I don’t need anything from you because you already are everything. I don’t care about what anyone expects of me, the Gods know I’ve done that enough for a lifetime and it brought me naught but misery, and almost condemned me and my family to death. I want to be with you because you give me hope that the rest of my life will be good, because you will be by my side. Like I said, if you don’t want me anymore then I respect that, but please my love if it’s because you think I want anyone else, know that that could neve-”

As Marla threw herself in his arms Aegon fell back, hitting the wall behind him but far too distracted by the girl to care about the sharp pain in his head. He wasn’t completely certain as to what exactly had just happened, because he’d actually thought that the night had gone well, especially considering how other family reunions had gone before.

Nobody had gotten stabbed, nobody had raged or had a meltdown, so in his opinion it had been a great success.

“Where did this come from?”, he questioned as he placed small kisses on the top of her head, “I never knew you cared about stuff like that, I don’t understand what changed”

“I’m not one of you”, Marla mumbled as her face remained hidden in his neck, “I didn’t know which fork to use or how to eat like you do, didn’t even know the dances. I just felt out of place, and wearing a dress that is definitely more expensive than the house I lived in for most of my life doesn’t feel right”

“I’ll burn it”, Aegon promised, heart finally starting to beat once more as he heard her laugh.

The two just stood there for some time, holding each other close as he was so terribly afraid that the second he let her go, she’d say that this was all too much for her. He understood that her worries made sense, and that perhaps him declaring that he wished to be with her for the rest of his days didn’t mean that they could marry, but they would.

He didn’t care what his father or sister had to say on the matter, though in truth he doubted that they’d be against the match as they both knew how he cared for her, but even if they were, he didn’t care.

“I love you”, he whispered as he took her face in his hands, “I know it might be too soon for me to say it, but I don’t care. I feel it Marla, deep within my heart I know that I love you, and that there will never be another for me. I don’t care if anyone is against us being together, because you’re all that ma-”

The way she kissed him almost hurt, and yet Aegon wouldn’t have traded it for the world. He didn’t know if this was her way of bidding him goodbye, just one final kiss before she entered her chambers and disappeared from his life, so he tried to put into it all the love he felt for her, hoping to at least make sure she knew of it before she left.

He wouldn’t stop her, but he wanted to give her something to remember him by.

“I love you too”, she said once they parted, gasping for air as she cradled the hand that now laid on her cheek, “I love you Aegon”

As he heard those three little words, ones he’d been hoping to hear from her for sennights now, ones he’d been holding in as he hadn't wanted to scare her off, he just couldn’t help himself. She let out a small noise of surprise as he picked her up and spun her around, hugging her close as the sound of her giggling truly made him question how he’d lived so long without hearing it.

Though he didn’t really know if he’d ever actually lived before she’d come into his life.

She’d been the point of communication between himself and his sister, the reason he hadn’t completely lost his mind as he waited for Jacaerys to wake, blessing him with all the letters Rhaenyra sent his way, and allowing him to finally speak with his sister, to save himself and all those he cared for. She’d been there for him from the very start, and he could only hope that she’ll be there until the very end.

He could see them now, the two of them with their little girl, just spending the rest of their days together until either Balerion or the Stranger came for them, but that would be alright, because they’d been happy. The God of Death would one day come for them all, but that would not matter, because Aegon and Marla had known happiness together, and their little girl would as well.

They would be a family, and they would love each other with all their might. He didn’t know where they will live or how long they would live for, but it was alright, because they would be tog-

“Are you two done?”, a voice suddenly questioned, “By the Gods you’re so fucking loud”

“Language”, Marla chided her brother.

Jasper walked towards them, a small blanket in his hand that Aegon knew for a fact his mother had made for the boy, who from what Marla told him now carried it around everywhere. He stopped just before he reached them, observing them both with accusing eyes and a small scowl on his face, and just as Aegon readied himself to hear Jasper berate him once more, he felt two small arms wrap around his middle.

“Did you mean it?”, the boy asked lowly, “Do you really love my sister?”

“More than any other”, Aegon answered as he looked at Marla, who in turn placed a gentle kiss on his lips, and Jasper gagged.

“That’s fine I guess”, he sighed, glaring at him one last time before looking down, but not before Aegon noticed the small smile on his face, “Maybe you don’t suck that much after all”

“That’s a win in my book”

Chapter Text

“He’s going to be alright”, Laenor said reassuringly, “My father cares for Jasper very much, and he will look after him, I promise”

“I know”, Marla mumbled, “I’m most thankful for all Lord Corlys has done for him, and I know he will be safe on Driftmark, but I just worry”

“It’s normal”, Rhaenyra intervened, “’Tis the way for us parents, to worry for our babes is in our nature”

Aegon noted how Marla shifted a little at that, perhaps uncomfortable with the way his sister spoke of her as if she were Jasper’s mother, but in truth he knew that she could not deny that. By the time their mother had died, Jasper had been barely four namedays old, and Marla had taken care of him from that day forth, so in some ways she was the only mother he'd ever known.

He knew that Marla was not his mother, just as she knew that he was not her son, but they were much more than brother and sister.

“Do not get yourself in trouble”, she muttered as she fixed the boy’s cloak, “Just listen to Lord Corlys and do not fight with Alyn, I don’t care what he does, do not make a sce-”

“It’s not my fault that he’s absolutely insufferable”, Jasper whined, “I don’t even know why he’s like that. Addam is perfectly fine, and Marilda is so very nice as well, so Alyn must’ve taken after their father, whoever that is”

From the corner of his eye Aegon noticed how Corlys’ body froze for a second as Jasper spoke of those he knew on Driftmark, and that his gaze quickly fell on his wife only to snap back to the floor once he realised that she was staring at him as well.

He didn’t know what that was about, but so long as it didn’t cause trouble for anone, he didn’t care.

Rhaenys seemed most angry at her husband, walking towards him with a look of true rage on her face and for but a second Aegon really thought she was about to strike him before them all, until little Luke got in the way. He was bidding his grandparents goodbye, teary eyed as he asked them to promise him that they would come back soon, effectively distracting the woman.

“Just be safe”, Marla almost pleaded as she hugged her brother close, “Please Jasper just take care of yourself, alright?”

“I’m going to be fine”, the boy said as he suddenly turned serious, probably realising that his sister truly was worried about him, “You be safe as well, and don’t let that one get you into trouble”

“I’ll miss you too Jasper”, Aegon huffed as he gave the boy a small smile, only to receive an angry glare in return.

The kid approached him with his head held high, finding a way to make Aegon feel so very tiny under his gaze even though the top of the boy’s head barely reached his hip.

“You take care of my sister”, he warned as he pointed an accusatory finger to his face.

“I will”, Aegon promised, and that seemed to calm Jasper down a little, as the boy nodded to him before finding his way back to Marla, who hugged him once again before leading him to the boat.

He stood back, wishing to give the two siblings a moment alone together so they might bid each other goodbye, and also wanting to be there for his nephew and brother who seemed most upset about Jasper leaving. He knew that the three boys had gotten close through the past moon Jasper had spent at the Keep, but he hadn’t expected for his brother to cry so much.

“We can visit him whenever we want”, Luke cooed as he gently patted his uncle’s back, “Muña and kepa both told me we can go, and grandmother and grandsire said that we are most welcome to go to High Tide whenever we please. I will live there some day, and I will make sure that you two have your own private chambers, so we can all be together”

His brother did not seem to find much comfort in their nephew’s words, and though Aegon was a little surprised when Daeron turned to him with his hands in the air, he did not even blink before picking up his brother and holding him close, watching with a sad smile as he waved to Jasper, who waved back from where he stood on the boat.

“He’ll come back”, he mumbled as he placed a small kiss on Daeron’s wet cheek, “Marla’s here, and though he would hate me for saying it, Jasper’s still much too young to sail. He’ll come back here soon brother, don’t worry”

“I’ll miss him”, Daeron said as he sniffled, “I want mother”

Aegon threw a look behind him to see where Marla was, but once he saw her walking towards them with a sad look on her face, he started moving to his mother’s chambers. Marla quickly bid them all goodbye, muttering that she wished to be alone for a moment. He really wanted to go with her, but from the look in her eyes, he could tell that she just needed a second.

“Our Queen is in the training grounds my Prince”, Septa Delena said once Aegon reached his mother’s chambers, only to find them empty apart from his great aunt and some maids who seemed intent on cleaning up a mess on the floor.

“She was very upset when she found out that Jasper was leaving”, she told him once he asked about the broken vase on the ground, “The Princess took her to the training grounds to show her something, so she might hopefully calm down a little”

Aegon sighed, knowing very well how attached his mother had become to Jasper, and how the little boy cared for her as well. They’d taken great care of explaining to her that he would return to Driftmark for some time, but that he would come back to them all soon enough, and his mother had simply smiled and begun fawning over what a great sailor Jasper would surely become.

But it seemed that finally realising that he was actually gone had taken its toll on her.

Still in his arms Daeron began asking questions, wishing to understand what their mother being sad about Jasper had to do with the broken vase, but Aegon just told him that everything was fine. It had been difficult enough for him to understand and even more complicated to explain it to Aemond, so Aegon didn’t really know how to approach such a matter with his brother.

Daeron was not stupid, so he had quickly caught onto the fact that there was something off about his mother, but since he did not have many memories of her as she was before, he didn’t know the true extent of the damage her mind had suffered. He knew she often became upset, but couldn’t understand why, and Aegon wondered if any of them ever would.

He knew that it somehow all had to do with her pain and suffering, with all the fear she’d kept locked up in her heart for so long, and that something had simply snapped within her brain when she was left alone in her chambers, probably convinced that her children were being slaughtered in the very Keep that had held them all as its prisoners for so long, just waiting for her turn to come.

He understood the cause, but didn’t know the cure, if there even was one.

“She just really loves Jasper”, he said, “You love him as well, do you not?”

“Yes”, Daeron mumbled.

“Well then you can imagine how hurt mother is”, he tried to explain, “She just got really upset, but you heard Septa Delena, she’s with Rhaenyra now, so I’m certain that she already feels much better”

In truth Aegon didn’t know why his sister had brought his mother to the training grounds of all places, and once he found his way to the place he realised how long it had been since he’d last been there.

And by the Gods he hadn’t missed it one bit.

“Mother”, Daeron called for her as soon as he spotted Alicent, who in turn immediately approached them and took him in her arms, cooing at him softly as she mumbled something about how she already missed her babe.

For a moment Aegon wondered if his mother really did think that Jasper was her own child, or if she just cared for him very much, but as he saw how pained she seemed, he decided that perhaps it was not the time to press on the matter.

“I told you I could beat him”, Daemon laughed as he looked at Aemond, “It’s been almost twenty years since that day boy, you can’t hold that one victory over me anymore, especially not since your little Crispin cheated”

“I did not cheat my Prince”, the knight huffed, “I won fairly, ‘tis not my fault you turned your back on me. And you only beat me now because I’m still recovering from a stab wound”

“So many excuses”, his uncle mused, “I am much more skilled and experienced than you Crispy, there is nothing you can do that I can not”

“I can think of one thing”, the other man teased as he glanced to Rhaenyra, who thankfully did not appear to have heard him as Criston had whispered the words but an inch away from the Prince, who in turn sneered at him.

Aegon almost choked on his own spit as he watched the two men stare at one another, walking to Aemond and dragging him back a little as his brother was too focused on the wooden sword he was holding to pay attention to the two, and how they looked like they were about to kill each other.

“I haven’t trained in so long”, Aemond mumbled as he stared at the weapon, “I always liked it very much, but I don’t know if I can even wield it anymore”

“Of course you can”, Aegon said surely, “You always were a much better fighter than any of us combined brother, I doubt that some moons of rest will have changed that”

And so the two started play fighting one another, and Aegon smiled brightly as he heard their mother’s laugh, clapping her hands as she cheered for her boys, turning to their sister to declare how very proud she was of how greatly skilled they were.

He wan’t sure she knew much of fighting however, as Aegon was many things, but a greatly skilled swordsman was not one of them, something that was quickly proven as his brother won over him within the span of a couple minutes.

“I didn’t know you had that in you”, Daemon mused with a small smirk on his face as he walked to them and placed his hand on Aemond’s shoulder, “You’re quite the talent boy”

“He’s my best student”, Criston said with a proud smile, “Took to the sword with greater ease than any I’ve ever seen before. All he knows he learned from me my Prince, so I’ll take your compliment for what it is”

“Well then you should start training again”, his uncle told Aemond, “Perhaps it’s time you learn from a real fighter, one who knows the truth of war, not just the frivolities of courtly knigh-”

“Stop it”, Rhaenyra chided them from where she stood atop them all, “Both of you, just stop it”

Aegon felt his eyes roll in the back of his head as he watched the two men start fighting again, with purpose this time, as they declared that the winner would be the one to train Aemond from now on. In truth the fight was not a fair one, because whilst Criston had healed well, it was most obvious that certain movements still caused him some pain.

But as he thought back to one of the very last times he’d stepped foot in this place, and how the knight had goaded him into fighting a boy who was years younger than himself, much smaller and much less experienced, he started rooting for his uncle.

“There you go”, Daemon laughed as he pointed his sword to the knight’s neck, “Little Crispy on his knees before me, just where he belon-”

“Did you say something my Prince?”, the other man mused, and Aegon realised that just as his uncle’s sword now caressed Criston’s neck, the knight’s was pressed right against his belly.

The two men stared at each other, and for a moment he truly thought that they would strike and kill one another just to see who could do it first, but then they were both pushed back.

“This is done”, Rhaenyra hissed as she placed herself between them, “Aemond will be trained by whomever he chooses, if he wants to train that is”

“I do”, Aemond said quickly, “I would love to start training again, with both of them if they’re willing”

“Then it’s settled”, his sister declared, “You two will work together, and one day, when Aemond has grown up and has become the great knight he’s told me he wants to be, you will both be able to say that you trained him. Is that clear?”

“Whateve-”, Daemon huffed.

“Is that clear?”, Rhaenyra insisted as she turned to him, and Aegon just had to chuckle at the tone his sister was using with their uncle, the very same one she used to scold her children whenever they fought amongst one another.

“My little knight”, Alicent cooed as she ran to Aemond, “Oh my little babe, such a good knight you will make. The greatest of all, most honorable and most beloved”

For a second Aegon thought back to what his uncle had said some time before, of how his mother’s insistance that Aemond had to be brave and strong had messed with his brother’s mind, but as he looked at him now and saw the smile on his face, he hoped that those words no longer rang true.

If Aemond became a knight, he would do so because he wanted to, not because he believed that that’s what he had to do to make his mother proud, to earn her love.

“You already are so very loved by me my sweet”, she mumbled as she placed small kisses on Aemond’s face, “My little babe, so so beautiful”

“Thank you mother”, Aemond sighed, obviously a little embarrassed by her coddling him so much in front of his uncle, who in turn just chuckled and walked away.

“Don’t touch that”, he heard Daemon scream suddenly.

As he turned, Aegon saw that his nephew had somehow gotten his hands on Criston’s morningstar, and as all happened in slow motion, the boy tried to wield it. All present held their breath as the weapon landed on the floor and Luke just stared at it with wide eyes that were filled with fear, as he probably realised that he’d almost taken his own head off.

“Are you alright?”, Criston questioned as he approached him, “My Prince are you hurt?”

Rhaenyra as well ran to her son, placing her hands on his shoulders and demanding to know if the morningstar had even just grazed him, but the boy remained silent, until he started crying.

“It’s fine”, she whispered as she held him close, “You’re alright”

“Is he hurt?”, Jacaerys screamed as he still stood where his mother had left him, and Aegon’s heart almost failed him as he saw his nephew make his way towards the stairs.

Jace had been making great progress, and he could now walk without much assistance, but stairs were a feat he’d yet to tackle, and Aegon did not think it wise for him to do it now as he was so distressed.

“He’s fine my Prince”, Criston said as a sigh of relief escaped him once it became clear that Lucerys was indeed fine, just scared out of his mind.

“Poor babe”, Alicent mumbled as she neared him, gently patting his hair as she then began to marvel at his curls, “So very pretty”

It took a fair amount of time for Luke to finally calm down, and though his father’s presence should’ve helped him do that once Laenor showed up, almost tumbling down the stairs as he ran to them after having been told that his son had gotten hurt while playing with a morningstar, it very much didn’t.

Whomever had reported back to him had been mistaken, but once Laenor reached them they had to comfort two people instead of one, as the man frantically ran his hands over Luke’s body to confirm that he was fine.

“Why the fuck was that thing just there for him to take?”, he grunted as he turned to Criston, “Are you trying to kill my kids Cole? First my Joffrey and now my son too? Why can’t you just leave my family alone?”

“Calm down Laenor”, Rhaenyra whispered as she placed her hand on his arm, “Look at him, Luke is fine. These are training grounds, there are weapons everywhere. It’s not Criston’s fault that Luke took his morningstar, and I was here as well, I should have paid more atte-”

“That beast shouldn’t even be here in the first place”, Laenor hissed, “A fucking murderer just being allowed to roam around our children Rhaenyra, he’s a fucking animal and you know this. You were there too, as he crashed Joffrey’s skull against the floor, perhaps that’s where Aemond got it from”

His mother let out a noise of upset at that, clinging to Daeron as she looked around confused, as if trying to understand the memories that were probably fllooding her mind. They’d all agreed that they would no longer speak on that night, and that they would let the past go as best as they could, but it seemed that Laenor was not ready to do that just yet.

Aegon had always known his goodbrother to be a fairly meek man, just trying his best to be with his wife and children, focusing on his family rather than actively partaking in all the fights that seemed to start amongst them all every two seconds.

But it appeared that Criston just broke something in Laenor, and allowed for a part of him to be free, one that he usually kept hidden, but that seemed to come out only around the knight.

“I’m sorry about Ser Joffrey”, Cole said with a somber tone, “There is nothing I can say that will make up for what I did, as there is nothing I can say that will bring him back to you Ser, and I’m sorry for that. I am acutely aware of the pain I caused and I jus-”

“You know nothing”, Laenor grunted, “You know fucking nothing of the pain you caused. Have you ever had to see someone you love with all your heart, someone who is the very reason your heart beats, with their skull bashed in? Because I have, twice. My Joffrey was barely fucking recognisable by the time you were done with him, and I was the one who had to explain to his mother that her son had been slaughtered by a rogue knight for no reason at all, and that his murderer would face no consequence because he’d taken to hiding behind the Queen. And Jace too, with your little me following in you-”

“Laenor”, Rhaenyra insisted, evidently wishing to put a stop to this argument.

Aegon watched as his mother gently took Lucerys’ hand in her own, as she still held Daeron in her arms and called for Aemond to follow her as well, wishing to keep the children away from the fighting. He saw her go towards Jacaerys, as Aemond then helped him make his way inside the Keep, and though it looked like his nephew wanted to stay back, eyes locked on Criston as he listened to his father screaming, he followed them all inside.

“Laenor calm down”, Daemon intervened as well, though there was a smirk on his face that told Aegon that he was somehow enjoying this whole thing, “Unless you want to kill Crispy there is nothing yo-”

“Fuck you”, his goodbrother raged, “I had to see you every single fucking day for years, memories of that night flashing before my very eyes every time I saw that look of contempt on your face as you dared judge me. You are a murderer, you killed an unarmed man during my fucking wedding and for no reason at all, and you judge me? You called the mother of your fucking child a whore for years, and condemned that very same boy as a lowly bastard, and you judge me? Jacaerys may not have my blood, but he is my son. I am his father, the one he looks for when he’s hurt or in trouble, the one who reads him stories before bed, the one who comforted him every single fucking time you made him feel worthless. You are nothing Cole, you think yourself above me, but you’re fucking nothing”

Laenor just stormed off after that, ignoring his wife as she called for him and simply walking away .

“He’s right”, Criston said, “Everything he said, he’s right”

“Not anymore”, Aegon tried to say, because the man who stood before him no longer was the one who’d done such horrible things, though he knew that to Laenor that meant nothing.

“I take responsibility for my actions my Prince”, the knight muttered, “I killed a man before his beloved, and never even apologised for it, not to him and not to his family. I tried to with Ser Laenor a couple of times, but he wouldn’t hear of it, and he’s right to treat me as he does. I should’ve just taken justice in my own hands as I’d planned to on that night, as it would’ve prevented me from harming others. The Queen stopped justice from being served twice over, but she shouldn’t have”

Criston left as well, as Daemon and Aegon just stood there, one dreading the propspect of going back to his chambers as he knew that all the children would be there and honestly did not have the answers to all the questions he was certain they’d throw his way, and the other smirking.

“The man’s a dragon”, his uncle mused, “My Laena had such a fire as well, and Gods how I loved her for it. I’d hoped to see it in Laenor some time ago, but better late than never I suppose”

The man left and Aegon just looked up to the sky, wondering if his family would ever know peace.

Chapter Text

Aegon knew that Criston had deserved it all, he knew it very well.

The man had done much wrong to almost every single person Aegon had ever cared about, himself included, and he’d deserved each and every word Laenor had spat in his face. And yet he couldn’t help but feel for him a little.

The knight had looked like someone had stabbed him straight through the heart after the other man was done berating him, by the Gods he’d looked more pained then than he had when he was actually stabbed in the chest.

Aegon knew he’d deserved it all, and yet he felt the need to be close to him now. He didn’t know what the knight had been speaking of when he’d said that he’d meant to take justice in his own hands after he’d killed Ser Joffrey, but deep down he did know, and he didn’t want that to happen.

Criston had harmed many, but he’d tried his hardest to make amends for it, and Aegon had wanted him to suceed from the very start, knowing that he as well had much to make right with his brother, and being almost inspired by the resilience the older man had shown as he kept fighting his way into the hearts of those he’d hurt.

So he made his way to Criston’s chambers, and though he knew he should’ve perhaps been surprised by the sight before him once he entred them, he really wasn’t.

“You can’t leave”, Aemond grunted as he took a shirt from the man’s bag and threw it on his bed, “You can not leave Ser Criston, please”

“It’s what I must do”, the knight sighed, “I appreciate how you care for me my Prince, but you must understand that I need to leave if you want your family to finally be at peace. I wish more than anything that things were not as they are, but I can no longer ignore all the pain I cause by simply being here”

“Please”, his little brother begged as he took hold of the man’s bag, “Please Criston don’t leave, I can’t do this without you here. Please stay for me. I will speak to Ser Laenor, or perhaps I should ask Jace or Luke to speak to him in my stead, since he doesn’t seem to like me very much either”

“Let go Aemond”, Criston said, sounding almost desperate as he tried to take his bag from the boy, who in turn sat on it, earning a frustrated grunt from the knight who sat next to him.

Aegon was by the door, watching as the man’s head fell in his hands, grabbing onto his hair as he seemed to be struggling with his own thoughts, looking pained as he kept his eyes on the ground.

“I killed a man who didn’t deserve it”, he mumbled, “Ser Joffrey did not deserve to die as he did, and Ser Laenor certainly did not deserve to see someone he loved meet such an end. I’ve hurt many people in my life Aemond, and they all live here. Seeing me just makes things worse for them all, and since I care for them so, I think it’s best I lea-”

“Then I’ll come with you”, Aemond stated firmly, “You say that seeing you causes them pain because of all you did, because of how you hurt them, well I’ve harmed them all as well. I saw how Ser Laenor looked at me, so I should leave too”

“It’s not the sam-”, the knight tried to say.

“I almost killed his sons”, his brother reminded him with a shaky voice, “I was ready to bash Luke’s skull in with a rock before Aegon arrived, and I did just that with Jace. I looked at my nephews and almost killed them, Ser Laenor knows this very well, he will never forget it nor forgive me for it. In truth I’m most surprised that any of them can even look at me, but I see their pain each time they do. I will leave with you”

“No”, the man denied, “This is your home Aemond, your family is here so this is where you belong. Your siblings are here, as are your nephews and even your uncle and his girls. Your mother is here and you see how she is, she could not bear to lose you again, and your fath-”

“You are my father”, Aemond almost screamed, such desperation in his voice as he revealed a truth he’d been hiding for a long time, but that Aegon had always known.

He’d seen it many times over through their lives, the way his little brother looked to the knight like he’d placed the stars in the sky, never once allowing for the love he felt to go unnoticed. And in truth, though there was no denying that Criston had done much wrong to many people, he’d doted on Aemond with a devotion that could only belong to someone who loved a child as if they were his own.

“I love you Criston”, his brother said, “You are my father in all ways that count, you always have been. I need you here, please you can’t leave me”

“Aemond please”, the knight pleaded, sounding terribly pained by the boy’s confession and by the way he saw his bottom lip start wobbling, as he had to fight the urge to immediately wipe away the stray tears that were now making their way down Aemond’s cheeks.

Aegon finally stepped into the room, not caring to just stand in the shadows and eavesdrop on the conversation, especially when he could tell that his brother needed comforting, and that though the knight clearly wanted to hold him close, he couldn’t.

Because the second Criston gave in and hugged Aemond, he would not find the strength to do what he needed to do.

“Leaving would mean giving up”, he said as he looked to the knight, “There is much for you here Ser, more than many might ever know. You can not tell me that you want to leave it all behind”

“Of course I don’t want to leave”, Criston argued almost offended, “What you speak of is the only reason I’m still alive, the only reason my heart is still beating. The mere thought of leaving it behind is making me feel like I can’t breathe, and because of that I can no longer stay here, not when I know what I put Ser Laenor through. He was right when he said that at the time I could not understand the pain he felt, but after that night I do, and I can not condemn him to such a fate any longer”

“We can talk to him”, Aemond begged, “We can talk to him together, maybe he’ll listen”

“He has no reason to”, the knight sighed, “You deserve to be forgiven because your actions were not truly your own, and that is also because of me. Your mother and I are the ones who planted such hate in your heart, and that is but another reason as to why I should leave. I love you too my boy, I really do Aemond you know this, but I can’t continue to let everyone suffer just because I want to stay here”

His brother’s eyes snapped to Criston, looking betrayed as it seemed like he wanted to say something, so angry he was that Aegon thought he was about to strike the man, but in the end he just left. He followed him, not wishing for Aemond to be alone when he was in such a state, not when he knew the truth of all the boy was capable of doing to himself. But just as he exited Criston’s chambers, he saw something he never thought he’d see.

“I want to leave”, Aemond cried, “Please I want to leave”

“Calm down”, Daemon mumbled as he patted the boy’s head, “We can go to Caraxes and see Vhagar, would you like that?”

Aegon observed the scene as one would a man with three heads, staring at his brother as he clung to their uncle like his life depended on it, and what was even more strange, was that Daemon was holding him back just as hard. He wasn’t hugging Aemond truly, but he was doing something close to that.

His uncle just gave him a look, and as Aegon remained as still as he could and didn’t utter a word, incredibly shocked by whatever was happening in front of him, the man let go of Aemond and the two began walking away. Aegon remained stuck in place as he watched them go, and he was certain that his eyes would fall out of his skull if they widened just a little bit more once he saw Aemond grab onto his uncle’s hand as he continued to sob, and the man didn’t stop him.

“What the fuck was that?”, he questioned lowly to a now empty hallway, only snapping out of his confused state once he heard some uneven breaths coming from behind him.

Jacaerys had a grave look on his face, dragging his hand along the wall as he kept walking, trying to contain the pained sounds that escaped him, as he’d evidently been standing for a little too long now.

Aegon quickly approached him, placing his hand on his nephew’s hip to help him better his balance, and almost flinching when the boy moved it away.

“My Prince”, Ser Criston choked out once he saw him, rubbing a hand over his face to wipe away the grief stricken look he’d been wearing sine Aemond had run away from him.

Since Laenor had reminded him of who he had been for so long.

“Where are you going?”, Jace questioned calmly, still standing though it was obvious that he wanted nothing more than to just sit down for a second, “I don’t remember my grandsire giving you leave”

“I think it’s time I go”, the man answered, “I will speak to our King now my Prince, and hopefully he will understand that I just want t-”

“To abandon your own blood”, Jacaerys mused, and everything stopped.

For but a moment Aegon thought that his ears had failed him, or that perhaps he’d caught whatever ailment his mother had and that he was now starting to hear things as well, but once he saw the horrified look on Criston’s face, he knew that his nephew really had just said those words.

“I know who I am Ser”, the boy continued, “I’ve known for my whole life that I’m not who I try to claim, but I must admit that it took me some time to realise how deep your betrayal truly ran”

“My Pri-”, Criston mumbled.

“For many years I thought you were just mean”, Jace interrupted him, “I knew very little of your past and of all you’d done to my parents, apart from the fact that you were once my muña’s shield until you left her for the Queen before I was born, or I suppose because I was born”

Aegon was fairly certain that if it weren’t for the fact that the knight had placed his hand on his table, he would’ve fallen to the floor, either to beg for the boy’s forgiveness, or because of the shock. Criston stood there, mouth agape and eyes wide, just staring at his son as he spoke of something that until but a few moons back had been his greatest secret, his greatest shame.

“Once I knew who you were I realised that you were not mean”, the boy mused, “You were cruel”

“Jace”, Aegon tried to intervene.

“I heard you many times Ser, calling me a bastard”, his nephew ignored him, “A lowly bastard, if memory serves me right. I remember each time you said those two little words, each time you commented on how terribly strong I looked for a boy who couldn’t even lift a steel sword, each time you called my muña a whore”

“My Prince please sit down”, Criston finally spoke, noticing how the boy’s legs were beginning to shake underneath him, and looking pained by the sight.

“For all those years you knew”, Jace continued, “You knew that I wasn’t just any lowly bastard, but your bastard. And my muña wasn’t just any whore, but the woman you’d placed said bastard in. Once I knew that as well, I realised how truly cruel you were”

Criston looked but a second away from throwing himself on his own sword, the hand that was clinging to the table now doing it so hard that Aegon thought the wood might just break. The knight wanted to speak, even just to get the boy to stop talking, but what could he say?

Jacaerys was right.

“I heard you”, he revealed, “On the very first day you all came to Driftmark after I woke up, I heard you. You were speaking to my muña when you both thought I was asleep, you were there too uncle”

Aegon stood there with his eyes wide open, staring at his nephew and feeling most unsettled by how terribly calm the boy was, an almost peaceful smile on his face as he spoke such things.

“You said that I was a part of your soul”, Jace mused, “You said that there never had been anyone but me for you, and you begged her to let you stay. You sat there and caressed my face, begged a woman you had humiliated for years on end for the bastard you'd placed inside her, and begged her to let you stay with me. I heard your pain that night, and I knew that your words rang true, ‘tis the only reason I gave you a second chance. The only reason I’ve worked to forgive you. I never said anything because I didn’t want you to believe that me knowing changes what I think of you, because it doesn’t”

At that point Jacaerys finally moved, and Criston almost ran towards him to help him walk to the bed, holding him as one would the rarest and most fragile of jewels as he guided the boy to sit. And the second Jace’s hand grabbed onto his own, a single tear made its way down the knight’s cheek.

“You are not my father”, the boy stated firmly, “Your blood running through my veins means very little to me, if anything, and you are not my father. I had two great men by my side for my whole life, who showed me what being a father truly means, and you are neither of those men and you never will be. I forgive you because I want to see the good in you, and because I hope that I wasn’t wrong when I thought you might actually care for m-”

“I love you”, Criston said quickly, “I might not be your father, and though it is a greater pain than any I’ve ever known I accept that, but you are my son. You are the very air that I breathe, and I don’t even know how to put into words how much you mean to me, or how much I truly do love you”

“Then stay”, Jacaerys told him, “You declare your love for me Ser, so listen to me and stay here. I’ve come to care for you since you’ve been by my side, since you almost got yourself killed to save my muña. You hated her for so long, and yet you placed yourself between her and certain death, why?”

“Because of you”, the knight answered, “The Princess is the reason why I know a love I never thought possible, the reason you are here my Prince. She granted me the most precious gift, and though I can never repay her, or take back all I’ve said and done, I can die for her. As I told her once, she gave me life, not because of the white cloak she placed on my shoulders, but because of the love she placed in my heart a she brought you into this world. She gave me everything, so ‘tis only fair that I give it all back one way or another”

“So stay”, his nephew insisted, giving the knight a gentle smile as Aegon truly did think that Criston would faint at that point.

None moved for some time, none spoke and one barely breathed as he stared at the boy who sat next to him, who in turn continued to smile. Aegon did not know how Jacaerys had found it in his heart to forgive Criston when all along he’d known the truth of how truly cruel the man had been, but alas his nephew’s heart was good, even for those who did not deserve it.

“My kepa hates you”, Jace stated plainly, “You took away the man he loved, made life more difficult than it should have been for someone who was already struggling to live in a world that was not built with people like him in mind. You were cruel, but I know that you’re not like that anymore”

“I’m not”, Criston promised, “You are most kind my Prince, and though I do not deserve any of it, I am most thankful. I do not know how such good came from someone like me, but I tha-”

“I am nothing of you”, his nephew mused, “You have nothing to do with who I am, but you have much to do with who I am not. You are not a bad person Ser, I believe that to be true, but you must understand that my kepa may never forgive you, and that he does not need to”

“I understand”, the knight said as his eyes fell to the ground, evidently hurt by Jacaerys declaring that he’d only ever seen him as an example of what not to become, “Your father is a good man, and a kind one as I do not know if I could’ve simply stood there while someone who’d done what I did still lived. I owe him much, not only because he didn’t kill me before I found you, but because he is to you all I should have been. He welcomed you in his heart with an ease I once envied but now understand, and as I know that apart from the Princess he is the one who cared for you most alongside Ser Harwin, I will forever be thankful to them all”

Jacaerys’ body froze for a moment when Criston mentioned the late Heir to Harrenhal, as memories of their last day together were probably flooding his mind, and he did not care to think about how the man who now sat next to him, was in some way to blame for the man he’d so loved leaving his side and then losing his life.

It seemed that just like Rhaenrya and Aegon, his nephew understood that if he wanted things to work for his family, he needed to make peace with the fact that sometimes, it is those closest to you who hurt you most. He’d learned it with his uncle after the boy had almost killed him, and he’d then had to learn it with he who was his father by blood. Jacaerys knew that for things to work, sometimes one had to put his own grievences aside for the better good.

Aegon could see why he’ll be known as the Just.

Chapter Text

“I loved it”, Alicent exclaimed with a bright smile, “Our first girls’ day, we must do it again soon. We had such fun my love, you could’ve been there but you’re not a girl”

“No I’m not”, Aegon conceeded, “Did you have fun as well?”

The girl next to him did not respond, just giving him a look that told him all he needed to know. Marla must’ve been wearing tens if not hundreds of pins in her hair, as apparently his mother had tried to put her in the same hairstyle his sister had worn on the day of her wedding, and needless to say she was not too happy about it.

“I think you look beautiful”, he teased, quickly regretting it as she pinched his leg.

“So so beautiful”, his mother agreed, and much to his amusement Marla gave her the fakest smile he’d ever seen, though Alicent didn’t seem to catch it, “Helaena is prettiest as well”

“Thank you mother”, Helaena mumbled as she sat next to them all, toying with the sleeves of Marla’s dress as she seemed to want to tell the other girl something, but alas she remained silent.

Lucerys and Daeron soon joined them, with Aemond and Jacaerys quickly following behind, though Aegon saw how his brother immediately hid from their mother the second their eyes met, as the big smile on her face told all that she was not done playing with people’s hair today.

“Too short”, she huffed when she looked at Jace, “Why so short?”

Alicent brought a hand to his nephew’s head, and Aegon watched as her face suddenly scrunched up once her fingers gently ran over the back of Jace’s skull, and she froze. She just stood there for some time, her and Jacaerys both staring at one another, and though her eyes held something akin to fear and shame, his own revealed nothing.

“I think it looks nice”, Baela chimed in, “You will look very handsome once it all grows back, but you look handsome now as well”

“Very handsome”, Alicent said as she nodded, a small smile back on her face though Aegon could still see some fear in her eyes, but more than anything she just seemed frustrated.

As Jacaerys moved to sit next to Baela once she patted the chair by her side, and the boy looked like he was about to feel ill as her hand took hold of his, Aegon moved to his sister.

“I didn’t remember it looking so tall”, Rhaenyra pondered as she looked at Marla’s hair, “The Gods know it took hours for those poor maids to put it together, only for it to be utterly ruined by the end of that cursed night, though for all the wrong reasons sadly”

“How’s Laenor?”, he questioned.

He hadn’t seen his goodbrother in some time, but his nephews had told him that Laenor now spent most of his days amongst the clouds with Seasmoke, and that their mother had ordered that no maid should provide her husband with wine. Aegon vaguely remembered his sister revealing that Laenor had taken to drinking to cope with his grief after Ser Joffrey’s death, and perhaps having already seen him in such a state before, she didn’t care for that to happen again.

“He’s angry”, his sister conceeded, “In truth I don’t really know what he wants. I suggested that we could go to Diftmark for some time, so he could be with his parents and I’d just travel here to attend to my duties, but he rejected me. I proposed that mayhap it would do him well to sail away for a while, as I know that both he and Qarl miss the sea, but he rejected that as well. I even said that I’d ban Criston from coming anywhere near the royal apartments or the Keep in general, but nothing”

“He’s grieving once again”, Aegon pondered.

“He never stopped”, Rhaenyra sighed as the two walked outside his mother’s chambers, “That night was one of the worst nights of my entire life, with Alicent showing up in that green dress and Criston murdering poor Joffrey, and then Laenor and I retired to our rooms”

His sister let out a deep breath as she let her body fall back against a wall, playing with her rings as a sad smile showed up on her face.

“I held him for the whole night”, she mumbled, “I didn’t know what to do, because I knew that I could do nothing. Laenor and I had not seen each other in some time, but we were really close as children, and even before we married I knew of his preferences. I never cared as I knew it was not something he could control, so even if I had cared it wouldn’t have changed anything”

“That’s good”, he muttered, happy to know that his goodbrother had found someone who would stand by him in that way, as he knew that many in the Realm would not have taken kindly to his nature.

“He just wouldn’t stop crying”, Rhaenyra revealed as she looked to the sky, “I never knew Ser Joffrey, and yet from how Laenor mourned him I knew that their love must’ve been a great one, and that the Laenor I once knew would never come back to me. Grief changes a person, as I know it changed me after my mother died. A part of you is stripped away and nothing will ever replace it or make you whole again. I found out I was with child but a moon after that night, and though Laenor and I had made an arrangement when we were first betrothed, I think you can imagine how he reacted after I revealed to him who Jace’s father was”

Aegon could not even think of how Ser Laenor must’ve felt, still mourning such a loss whilst stuck in the same place as he who’d killed his beloved and she who had ensured that the murder would go unpunished, only to then find out that his wife was carrying the murderer’s child.

“We spoke a lot before we came back here”, she continued, “Even more after we returned to the Keep, and though I know that Laenor understands that Criston is trying to do better and that he truly does love Jace, I don’t think he’ll ever find it in his heart to forgive him”

“He doesn’t have to”, Aegon argued, “I’d never forgive someone if they killed Marla, and I’m certain that you would never forgive someone if they murdered the man you lov-”

He didn’t know at which word he should’ve stopped, or if he should’ve just kept his mouth shut, but either way, he certainly shouldn’t have brought up what he had, especially not when his mother chose that very moment to come looking for his sister.

Aegon and Rhaenyra had spoken of this, and after his sister had had a conversation with his mother in which she’d apparently revealed certain things about her relationship to Larys, ones Rhaenyra had refused to speak of even as Aegon questioned her about it, he knew that she understood that Alicent was not to blame for Harwin’s death.

But that didn’t mean that Rhaenyra couldn’t be upset about her covering it all up.

“I don’t understand”, Alicent muttered angrily, “Sister I can’t understand”

“What’s wrong mother?”, he questioned as he walked to her, but she stepped away from him.

“I see but I don’t understand”, she insisted as she looked to Rhaenyra, “It was dark and they told me my Aegon was hurt, but he’s not hurt, he’s right here. You were sad and my father was angry, I think I was angry too, or sad too, I don’t know. Why can’t I understand?”

Rhaenyra and Aegon both sighed as Alicent worked herself into a meltdown, slowly closing the doors of her chambers so the children might be spared the sight as she sat on the floor and cried, eyes wide and empty as she still looked so very confused.

“It was a long time ago mother”, he said lowly, “Everyone is alright now, I’m not hurt and neither is anyone else. It’s al-”

“My Aemond killed someone”, she blurted out suddenly, “My little babe killed someone sister”

Aegon saw how Rhaenyra’s gaze hardened for a moment, jaw clenched and lips tightly pressed together as she took a deep breath, as his mother continued to recall vague and scattered pieces of that cursed night.

“You can’t kill him”, she almost screamed as she grabbed onto Rhaenyra, “Sister please, your boy’s hurt but he’s my bab-”

“Shush”, his sister cooed, though it sounded more like an order, as she just grasped onto his mother and held her tight against her chest, muffling her fearful cries against her dress as she stared at nothing.

Once his sister nodded to him Aegon entered his mother’s chambers, not wishing for any of the kids to come out looking for either of them and stumbling upon Alicent in such a condition. Most of them had seen her like that already, but that didn’t mean that they had to suffer it again.

“Is everything alright?”, Marla questioned, “Is your mother well? I heard a noise”

“She’s fine”, he answered, but from the sad smile Marla gave him as she placed a gentle kiss on his temple, he knew that he must’ve looked too pained for his words to ring true.

Daeron and Lucerys were far too busy trying to convince Aemond to let them braid his hair to pay anyone any mind, so they didn’t notice the twins placing various hairpins in their hair until Luke’s head looked like a starry night with all the pearls that were scattered amongst his dark curls.

“I braided his hair once”, Rhaena boasted.

“You promised you wouldn’t tell anyone”, Aemond whined with a betrayed look on his face, “I only let you because you annoyed me into doing i-”

“You had fun”, the girl argued, “And I thought you looked quite pretty Aemond”

“Thank you Rhaena”, his brother muttered through gritted teeth, continuing to glare at the girl as she’d just handed the two boys who sat before him more reasons than ever to make fun of him.

Aegon kept his yes locked on Aemond, waiting for any signal that his brother might be uncomfortable, or that Luke and Daeron’s jokes were getting to him, but though his brother was trying to hold them in, a couple chuckles did escape him.

And to be fair, the little comments the boys were making weren’t actually insults, so much as poorly worded compliments, as Aegon could tell that Daeron was being most sincere whe he said that Aemond had probably looked like a pretty Princess with his hair braided.

“By the Gods there’s so many of them”, Marla sighed as she came to stand next to him, and just observed the seven children who sat before them.

Helaena was speaking to one of the bugs they’d gifted her for her nameday, a little spider that was missing a few legs, one she’d named Maelor, though she refused to tell anyone why.

Aemond and Lucerys had been taken hostage by the twins, who had challenged one another to see who could braid the fastest, as Jacaerys acted as the judge and Daeron held onto Luke’s hand, as his nephew seemed to be under the impression that getting one’s hair braided hurt.

Though as he looked at Marla’s scrunched up face, he thought that perhaps it might.

“May I?”, he questioned with a small smile as he reached for her hair, and without saying a word she just sat back down and turned her back to him, so he took that as a yes.

“Do you want children?”, he asked after some time, realising that since Helaena had always spoken of their girl, he’d just assumed that she would join them one day, but he didn’t actually know if Marla wanted her to.

“I think so”, she answered, “I didn’t when I was younger, as I actually swore that I would never have a child of my own some sennights after my mother died, and I learned how much of everything they actually need as Jasper would barely let me breathe without screaming for something”

Not wanting to interrupt her or stop to the work he was doing to remove the hairpins from her hair, Aegon pressed a gentle kiss on her shoulder, wishing to comfort her a little as he knew how difficult it was for her to speak on that time of her life, when at barely eleven namedays old she’d been made to care for a small child all on her own.

“Thinking back on it he wasn’t actually that bad”, she pondered, “I was just too young to care for him properly, and that’s probably the reason why it all seemed so difficult. It wasn’t his fault that I couldn’t handle it, so I can’t blame him for just reacting”

“You did your best”, he said surely, “You were still barely a girl yourself, and you were mourning your mother and also having to worry about keeping you both alive. You did a wonderful job my love, I’m sure your mother would be most proud”

“Thank you”, she mumbled, “She probably wouldn’t be too proud of how her son already curses like a sailor at the ripe age of eight, but I suppose apart form that I did a pretty good job”

Suddenly, as Aegon was still too focused on trying to remove all those pins from Marla’s hair as carefully as he could, and profusely apologising anytime she made a pained sound, Helaena approached them. She didn’t say anything for a while, just staring at them both as Aegon saw Marla giving her a small smile, inviting her to sit next to them and continuing to smile as she waited for the girl to speak.

“Falcons”, his sister whispered as if revealing a secret, “Either falcons or wolves, but I like falcons”

“I like wolves”, he chimed in, quickly shutting his mouth as Marla elbowed him in the stomach.

“Falcons are very beautiful”, she said reassuringly, “Wolves are good as well, but there’s nothing wrong with falcons”

“It was dragons once”, Helaena muttered as her gaze fell on him, who in turn caught onto what she was saying and frowned, “I like falcons better. The dragons were too green to fly, but falcons are blue like the sky. You have her and I have him, the only girl will bear the only boy, and they won’t be one again but they can still be together”

Aegon’s heart broke at his sister’s words, as he saw that haunted look in her eyes, the one she always had when she spoke of their boys. She seemed to like speaking of their girl, as she knew that she would join them and her dreams had told her that she would be happy, but she didn’t seem so certain that the same would be true for the boy she spoke of now.

“Of course they will”, he said, “They will be together sister, and they will live”

Marla let out a shaky breath at that, grasping onto his hand as it laid on her shoulder as she observed the girl who sat before her, who continued to stare at nothing as little Maelor walked on her hand, stumbling at times due to his missing limbs, but walking nontheless.

“They will never be one again”, she muttered mindlessly, “They were meant to be then, but the rats came and all was lost. None of our own will have fire to protect themselves if the rats come, but they don’t have to”

“They won’t”, Aegon stated surely, “The rats will never come for him again sister, I promise”

Helaena stared at him for a moment, a look of sorrow in her eyes as they bore into his, as he once again saw the image of a dead little babe being dragged around King’s Landing, one he’d seen before and had tried to forget, but that was now back and occupied his thoughts.

“You loved him”, Helaena said as if to reassure him, “You loved them all”

“We will see them again”, he insisted, “We will see them and they will be well sister, they will live and they will thrive. If they’re meant to be one then they shall be, but even if they’re not, we will all be fine and they will all know such love”

“Not him”, she whispered as she stared at her spider, “I shall only see him in my dreams, my littlest, the one I chose. I didn’t want to, but the rats said I had to choose. I didn’t want to brother”

“I know”, he sighed, “I know Hel and I’m sorry”

In truth he wasn’t certain of what exactly she was speaking of, and yet in his heart he thought he knew. He didn’t have her gift, though in moments like these it truly was so very difficult to think of it as one, but he’d learned to understand her. She’d told him of the rats before, and of how they’d taken their boy, and as she said that they’d made her choose between their sons he could almost see it.

His little sister, barely a girl and not yet a woman, all alone in a dark room as monsters came for their children, forcing the most innocent of souls to make a decision no mother should make.

“We will have one”, she said surely, “But the Just shall have eight”

“Gods”, Marla muttered, “That’s great”

The shaky smile on her face made him burst out laughing, which caught the attention of the other children, especially one of the twins, who due to this one moment of distraction lost the competition against her sister, and the Seven Hells broke loose.

“You cheated”, Baela thundered as she pointed an accusatory finger to her twin, “Jace saw it”

“Oh Gods please no”, his nephew mumbled, and just like that he now had two girls demanding for him to tell each of them that they were right, “Please I can’t do this”

“What’s going on?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she walked back in the chambers, seemingly regretting her decision as soon as two little girls ran towards her and started screaming over each other.

“Babes”, his mother cooed as she sat next to him, “Little babes make a lot of noise”

Aegon took a single look at his mother, and from how terribly red her eyes looked and the blood on her fingers, he knew something had happened outside these rooms, but before he could even ask her about it, he also noticed that her absent smile was back.

Rhaenyra just shook her head, and Aegon knew that the one moment of clarity his mother had had was now gone, and that there was no point in speaking with her now.

His mother seemed to be constantly stuck in a state of confusion, teethering between reality and her own mind, and yet for reasons Aegon could understand quite well, she always seemed to retrieve to the latter quite quickly. He didn’t know if living in such a state could allow one to truly know peace, but as he watched her fawn over the boys’ hair and praise the girls for their work, which got them to stop fighting, he thought that perhaps this was as close to peace as his mother was ever going to feel.

He didn’t know if it was cruel of him to say it, but at times he’d prayed for the Gods to just let her go, to let her mind fully break so he might never again have to see her suffer as she did when reality came knocking on her door.

As far as he was concerned, They’d already taken everything from her, and perhaps taking away that last bit of sanity she had left would be but a kindness on Their part, one he believed she deserved.

“We can look at the flowers”, Helaena proposed as she spoke to them all, “I will see the moon from my home, but ours does have such pretty flowers”

“Sure”, Aegon quickly agreed, still a little confused by all his sister was saying, but deciding that since she seemed to be happy about her falcons and moons, then it was alright.

He didn’t care about anything but for his family to be happy, and so long as they were all together, everything would be alright.

Chapter Text

“I need to change before we see everyone”, Marla muttered as Aegon helped her to get down from Sunfyre, “If your mother sees me like this her heart might just fail her”

“You look so beautiful”, Aegon cooed as he placed her hands on her hips, “My mother will agree my love, she’s not blind after all, she will see how gorgeo-”

“She will see a little too much of me for her taste”, she giggled as she pointed to her dress, which did indeed reveal perhaps a bit more than what Aegon’s mother would’ve appreciated.

But in truth it was not Marla’s fault that the dornish weather did not allow for one to wear much clothing unless they wanted to feel faint due to the heat. Aegon won’t lie, it had taken some time for him to become used to how very different customs were when one left King’s Landing, and yet he wouldn’t say he minded seeing Marla as she was now.

The dress she was not that revealing, but when compared to the modest gowns he’d seen growing up, she almost appeared naked. She had not seemed uncomfortable when others were wearing the same style of dress, and whilst Aegon had not appreciated how much other people could see of the woman he loved, he certainly didn’t mind seeing it himself.

“My eyes are here my love”, she teased him as she grasped onto his chin.

“The most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen”, he mumbled before closing the gap between them, savouring the kiss as he knew they would not be able to freely share such acts of affection once they entered the Keep.

It had been some time since they’d left, as they’d both decided that once Marla turned sixteen namedays old, they would start travelling as they’d so dreamed of for moons on end. His mother had seemed distraught at the prospect of them leaving, and that had almost been enough for Aegon to give it all up and stay behind just to be with her, until she’d snuck into his rooms one night.

“I never knew freedom”, she’d told him, “I dreamed of it for many years, in the dark of night as I remained trapped in the King’s rooms, I dreamed. But you don’t have to dream my love, you can go. My heart will be with you, and I know you’ll come back”

And alas they had, after almost one whole year of travelling all around Westeros, visiting each place that came to mind, including Dorne. Prince Qoren had been alerted of their intentions to travel to his home, and though at first he hadn’t seemed too keen on granting them hospitality, he’d relented after receiving a letter from his sister.

The Prince had made it most clear that that meant nothing, as his people would not bend the knee, reminding Aegon to tell the Lady Hand as much once the two saw each other, but he hand’t seemed too aggravated by their presence and had let them stay there for a couple moons.

“Jasper will be happy to see you”, Aegon mused as he placed a kiss on her neck, “He won’t love seeing me, but perhaps our last meeting has finally allowed for him to warm up to me”

“I just hope his hair is back to normal”, Marla chuckled, “I personally quite liked the Tyroshi style, but I’m sorry to say that blue hair did not suit my brother as much as he thought”

Though they had not gone back to the Keep in some time, Aegon had decided to make a surprise visit to Driftmark some moons back, wishing for Marla and Jasper to spend the boy’s nameday together, and seeing the two reunite after so long still was one of the memories he cherished most.

The one of Jasper throwing up the second Sunfyre started flying was not, but Aegon still thought that he’d done a nice thing by bringing the boy with them for a short time, before then placing him on a boat to King’s Landing, so he might be there once they came back.

“Nephew”, a voice appeared suddenly, as Aegon quickly stopped kissing Marla’s neck and turned around to face his uncle, “My, you really don’t know how to keep your hands to yourself, do you?”

“Good morrow Prince Daemon”, Marla said, “I didn’t know you cared about such things”

“I don’t”, Daemon mused, a small glint in his eyes as the the girl stood up to him, “But I will caution you, now that you’re back you should probably be a little more careful when you wish to be together. If you want to have the freedom to lay with one another as you please, I can show you a couple secret rooms I know of”

“No thank you”, Aegon muttered, grabbing onto Marla’s hand as he dragged her away.

In truth they had never gone that far, as Aegon did not care for anyone to be able to say anything about them marrying one day. Marla was not of noble birth, so he nobody would bat an eye if they consummated their union before they were wed, but he wanted that moment to be special.

One day, as they found themselves in an empty hallway of a Pentoshi castle, they’d been so taken with one another that they had almost let it happen, but then they’d talked about it. When they'd first asked his sister for permission to travel around for some time, she'd seemed most elated by the prospect, until she'd thought about it a bit more, and had reminded Aegon that people might talk if the two were seen flying around without a chaperon. But in truth, even though he hated that people still thought this way, the fact that to most Marla still remained naught but a serving girl, had actually made it easier for them to be allowed to travel around, as not many really cared about what their Prince did with her.

However, Aegon had ensured that all knew that they always slept in separate chambers and had guards as chaperons to testify that they remained apart, no matter where they were, and had always made it abundantly clear to whomever had dared even just joke about it, that he would never disrespect her so by taking her before they truly were one. He knew that he would not be the first man to plant a bastard on a serving girl, but he would never let that happen.

He would ask Marla to marry him, and if she agreed, then he’d ensure that their wedding day would be as special as it could be, and hopefully the night would be great for her as well. He didn’t really know how he was bound to perform as he didn’t really know much about it all apart from the talks he’d heard from drunken knights and his uncle, but nontheless he hoped things would go well.

“Sister”, someone called for them as they entered the Keep, “Hello sister”

“I’m here too”, Aegon whined as he looked at Helaena, who in turn continued to stare at Marla, gently caressing the fabric of her dress as she marvelled at it.

“Silk”, she muttered, “I don’t have silk”

“Yes you do”, Marla said with a bright smile, “We have presents for you all Princess, so yes, you do have some silk as well”

Quickly enough Marla placed one last kiss on his lips, before bidding them both goodbye and telling him once again that she had to change unless she wanted to cause a scandal with her dress. As he looked at her walking away, he mourned all he knew he would not see again for some time.

“Aegon”, Helaena chided him, evidently noticing that he seemed unable to move his gaze from what he could see of Marla’s legs.

As soon as they found their way to the rest of their family, Aegon was tackled to the ground, hounded by his nephew and his brother as they welcomed him back quite aggressively. Luke and Daeron seemed most keen on screaming in his face, demanding to know where their presents were, as he’d spoken of them in the missives he’d sent whilst on his travels.

“Hello brother”, Aemond said as he helped him stand up, “I missed you”

“I missed you too”, Aegon mumbled as he threw himself in his brother’s arms, clinging to him as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, once again silently thanking his uncle for ensuring that this moment might happen.

Daemon Targaryen was an absolute brute, and he certainly should learn how to mind his words when around Marla, but Aegon would never be able to thank him enough for all he’d done for Aemond.

“How are you?”, he questioned as he placed a small kiss on his brother’s temple, a huge smile appearing on his own face as he heard the boy chuckle.

“I’m well”, Aemond answered, “I’ve been training and reading, so not much has changed. Uncle Daemon has finally agreed to let me fly Vhagar one of these days, so perhaps we coul-”

“My heart”, a voice bellowed as Aegon found himself caged in his mother’s arms, “Oh my little babe, I missed you so much my love, so so very much”

“I missed you too mother”, he choked out as her grasp around his neck only tightened, until she let go just enough to look at him quickly beginning to press little kisses all over his face.

“So gorgeous”, she marvelled, “My first babe, my little boy. I always wanted a babe, and then you came and I wasn’t there, but I am now Aegon. Mother’s here my love”

He closed his eyes at her words, cursing his grandsire for all he’d done, and holding in a chuckle once he remembered what had happened to the man. Aegon did not think he’d ever seen someone smile as brightly as Daemon had as he fed Otto’s body to Caraxes, laughing like a mad man as he recounted one too many details about certain parts of his grandsire that Aegon would rather not have known anything about.

“You were greatly missed valonqar”, Rhaenyra said, “Did you have fun?”

“Yes we did”, he nodded, “Prince Qoren was most kind sister, and though I don’t know what you told him so he might agree to let us stay with him, I am most thankful. Sunspear truly is beautiful mandia, and though the Prince was very welcoming, I do believe that the tour he gave us of all the buildings that remain burned was his way of telling me that he still doesn’t care for our house very much”

“Our ancestors really did a number on that place”, his sister muttered with an embarassed chuckle, “I understand that Dorne may never join us in truth, but I am happy to hear that you had a nice time. Did you end up doing what we spoke of before you left?”

“No”, Aegon answered quickly, “I wanted to but my nerves got the best of me”

“There will be another opportunity my Prince”, Ser Criston chimed in.

Aegon turned around to face the knight, a bright smile on his face as he finally saw the one he’d been looking for this whole time, standing next to a man who looked at the boy like he was the only person in the room. Ser Laenor was there as well, with Joffrey in his arms, and though there was some distance between the two men, Aegon could tell that the conversation they’d had before he left, and ones he was certain had followed, had helped the relationship between them.

Jacaerys had actually been the one to almost lock his father and Ser Criston in his own chambers, demanding that the two speak to one another and refusing to let them out until they did. Aegon had not thought it the greatest idea, to force two to open up to one another if they didn’t want to, but it seemed that once Laenor was done screaming in the knight’s face once more, they’d actually talked.

He hadn’t been there to witness the conversation, thankfully, but from what Jacaerys had told him, it had not gone too poorly. Laenor had made sure to tell Criston that he would never forgive him for all he’d done, and that most importantly he would never forget who the knight once was, but after giving the other man an opportunity to speak, it seemed that they’d reached an understanding.

“You look so tall”, is all Aegon could say as he looked to his nephew, as even though it had now been some time since the boy had started walking again, he would never forget how long it took for him to get there, and would never stop feeling proud of his nephew for the strength he’d shown as he did something that many had thought impossible.

“You look happy”, Jace said, and after that the two hugged, with Aegon clinging to him a little tighter as he ran his hand on the boy’d head and felt his scar.

Gerardys had explained to them all that due to how deep the wound had been, no hair would ever grow from that spot again as it had sustained too much damage, but Jacaerys hadn’t seemed too bothered by it, joking that considering how he’d almost lost his life due to that injury, losing some hair was not that bad.

The joke had fallen flat, as the boy was the only one seemingly able to find some humor in all he’d suffered, but if anyone had a right to do that, that was Jacaerys.

“I did it”, Alicent cooed as she patted his braided hair, “It was too short then, but it’s good now”

“I think it looks very good”, Baela teased as she approached her cousin, and Aegon was glad to see that Jacaerys’ shyness had not gone anywhere as his cheeks reddened the second Baela’s hand touched his hair, before her fingers gently caressed his face.

“That’s enough”, Daemon thundered as he walked in the room, “Step away boy”

And Jace did just that, almost stumbling back and falling to the floor, only avoiding that as Ser Criston grabbed onto him. Aegon observed the two for a moment, looking at the small smile they shared and finally feeling at peace. He’d been shocked by Jacaerys’ revelation for a long time, by him stating that for moons he’d known the truth of who Criston was to him, and had remained silent.

His nephew had explained to him that he’d done so as he wished for the knight to prove himself truly, without thinking that just because Jace knew that he was his father by blood, that he might favor him in any way. He’d also told him that his mother was none the wiser of him knowing her secret, but as he watched the three now, Aegon believed that another conversation might have taken place while he was away.

“Thank you my Prince”, Criston cooed as he grabbed onto the small toy Joffrey gave him, before quickly handing it back to the boy as he started reaching for it once more.

“That’s not how things work Joff”, Laenor mused as he kissed his son’s head, “You don’t just give things to people only to then demand them ba-”

Though it was clear that things were still a little uncomfortable between his goodbrother and the knight, and that the latter knew that he needed to tread carefully around the other man, not even he was able to contain a chuckle as Joffrey smacked his tiny little hand over his father’s mouth.

“Where is father?”, Aegon questioned as he realised that someone was missing.

“Viserys is abed”, Alicent answered with a pout on her face, “Great pain found him last night, it made me really sad. He wanted to be here to greet you, but the pain was too much. He really missed you my heart, and Marl-”

Suddenly his mother stopped talking, grabbing onto his arm with a panicked look in her eyes as she turned around, assessing the room and walking to Daemon who was still standing in front of the door, just staring at him as the man smirked, before stomping her foot on the ground and huffing.

“Marla”, she demanded, “Where is Marla? Young love is a precious thing, you can not lose her”

“He did not Your Grace”, Marla reassured her as she walked to them, “He would have to work hard to get rid of me”

Aegon watched as his mother almost ran to his girl, running her hands over her hair and arms as she mumbled things about how much she’d missed her, and how pretty Marla still looked. He just observed the scene with a serene smile on his face, one that was quickly wiped away as someone not so accidentally stepped on his foot.

“You’re back”, Jasper said, clearly unimpressed.

“I missed you too Jasper”, he sighed, “Glad to see that your hair is back as it once was”

“My blue hair was gorgeous”, the boy grunted, “You’re just too daft to understand true beauty”

“I understand it just fine”, he marvelled as he looked at Marla, earning an annoyed huff from Jasper.

It seemed that even after he’d planned a surprise trip for the boy, and had payed for that random man to dye his hair his favourite color, Jasper still didn’t like him much, but as Aegon knew that he belonged to Marla, he knew that he would have the rest of his life to earn his way into the boy’s heart.

After spending some time with the rest of his family, he approached his mother and asked if she wished for them both to see his father, and she quickly agreed. She seemed greatly saddened by how much pain his father had apparently experienced the night before, and yet Aegon felt a little smile form on his face as she spoke of how she’d sat by his side and read him her book once he’d fallen asleep, to ensure that he would dream of naught but the dragons he so loved.

“Hello son”, Visersy croaked as he laid on his bed, “I’m happy to see you”

“Hello my love”, Alicent cooed as she sat by his side, gently crading his hand in her own, “Aegon’s here. He came back to us Viserys, just as I said he would. I told you, remember?”

“I do”, his father said as he gave her a small smile, “How were your travels my boy?”

“We had great fun”, Aegon answered as he too sat by the King’s side, and began to tell his parents all about the beautiful places himself and Marla had visited through the past few moons.

His mother seemed a little confused for a moment, and just as Aegon thought that she may have forgotten that he’d ever left, her eyes suddenly widened and she asked if they had gotten married.

“We are married”, she mumbled as she looked at his father, “I always wanted to be there when you got married Aegon, though not to Helaena. I never wanted you to marry Helaena, but I like Marla. You’re happy with Marla”

“Yes I am”, Aegon reassured her, “And no mother, we are not married”

“Yet”, his father teased him, “Did you ask the question son? I gave you my blessing before you left, and I know you and Rhaenyra found a ring, so did you ask?”

“No”, he sighed, “I wanted to when we were at Sunspear, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen Marla so in love with a single place. She truly looked like she belonged there, and everyone loved her so much. She was very happy, and I did think about doing it then, but I panicked”

His mother chuckled, grabbing his hand whilst the other still held her husband’s, and telling them both that Marla was good, and that she loved him. He knew this to be true, and hoped that it would stay that way forever, so he didn’t really know why he was struggling so much to ask her to marry him.

They’d spoken about it, and she hadn’t seemed opposed to the idea, and yet he feared.

“We were never together before we married”, Alicent pondered, “We talked and you were nice, but we did not love each other. I care for you very much, but I don’t love you”

“I care for you as well Alicent”, his father said, sounding pained by his mother’s words but knowing that it wasn’t her fault that she’d been forced to marry a man she didn’t love.

And even then, he couldn’t fault her for not loving him, not when she’d cared for him far more than many others would have in her place, and definitely far more than he deserved.

“But you love each other”, she said as she turned to him, “Love is a precious thing my heart, you should let it bloom”

Aegon knew that his mother spoke true, and yet as he looked at her now and saw how very young she still was, he realised that by the time she was his and Marla’s age, she’d already been married for two years. He’d already been born by the time his mother was seventeen namedays old, and though he knew that thankfully the circumstances were very different, he realised that perhaps himself and Marla were still a little young to get married.

He knew that their love was true, and that nobody would come between them, so they had time. For so long he’d feared not having the time to do anything, or never being given the opportunity to love anyone, but things were different.

Marla loved him as he loved her, his family was finally at peace as was the Realm, and Aegon trusted that things would work out for them all.

None of them would ever know pain ever again, and they had time.

Chapter Text

“I didn’t know you had that in you brother”, Aemond teased as he stopped running.

“I don’t”, Aegon huffed once his knees hit the ground, “I don’t have it at all, and I don’t know how you do. Why do you do this to yourself? What kind of mad man just runs for fun?”

“It’s not fun, it’s training”, his brother corrected him, “If I want to become a knight one day, then I must treat my body well, and hopefully avoid ending up like you. Are you alright?”

Aegon just waved his hands around, letting his body fall to the floor as he silently cursed Marla for making him think that this was a good idea. Aemond had spoken to him of how he ran in the early hours of the morn, and Marla had told him that perhaps it would be nice for the two of them to do something together, and Aegon did not know if he’d ever disagreed with her more.

“I think my heart is failing me”, he whined as he tried and failed to sit up, “How am I so weak? I’m barely twenty namedays old, why can’t I do this? I used to train once, was that all for nothing?”

“You never did train much my Prince”, Criston mused as he helped him to his feet, “You never were my greatest student, but I know you tried your best”

“Did he?”, Daemon questioned as he looked at him, such judgement in his eyes that it should’ve perhaps stung, but Aegon was far too concerned with trying to breathe to care about his uncle.

“Not really”, the knight answered as he patted Aegon’s back.

He stayed with them for some time, not only because he wasn’t certain that his legs would hold him up if he did try to leave, but also to admire his brother as he trained. Aemond had always been a great fighter, as it seemed that he had somehow been born to wield a sword despite his gentle nature, and as the years had gone by he’d just gotten better and better.

Aegon knew that Aemond dreamed of becoming a member of the Kingsguard, and as he watched him almost beat Ser Criston, he knew that his time might come soon enough. His brother was still sixteen namedays old, so he was much too young for that, but Aegon knew that there was something else his brother yearned for, a title that might be bestowed upon him by one of the two men he was currently fighting if things went well.

He’d heard Criston and Daemon speak of it on more than one occasion, of who between them deserved it the most, and since Aegon knew that in many ways both had made Aemond into the man he was becoming, he also knew that his brother could never choose between them.

“Put those down”, Jacaerys screamed, “You two should not be allowed here together”

“Calm down Jace”, Luke huffed, “We’re just playing, I’m not going to hit hi- ouch”

Aegon just let out a deep breath as he watched his brother and nephew chase each other around the training grounds after Daeron smacked his wooden sword against Lucerys’ back, as Ser Criston chided them and tried to get them to understand that this was not the place for games, but all knew that it would not stop them.

Because it never had.

“Are you alright?”, Aemond questioned as he ran to help Jace, who had fallen after his brother had accidentally pushed him back in his haste to get away from Daeron.

“I’m good”, the other sighed as he grasped onto his uncle’s hand and almost dragged him down with him as he struggled to find his balance, “I’m sorry”

“It’s fine”, his brother said immediately, “Do you want to sit down for a moment?”

Jacaerys had healed well, and had been walking without assistance for years now, and thankfully no longer felt like he was about to feel faint each time he took one step too many, but he did have his moments. It did not happen often, but there were times when his legs would buckle underneath him or when they would hurt, as his head did as well.

Gerardys had assured them all that his wound had healed, and that his body was perfectly fine. The man believed that the issues Jace sometimes struggled with were more of the mind than the body, and the more time passed, the less that night would continue to haunt him.

Aemond had started standing by Jacaerys’ side fairly soon after the two had made up all those years ago, and since then, he’d never left. At first he'd almost acted like Jace’s walking stick, his nephew’s hand always on his arm when they went anywhere, but with time they’d actually become friends.

Aegon knew that for years on end Aemond had dreamed of nothing more than to befriend his nephews, and as he saw him now, helping Jacaerys to sit down and quickly sitting by his side, as Luke then joined them to apologise to his brother for pushing him, looking to Aemond for guidance on how to word said apology, he was happy.

“The Kingmaker”, Helaena mumbled as she approached him, almost making him fall to the ground as he hadn’t even heard her walk to him, “Another one was meant to be, but this is better for us all. Where is Marla? I looked for her”

“She wasn’t feeling well”, he told her, “I think her courses came yesterday, almost hit me in the head with her shoe when I tried to invite her to join us for supper”

“She bleeds now”, she said, “Two years of pain, and then nothing until a greater one comes, but she will be oh so beautiful”

To say that he was a little shaken by his sister’s words would be an understatement, and yet he was almost relieved. The ring he’d been hiding in Rhaenyra’s rooms for years weighed heavy on him, and the more time passed, the closer he felt to finally being ready for it all.

In truth he’d been ready for years, from the very second he’d shown up to Rhaenyra’s rooms at sixteen namedays old and pleaded for her to help him find a ring, he’d been ready. He knew that many were already married and with babes by the time they were twenty, and yet he’d wanted to wait until they were both older.

He knew that nothing was expected of them, as there were more than enough heirs for his father’s line to be secure, and Aegon knew very well that the throne would never pass to him, so there was no need for him to marry and have children immediately. He’d wanted to wait because he’d wanted them both to be grown, as even though he’d been in love with Marla for over four years now, he knew that in many ways they’d both been children for most of their time together.

Aegon had seen it many times over, what marrying too young could do to a person, especially a woman, and in some way he supposed that he wanted to honour the time he had, when so many didn’t.

“Where do you think you’re going?”, Daemon questioned as he let out an exasperated sigh.

“I’m going to see Jace”, Baela answered without even looking at her father, just walking with her head held high until she reached her cousin, and making a big fuss of taking his hand in her own.

Daemon looked but a second away from throwing his sword at a certain someone, who in turn looked but a second away from being sick as he clung to Baela’s hand.

“Hi Rhaena”, Lucerys mumbled as he waved to her, “You look very pretty this morn”

“Thank you Luke”, the girl said with a big smile.

“By the Gods”, Daemon grunted, hitting Criston’s stomach with the hilt of his sword after the man chuckled at his evident frustration with his daughters growing up, and worst of all liking boys.

Jacaerys and Baela had been attached to the hip for years now, and though Aegon himself knew that he had not cared to be a husband at sixteen namedays old, he knew that Jace would beg his mother to let him marry Baela as soon as they both reached the age of maturity.

And considering the fact that Baela would be turning fourteen namedays old soon enough, there was not long left until that day, something her father seemed to know, and not like very much.

Lucerys and Rhaena were different, much more subtle when around one another, probably because of the fact that Luke was still eleven namedays old, and was just starting to care about girls, and it seemed that he’d quickly found the one. Aegon knew that his nephew intended on asking their cousin if she wanted to sit by him once his nameday came in a couple moons, and he could only pray that his uncle remembred that he couldn’t just kill all who got anywhere near his daughters.

“I got a letter from Jasper”, Daeron said as he approached them, “I think Lord Corlys has finally agreed to let him and Addam sail, truly this time. I think Alyn is going with them, and I’m not certain he’ll make it back to his mother if Jasper gets his way”

“Do you know if Marla got a missive as well?”, Aegon questioned as he stood up, knowing how very worried she always had been by the mere idea of her brother actually sailing, and wishing to be there as she found out that it would happen.

He made his way to Marla’s chambers as quickly as he could, and by the time he reached her one of her friends was there, a cup of tea in hand as the two girls just sat next to one another, with Marla looking more pained than Aegon would’ve liked.

“He’s going to be fine”, he mumbled reassuringly, “He’s been readying for this moment for years now, and you know how Lord Corlys cares for him, I’m certain that he will look after h-”

With Marla now in his arms, Aegon sat down on her bed, just sending an apologetic look to Jeyne, who in turn gave him a small smile, placing a gentle kiss to Marla’s head before leaving her rooms.

“What if he gets hurt?”, he heard her ask, “I always knew this would happen, but what if he gets hurt? You know how things can go wrong when at sea, he could get hurt on the boat and be too far from land to get help, or just get killed by Alyn because that boy now towers over him and I’m fairly certain that Jasper is more than capable of annoying him into murdering him. What if something happens?”

“It won’t”, Aegon whispered, though in truth he did not disagree with her when she said that if he kept poking at him Alyn could very well kill Jasper, as the boy had grown much in the past four years.

And was starting to look so very much like someone Aegon knew.

“I just want him to be safe”, she insisted, “He wasn’t safe for a long time, I know that. Two children living alone in Flea Bottom can never be truly safe, but I was there. On that night those men took him I was there, and even now that he’s on Driftmark, I know that we could get there quickly. But if something happens whilst he’s at sea I can’t do anything to help him”

“He won’t be alone”, he reassured her, “Lord Corlys adores him Marla, you know that. Addam will be there as well, and though I know that Jasper hasn’t done much to deserve it, I know that Alyn would help him if something did happen. A while back I heard my sister say that Ser Laenor and Ser Qarl were also thinking about going out into the sea once more, I can ask them to go with Jasper”

“Really?”, she questioned as her eyes snapped to his, “Do you think they’d go with him? I know they have much to do here, but if they already want to sail then we can ask them to go with him. I know both Ser Laenor and Ser Qarl, and I trust them to keep an eye on him. I trust Lord Corlys as well, but he is a little too old for me to believe that he’d be able to jump into the sea and rescue my brother”

“Why would he have to jump into the sea?”, he asked.

“He could jump”, Marla stated surely, “You know Jasper, he could jump off the boat just to get some attention, or win a bet, or he could just forget that they’re not on the shore and that there is no land”

Aegon knew that Marla really was worried, and that she’d meant each word she’d said, but he just could not contain the chuckles that escaped him as he thought of Jasper just jumping into the sea only to then realise that he was not on the beach. He really cared for the kid, no matter how much the latter disliked him, but the image was still quite humorous.

And Marla seemed to agree.

“I love your laugh”, he marvelled, “I love all of you”

“I love you too”, she told him, “I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain these past couple of days, I don’t mean to bother you with this stu-”

“Never”, he stated firmly, “You could never bother me. You are mine and I am yours, so all your worries are mine own as well. I want to spend the rest of my days with you Marla, and I doubt that your brother sailing away for the first time shall be the greatest challenge we will face, and I vow to be with you through them all”

As he looked at her now, eyes wide and filled with such love as she looked at him, knowing that his own reflected all the outmost adoration he felt for her, he leapt out of the bed. He heard her call for him as he ran down the hallway, and knew that this was perhaps not the greatest start to what he’d hoped would be a nice moment they could tell their girl about one day, but he knew that the time had come.

“Valonqar”, Rhaenyra said a little startled as she opened the door for him, “Is everything alright?”

“I need-”, to train, he thought as he struggled to finish the sentence for a second due to a fairly short run, “I need it”

“You do?”, his sister questioned with a big smile, knowing very well what he was talking about, as she’d been waiting for this very moment for years now.

Rhaenyra knew what love looked like, and counted herself most blessed that she’d seen it blossom between Aegon and Marla, just watching the two fall in love and build a bond she knew would last for a lifetime. As she gave him the ring the two had chosen together years before, she mindlessly toyed with her own, thinking about the man who’d given it to her.

Her Harwin had cared for Aegon very much, and she was certain that he would be most proud to see the man he’d become.

“Where is she?”, he almost screamed as he reached Marla’s rooms only to find them empty.

“She said she was going to the Godswood”, Jeyne said as she took the mugs she’d brought so she and Marla might have some tea, “I think she just needed some air”

Though he was tired of running, the Gods knew he would never do it again if he could avoid it, his heart burst with joy as he ran to the Godswood. Aegon knew that no matter where it happened, his proposal would be special, because everything between him and Marla was, and yet for it to happen in the Godswood, a place they’d come to think of as their own and the very place where they’d fallen in love, was just perfect.

He walked to her with a serene smile, no longer feeling the weight of knowing that the ring was hidden somewhere in their home, as it was now in his hand, and would hopefully be on hers soon enough. She looked up to him, and the second she gave him one of the bright smiles he’d fallen for so long ago, he dropped to one knee.

In truth he’d meant to sit by her, but after running so much one of his legs just gave out.

“I love you Marla”, he told her, “From the very first moment we met, I knew you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. You were with me when I needed you most, and have taught me a love I did not think possible. You are the kindest and most gentle person I know, the most caring and the most beautiful, the only one I could ever love. For most of my life I dreaded my future, but now I dream of it often, and that’s because I dream of you. You are the light of my life, as you have been for years now, and I would like for that to light to be there until my last day. Will you do me the honor and accept my proposal? Will you marry me my love?”

Marla’s eyes were locked on him, unmoving and wide as she just stared, with an almost scared look on her face. Aegon’s smile did not falter for a single second, kneeling before the woman he loved with a ring in his hand, and hoping that he hadn’t just scared her off.

Though he’d been thinking about this very moment for years, he hadn’t actually thought about what he was going to say. In that moment, as he’d looked in her eyes and had felt that warmth bloom in his heart, one he only felt when around her, he’d just let his thoughts out of his mouth without first thinking about it, and perhaps he’d gone a tad too f-

“Yes”, Marla muttered as she still remained stuck in place, sitting before him with something akin to fear or perhaps shock in her eyes, “Of course I’ll marry you”

She threw herself in his arms without worry, because she knew he’d be there to catch her, and he always will be.

Chapter Text

“If you’re going to be sick then tell me”, Ser Cole pleaded, “I’d like to avoid you getting it all over my armor, this thing is very difficult to clean my Prince”

“My love is not sick”, Alicent chimed in as she caressed his hair, “My babe is getting married, my little boy is getting married Criston. Such a wonderful day my love, I wish your grandmother was here”

Aegon smiled at his mother, gently caressing her hand as she spoke of how very proud the Lady Alyrie would’ve been of her grandchildren, of how happy she would’ve been to be with them all, and to see her grandson marry someone he so loved.

“I wanted her there when I got married”, she mumbled, “I wanted her, not him, but he was there. I was really scared and he was really mean, but I know she would’ve been kind. Viserys wasn’t mean, but I was scared and I wanted my mother. You’re not scared my love, right?”

“No I’m not”, he said, though in truth a part of him was.

He’d been waiting for this day for years, and he knew that it was bound to be one of the greatest of his life, possibly only challenged by the one that would find them soon enough if his sister’s words rang true. He’d never been happier, and yet he feared that something would go wrong.

And in his defense, something always did go wrong, and the last royal wedding that had taken place in the Keep would go down in history for all the wrong reasons, something he was trying to not think about right now as Criston helped him fix his doublet.

“You just breathe”, the knight counciled, “Everything is ready my Prince, all is as it should be, and all you need to do now is breathe, stand at the altar, and wait for her”

“She looks so beautiful”, his mother cooed, “So very beautiful my love, and so very happy. I wasn’t happy when I looked like her, but she is and that is good. Do you remember my wedding?”

“Yes I do Your Grace”, Criston muttered.

“Such a sad day”, she said mindlessly, “I was meant to be happiest but was just so sad, but today will be great. Will it not?”

The more his mother spoke of her wedding day, the more Aegon wanted to bring his grandsire back to life and ensure that the man was alive as Daemon cut him into pieces and fed him to Caraxes, or perhaps he could do that. The title of a kinslayer was a heavy one to bear, but Aegon would take all the curses the Gods might send his way just to avenge his mother.

There was another who was to blame for that day, and just as Aegon began to silently curse him as well, the man himself walked into his chambers.

“There you go my King”, Ser Westerling said as he guided Viserys to the chair that was now carried with him wherever he went, as his father could no longer stand on his own for too long.

Gerardys had told them all that the King’s wounds had all started to heal, but it seemed that perhaps it might’ve been a little too late for that to mean something. His father had been ill for years before Gerardys started caring for him, and wether Mellos had simply not been good at his job, or the man had purposefully neglected his duties to the King, none would ever know, but the Viserys' health was just getting worse as time went on. His father was old now, so perhaps it should not surprise anyone to see him in such a condition, and yet Gerardys had plainly stated that if the King’s wounds had continued to worsen as they once did, he would not even be able to walk by now.

His sister had also mumbled something about their father losing half his face once, and Aegon just did not want to think about that or even try to imagine it.

“You look great son”, his father croaked, “It gladdens me that the Gods allowed me to be here today”

“Of course you’re here”, Alicent exclaimed as she crouched down next to him, “You are his father my love, and our babe needs you here. It’s his wedding day Viserys, our son is getting married”

“I know Alicent”, Viserys whispered, giving her a small smile once she placed a kiss on his cheek.

Aegon knew that seeing his mother as she was caused his father great pain, probably because he knew that he was one of the two people who were responsible for all she’d suffered, the very same one that had stripped her not only of her freedom, but her sanity as well.

His mother did not seem to notice the almost grief stricken look on her husband’s face however, just continuing to speak on how happy she was that her boy was getting married to a girl he so loved, and marvelling at how gorgeous Marla looked in her dress.

“My sister always looks most beautiful”, Jasper boasted as he walked into his chambers, “I will walk her to you today”

“I know”, Aegon sighed, “Marla told m-”

“I will give her over to you”, the boy interrupted him, “I’m the man of our family, so ‘tis up to me to give her away. I’m giving my sister to you Aegon, so you must take care of her”

“I will”, he reassured him, suddenly aware of how almost scared the boy sounded.

“You must take care of her”, Jasper insisted, “She is the person I care for most, the one who cared for me most. None mean as much to me as she does, and I will be giving her to you today. You’ve had her for a long time, but after today she truly will be yours and you must take care of her”

Aegon walked to him, expecting the boy to step back with a disgusted look on his face as he had all the times he’d tried to hug him through the years, but he stayed put. Jasper had tears welling up in his eyes, bottom lip wobbling as he continued to stare at him, a silent plea in his eyes as Aegon thought back to that one day all those years ago, and for but a moment saw the little boy Jasper once was.

“I will take care of her”, he mumbled as he hugged him close, “I will take care of her Jasper, I promise. I love your sister, you know this, there is nothing I care for more than her happiness and wellbeing. And we’re not going anywhere, you’re always most welcome to come visit us, and when we do travel, then you’re most welcome to join us”

“You promise?”, Jasper questioned.

He reassured the boy that no matter what happened, they would forever be a family, as they had been for years at this point. Jasper had always made sure to remind Aegon that he did not care for him much, and yet they’d always been a famiy, and that would never change.

Aegon knew that behind all the insults, was just a scared little boy who loved his sister more than anything, and who only wanted what was best for her. He knew that Jasper had perhaps heard much of what some men do to women, as he’d lived amongst the smallfolk for all his life, and whilst royal couples usually kept their issues behind closed doors, others did not.

He could not imagine what Jasper had seen or heard that had made him fear for his sister’s safety so, but since he knew that that was the reason behind the boy’s hostility, he’d never let it stop him from loving Jasper with his whole heart.

“Such a good boy”, his mother mused as she placed a kiss on Jasper’s head, “Marla was very good to you, and you’re being very good to her. You’re good my boy”

“Thank you”, Jasper mumbled, accepting the hand Alicent was offering him and following her out of his chambers, but not before throwing one last glare Aegon’s way.

He took one final look in the mirror, tugging at his doublet just one more time before Criston stepped in front of him, undoing the top button and telling him to breathe, and as Aegon remembered how the knight had done the very same thing on the night he and Marla had finally confessed their feelings to one another, he hugged him.

“It will be fine”, Criston said once more as he patted his back, daring to place a hand on his cheek as he looked into his eyes, “You have done much for us all my Prince, you deserve to be happy with the woman you love, now go”

Aegon stood at the altar, his parents by his side as his mother giggled softly, waving to Rhaenyra who in turn smiled at her, and for but a moment he wondered how different things would’ve been if the two women had been there for each other when they got married.

To take his mind off of how terribly sweaty his hands were, and how the longer it took for Marla to show up, the more convinced he became that she’d run off, he looked to his family. Seeing them all stand as one almost brought tears to his eyes, as the sight was one he’d dreamed of for years.

His sister stood there with her husband and her boys, Daemon and his twins were also there, as were the Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys. His uncle Gwayne was present as well, with a hand on Daeron’s shoulder as the boy sniffled, puffing out his chest as his lip wobbled a bit, probably trying not to cry as Lucerys seemed to notice it as well, and leaned forward to take his uncle’s hand.

Jacaerys and Aemond were standing close to one another, and as Aegon met their eyes, he saw how very proud they both seemed to be of him, how happy. The two were almost inseparable by now, and though Aegon knew that it should perhaps sting for him to know that he might no longer be the one in his nephew’s heart, he knew that his brother was the only one he’d want to take his place.

Helaena stood by their sister as she watched him as well, something akin to both sorrow and relief in her eyes, and though Aegon tried not to, he was forced to think back on all the times she’d spoken on the kind of husband he would’ve been to her, and of all the pain she would’ve suffered at his hands.

Himself and Marla had spoken of it many times, as the mere thought of his sister having known a man like that, having had to suffer him, and knowing that to her that man wore his face, broke him entirely. He’d tried talking to her about it, wishing to apologise though he knew that he had done nothing wrong, but still feeling somewhat responsible.

She’d shut him down each and every time, reassuring him that she knew who he was and who he was not, and that they would both know peace.

“So pretty”, his mother cooed suddenly, and as Aegon turned he finally saw her.

The gown Marla had chosen was on the simpler side, as he knew how she hated all the frivolities that nobles so loved, because she said that they did not allow her to feel like herself. The dress was white with black details cascading through it, almost making it look like the dark night clashing against the light clouds, and Aegon had never seen anything more beautiful.

In truth he barely noticed the dress, but Marla’s smile took his breath away.

He kept his eyes locked on hers during the entire ceremony, almost completely ignoring the High Septon apart from the few times the man fell silent, and he understood that it was his turn to speak. Marla looked a little nervous at first, and as he knew that she’d never much cared for big crowds, especially not when they were all staring at her.

Aegon had never much cared for others either, but he was so focused on her, that he just couldn’t find it in him to pay them any mind. As soon as she got close enough their hands just gravitated to one another, and whenever Marla’s eyes widened a little as she looked to the side, where all the Lords and Ladies stood, he tightened his hold on her hand a couple times, so she might look at him.

This was about them and their love, nothing and nobody else matter. Though in truth it never had.

The High Septon spoke, they kissed, his mother cried, and everything was perfect. The feast however, was anything but. Lucerys and Daeron had started bickering over quite literally anything when they’d first met, and even now at thirteen and fourteen namedays respectively, they just couldn’t find it in them to stop. And Jasper being there as well certainly didn’t help.

“Luke”, Jacaerys grunted as he went to stand up and berate his brother, only to be stopped by a gentle hand on his arm, as Baela guided him to sit back down.

“It’s fine”, she said, accepting the napkin Aemond was offering to clean up the front of her dress that had been struck by some food his nephew had thrown, though in his defense it had been meant for Jasper, who sat by Marla’s side and was laughing his head off.

“Apologise”, Rhaenyra and Marla hissed at the same time, and quickly enough both Jasper and Luceyrs stood up to offer Baela their apologies, one for throwing the food and the other for laughing about it hitting her.

Aegon took a deep breath, desperately trying to ignore how very ready his family always seemed to embarass him, silently thanking the Gods for Marla when she placed a hand on his, rubbing her thumb on the back of it to reassure him that it was fine.

He knew that she was aware of the absolute mess she’d just married into, and yet from the big smile on her face, none of it seemed to bother her.

“What are you doing?”, Aemond questioned confused.

“I’m eating some cake”, Aegon answered just as confused.

“You hate chocolate cake”, his brother said, and everything stopped.

Suddenly, Aegon felt a pair of wide and angry eyes begin to carve holes into his skull, and just stared at his uncle who sat before him, refusing to meet Marla’s gaze. Daemon did not seem to understand what was happening, and just stared back at him like it was some sort of challenge, until he heard Lucerys ask Rhaena if she wanted to sit by him, and then Aegon lost him.

“You don’t like chocolate cake?”, Marla asked in disbelief, “Six years Aegon, we have been one for almost six years, and for each of those years we celebrated my nameday together, and you always ate chocolate cake. Are you telling me that you never liked it?”

“I like it”, he muttered, “I just don’t love it”

“I made you one”, she exclaimed outraged, “Did you not like that one either?”

“Of course I did”, he said quickly, perhaps too quickly.

Marla just shook her head, looking utterly shocked and almost betrayed, as Aemond just mouthed an apology to his brother, who in turn lifted a certain finger he probably should’ve kept to himself, as little Joffrey immediately imitated him, which earned him a glare from Laenor.

“Why did you eat it then?”, she questioned, “All those years my love, you could’ve just told me that you didn’t like it. Why suffer through it?”

“Because I love you”, he answered, “I might dislike chocolate cake, I actually hate it if we’re being honest, it’s not that I don’t like it, I truly just despise it and think that whomever invented it should be set alight. But I love you, and I know you love it so much, and your nameday is about you s-”

They’d been together for six years by now, and though this was most definitely not the first kiss they’d shared, it felt different than all the others. As he placed his hand on her neck he felt a little voice in his head, telling him to pull back because he couldn’t dare too far, but that was no longer true. All knew that he and Marla were in love, and they’d known for years, but Aegon had always worried.

And he didn’t have to anymore, because they were one now, officially.

“I’m eating”, Jasper whined as he threw a napkin their way, “You two are disgusting”

“One day you’ll find someone brother”, Marla said, “You shall find someone you love with all your heart, someone who you want to be with for the rest of your life, someone whose presence is enou-”

“Seven Hells”, the boy grunted as he pointed to Daeron, who in turn just nodded and the two switched places, earning a laugh from Daemon who had finally stopped glaring at Luke.

Once the time came for them to dance, Marla and Aegon both looked at each other and just sighed, knowing very well that this would probably not end well. They’d done their best, they really had, attending all the lessons his mother had arranged for them, but they were a lost cause.

“Shut up”, Marla mumbled as she saw him chuckle once she almost missed a step, “I’m your wife, you can’t laugh at me”

“You’re my wife”, he beamed, and just like that her smile was back.

Thankfully, their dance was over quickly, and the two had to contain the urge to throw their own private feast as everyone took to the dance floor, and they were no longer the center of attention. They’d done a good enough job, nothing to write in the history books about, but decent.

Aegon almost laughed as he saw Baela just grab onto Jacaerys and drag him to the dance floor, as Luke and Rhaena quickly follow suit, and Helaena was approaching someone as well, a man Aegon did not recognise, standing next to two women who seemed to be talking to Rhaenyra.

He was well on his way to sit back at the table, as both he and Marla very much did not care for another dance, until they were approached by two who they could not deny.

“You look so beautiful my love”, his mother cooed as he spun her around, “More than beautiful, you look happy. I always wanted you to be happy”

“I’m happy mother”, he reassured her, “Are you happy?”

“Yes”, she nodded, “I did not dance at my wedding, because Viserys was too tired, but I didn’t want to anyways. I liked dancing with Rhaenyra, but she didn’t want to dance with me, and he’s not her”

“I’m sorry”, he muttered, “I’m really sorry that you were alone mother, but you’re not anymore. We’re all here for you, alright? We all love you very much, and you won’t be alone ever again”

She stopped suddenly, smile wavering a little as her lip trembled, before she covered her face with her hands, and Aegon immediately chided himself for speaking so plainly. He stopped Marla when he saw her approaching them, not wishing to draw any more attention to his mother and not even noticing how Jasper had almost ran to them when he saw her crying.

“You’re alright”, he cooed as he hugged her to him, “You’re alright mother, I’m sorry”

“I didn’t want to be alone”, she said, “I was scared but nobody was there. I don’t know if I really was”

“We’re here now”, he insisted, “I’m here now mother, please calm down”

She took a deep breath, nodding to him as he praised her, bringing a shaky hands to her mouth and almost flinching when he gently grabbed onto it to prevent her from biting on her fingers.

“I’m not me”, she sighed as she looked at him with such fear in her eyes, “I’m not me, am I?”

Aegon didn’t know how to answer that question, as in truth he’d wondered the very same thing many times throughout the years, but he had yet to find an answer.

“I don’t know if that’s a bad thing”, she mumbled, “I wasn’t good”

“But you are now”, he reassured her, “You are now mother, you are so good. We all love you and you are so good, alright? Now tell me, are you happy?”

“Yes”, she answered, “It’s your wedding day my heart, of course I’m happy”

“Then let’s dance”, he proposed as he offered her his hand, letting out a sigh of relief once she took it, and he saw that absent smile he’d grown to love show back up on her face.

He tried to lock that conversation in a dark corner of his mind, the same one that held all the few moments of tragic clarity his mother had had through the years, and just danced with her.

He stepped on the dance floor with her and held her close, just basking in how happy everyone was, and in knowing that as they were all together tonight, they would be until the very end.

He was happy, his family was happy, and nothing else mattered.

Chapter Text

“Stop staring at him”, Marla hissed as she poked his belly, “You’ll scare him off Aegon, and he’s not doing anything wrong, so just stop glaring at him”

“Mh”, he mumbled, very much continuing to stare at the man who stood in front of him, earning a frustrated sigh from his wife as she approached his brothers and chided them as well, as he knew that they too were staring at the scene before them.

Helaena looked happy, by the Gods Aegon did not know if she’d ever looked so truly happy and at peace, and it was most clear that the man by her side cared for her just as she cared for him, as their joined hands proved.

And yet Aegon couldn’t stop staring.

“That hand better not move an inch”, Aemond grunted, “If he touches her, I swear to the Go-”

“You’re being mean”, his mother muttered as she walked to them, “Joffrey is good, and you’re being mean my loves. Helaena is happy”

“Mh”, all three of her boys grunted at the same time.

Aegon had not known how to feel about Joffrey since the man had first come into their lives, having met him on the day of his wedding, after Helaena had pretty much dragged him to the royal table so they might all meet. Joffrey had looked a little confused at first, probably a bit taken aback by how nice she was being since they had just met, but he hadn’t seemed mad about it.

It had been almost one whole year since that day, and Joffrey had been quite busy in the Vale as his aunt had spoken to Rhaenyra about she wished for her cousin to succeed her when the time came, as she had no intention of ever marrying. Many wondered why that was, but after a fairly embarassing encounter Aegon had had with the Lady Jeyne and her companion Jessamyn whilst the two had thought themselves alone in a hallway of the Keep, he understood just fine.

Though Joffrey had spent most of these past few moons at the Vale, Aegon knew that him and Helaena had sent many missives to one another, always in contact and getting to know one another as it became obvious to all that the two were very taken with each other. And though Aegon could see it now, how much they cared for each other, he still couldn’t bring himself to trust Joffrey fully.

He knew that the pain his sister had known in her dreams was not one she’d truly suffered, and yet he also knew that that was not true for her, as she’d mourned their babes like she’d known them, so he knew that all the pain he’d put her through was one she’d known as well.

Some version of him had harmed his sister in ways Aegon would never be able to comprehend, and he couldn’t help but feel protective over her now, though in his heart he knew that he didn’t have to.

“Thank you Your Grace”, Joffrey said as he accepted a piece of cake his mother was offering him, “If I may say it, you truly are very beautiful my Queen, I can see where our Princess got it from”

“Sit down”, Jacaerys huffed as he grabbed onto Aemond and dragged him back to his side, as his brother looked ready to strike down the other man, hand on the hilt of his sword as from the look in her eyes, Rhaenyra was quickly starting to regret ever allowing Daemon to give it to him.

The day Aemond had been named as a knight had been one of the best of Aegon’s life, just standing there with a proud smile on his face as he watched his little brother become the knight he’d always dreamed of being, clining to his mother as she cried, and trying to pretend that he wasn’t doing much the same.

In the end Ser Cole had been the one to knight Aemond, as Aegon knew that no matter what, Criston would always be his brother’s father, and though he’d become incredibly close to their uncle as well throughout the years, his bond to the first man he’d ever loved would never be replaced.

Daemon however, had had a gift for Aemond to celebrate that day, and from the hug the two had shared after their uncle had presented his brother with a Valyrian steel sword, Aegon knew that though for a long time none of them had ever had a true father, Aemond had been blessed with three.

His relationship with the King had remained a little formal throughout the years, despite the man’s attempts at making up for all he’d done wrong to all his children, including his second son. Aemond had seemed resistant to each and every one of his father’s attempts at forming a bond, something that Aegon had never been able to fault him for truly, as he remembered that feeling very well.

Everything had changed after their father had become gravely ill one night, and as all thought that the moment had come to bid their King goodbye, their mother had almost dragged Aemond to his chambers, insisting with an anger she hadn’t possessed in a long time, that he needed to be with his father. Aemond had not resisted her, and had sat by he King’s side alongside them all, and after looking at him just once, his father had started sobbing.

He’d pleaded for Aemond’s forgiveness, speaking of eyes and debts and things that none but Helaena had understood, as she’d sat by his side and ran her fingers through their father’s hair, whispering to him that he’d done well this time, and that his son would never know such a pain.

Aemond had started spending some time with their father after that, and though Aegon knew very well that he would never care for him as he did for Criston and Daemon, he didn’t seem so angry anymore.

“I would love to visit”, Alicent mumbled as she grabbed Joffrey’s hand, “I’ve never been to the Vale before, only here. I haven’t left here in a long time, could I visit?”

“Of course Your Grace”, Joffrey answered with a small smile, “You are my beloved’s mother, you are most welcome to visit whenever you please. Helaena and I have actually been speaking about it, and I was wondering if she might perhaps be allowed to visit the Vale some tim-”

“No”, Aegon grunted, quickly clamping his mouth shut as Marla’s nails dug into his arm.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea”, his wife said, “Do you not think so as well Princess?”

“Certainly”, Rhaenyra muttered as she threw a concerned glance at her brothers, “The Vale is where mine own mother was born, it would make me happiest to know that one of our own shall walk its halls once more”

As Joffrey then went on to invite them all to the Vale, stating that he’d already spoken of it to his aunt and that she had agreed to welcome them, Aegon felt his eyes roll in the back of his skull.

“He’s being nice”, Marla whispered, “I understand that you’re worried for your sister my love, but Joffrey is a good man. You see how he looks at her, much like you look at me. He cares for her Aegon, you can not tell me that you don’t see it”

“I guess”, he sighed, “I just don’t want her to get hurt”

“And she won’t”, she reassured him, “You heard Joffrey, we can all go with them, so you can see how they are my love, and perhaps finally calm down and stop frowning so much”

He let out a depp breath, trying to stop thinking about something that had never and would never happen, and to stop projecting the anger he felt towards himself on the man who sat right in front of him, and who had already made more than one attempt at starting a conversation with him.

“The Lady Jeyne was most kind when she came to us”, Jacaerys spoke, “It would be a great honor for us all to accept her generous invitation”

Rhaenyra smiled brightly at her son, hand coming to lay on his arm and squeezing it a couple times, to praise him and let him know tht he’d done a good job. Aegon had never once doubted that his nephew would take his responsabilities as his mother’s heir seriously when the time came for him to truly step into his role, and alas Jacaerys had proved him right.

All knew that his sister was now more than just the Lady Hand, as due to their father’s illness continuing to get worse as time went by, she had started acting as the Princess Regent, only missing the title, though Aegon had heard some members of the Council speaking of bestowing it on her when he’d last visited his father.

Viserys knew very well that the time was coming when he would no longer be able to leave his chambers, and therefore would not be able to attend to his duties as King, and Aegon knew that there was noone else his father trusted more than Rhaenyra to take on such a responsability.

“Ouch”, Lucerys hissed suddenly.

“I want to see both your hands boy”, Daemon grunted, and just like that one of Luke’s hands immediately moved from Rhaena’s leg to the table, but not before massaging his own leg that his uncle had just kicked.

Aegon stifled a chuckle at that, as in truth all knew that the relationship between his nephew and their cousin was still most innocent, and that Luke would never dare so far, but their uncle did not seem so certain. Jacaerys and Baela on the other hand looked like a married couple already, and since Aegon knew very well that they had been counting down the days until she became of age to finally be betrothed for years now, he could only hope that Daemon wouldn’t try anything before that happened.

The two had been with one another for years now, and though they were still incredibly young, they had shown up to Rhaenyra's chambers on the very morn of Baela's sixteenth nameday to ask for her permission to marry, because they just wanted to ensure that none would stand between them, as in the end their parents had been receiving many letters about marriage proposals since before they were even born.

They wanted to make sure that nobody would ever be able to separate them, and though Aegon knew that a betrothal could always be broken, he knew very well that his sister would never. And his uncle wouldn’t either, because no matter how much he acted like he despised each time one of the two boys even breathed the same air as his daughters, he knew how they cared for his girls.

“He will be so beautiful”, Helaena cooed as she mindlessly brought a hand to her belly, “He will be safe this time, the rats will never come for him, because he’ll be mine now. He belonged to them then, but he’ll be mine this time. He will not know the King's burdens, not his name and not his crown, but he shall be so happy”

“Yes he will”, Joffrey mumbled as he caressed her hand, clearly confused by her words but seemingly happy as he watched her smile, and as Marla threw yet another glance at him, Aegon finally gave up.

This Joffrey was perhaps not that bad after all, and he seemed to bring Helaena such peace, one she hadn’t known for a long time, and deserved more than any other. He knew how tormented she’d been for most of her life, and also of how she’d helped their family more than anyone might ever know, and if Joffrey was the one she wanted, the one she might love, then so be it.

“Are you alright my love?”, his mother questioned with a small pout on her face, “Does it hurt a lot?”

“I’m fine Alicent”, Viserys huffed as he tried to catch his breath after coughing for quite some time.

“I’m sorry you’re sick”, she mumbled, “I always tried to care for you, and I’m sorry I fail-”

“You didn’t”, his father interrupted her, “You didn’t fail me Alicent, you never could. You are one of the people I care for most in this world, and you have done so much for me, much more than what I deserve with all the pain I caused you”

Aegon saw how his mother’s grip on her husband’s hand tightened for just a moment, and her gaze hardened as she looked at him, but then she just gave him a kind smile. He knew that the two spent most of their days together, with him laying on his bed as she read to him, or simply drew something whilst he laid asleep.

He knew that his father had apologised to his mother many times, never once trying to deminish all he’d done or deny the fact that he was just as responsible for her suffering as her father was, but his mother hadn’t been willing to hear it.

There was something dark that showed up in her eyes whenever he spoke of their past, and Aegon could only imagine the memories that flooded his mother’s mind when she thought back to that time of her life, and she always stopped his father whenever he tried to apologise.

He didn’t know if perhaps it was because the memories were too much for her to cope with, and she needed him to stop talking before it all hurt in ways she could not handle, or because just like the rest of them, she was trying to live her life without thinking about all the pain she’d suffered.

“You are good now”, she said as she looked into Viserys’ eyes, “I was hurt but now I’m at peace, and you are good now my love. Not a good husband but a good man, and that’s enough”

Aegon saw how Rhaenyra’s body almost trembled at his mother’s words, sharing a look with Criston and Gwayne, as the three of them were the people with whom Alicent had spoken to the most about all she’d suffered as a wife, probably because they were the only ones who’d known her before a part of her was forever taken away.

He didn’t know how his mother could ever have forgiven all his father had done to her, but as he knew how much peace his presence seemed to bring her these days, he was glad of it.

“No thank you”, Marla muttered quickly as she denied the glass of wine Rhaena was offering her.

“You can drink it if you want”, he whispered, “You don’t have to worry about me my heart”

Aegon had never spoken much of the troubles he once had with wine, not terribly proud of how quickly he’d fallen for such a trap, and not really caring to remember that time. Marla had been there, but the two had barely spoken to one another before he finally stopped drinking, and yet she knew.

He did not know wether some of the girls she one worked with had told her, as in the end they had been the ones to bring the wine to his chambers every single day for a whole moon, or if someone from his family had told her about it, perhaps so she might make sure that he didn’t pick up that bad habit once more.

Marla had never drunk much wine, only ever doing it during some of the bigger feasts that were thrown at the Keep, not only because everyone else did it, but because it helped soothe her nerves.

She didn’t seem nervous or upset now, so he didn’t really understand why she wouldn’t drink even just a little bit of wine, and hoped that she wasn’t stopping herself for his sake.

“I simply don’t feel like it”, she mumbled, “The smell of it is upsetting my stomach”

“I thought you liked honeyed wine”, he huffed, “I’m sorry my love, I thought it was th-”

“It is”, she said as she gave him a shaky smile, “I do like the wine Aegon, but I just don’t feel like drinking it now, and the Maesters have also warned me against it”

To say that Aegon was confused would be an understatement. He did not know that Marla had even gone to Gerardys, or why that would be. She hadn’t told him of such a meeting having taken place, and from what he knew she hadn’t hurt herself in any way. And even then, what did wine have to do with it?

He didn’t really understand what was going on, and let out a frustrated grunt as he turned to her to ask for an explanation, only to find her smiling at him. His wife had just reavealed to him that she’d gone to the Maesters, so she’d evidently been experiencing some pain that she hadn’t told him about, and he really just did not see how that was anything to smile abo-

“She will be so loved”, Helaena muttered, and Aegon’s heart stopped.

“Marla”, he whispered as he looked to her, eyes wide and incredulous as even though he’d known that this day was bound to come for years now, he still couldn’t believe that it was finally here.

They’d dreamed of her for so long, had spoken of naught but her for hours on end for years, and she would finally join them.

Without thinking about it, he almost threw himself on her, before remembering that it would not perhaps be the wisest thing to do with someone in her condition, so he just hugged her. They had always been very affectionate with one another, so this was not a scene that truly surprised any at the table, who all kept talking, until Marla stood up.

The moment she said the words, his mother lost it. Aegon was fairly certain that his father’s heart stopped for a moment after the scream his wife let out, as she jumped to her feet and immediately ran to Marla, hugging her close and caressing her hair, mumbling things about how babes were a blessing when one did not make them a curse, and how she knew that Marla would be a good mother.

“My babe is having a babe”, she cried as she grabbed onto his cheeks, “My first babe is having his first babe, a grandbabe my love. Marla will bless us all Viserys, a little babe”

“Congratulations my boy”, his father said as he attempted to stand up, being aided by Ser Harrold though he quickly sat back down once they approached him, “I’m so happy for you both, I really am”

“Thank you my King”, Marla mumbled, a sad look on her face as Viserys hugged them both, as his rugged breaths were almost painful to hear.

“I do not know if I’ll be there”, the King croaked, “But I am certain that you will make great parents, and I am so happy for you, I really am. You are a blessing my boy, and you too Marla, you’ve brought such a light to our family, and I can only hope and pray that the Gods will allow me to be with you all as we meet the product of your love”

His father had meant well with his words, Aegon knew this, and yet he silently cursed the man as he held his crying wife in his arms, wishing to remind him that he’d seen enough women pregnant enough times to know that perhaps speaking of such things might upset them.

Soon enough, the two were surrounded by their family, as all stood up to congratulate them, and bid them good luck. Aegon didn’t miss the unshed tears in his sister’s eyes, or in Aemond’s, and he also saw the boy who stood behind them.

Jacaerys hadn’t been a boy in some time, Aegon knew this, and yet to him his nephew always would be the little babe he’d welcomed in his heart all those years ago, the one who’d taught him what it truly meant to love someone, and what it meant to be loved back.

As they hugged he thought back to how very different things had been when they were small, and how he’d feared that that one hug they’d shared before Jace left for Dragonstone might be their last. He’d been so scared and alone, locked in a place with monsters around every corner, watching his one love leave him behind.

But nothing was like that anymore, as Aegon now more than ever felt like he could call the Red Keep his home, not because he’d grown to like the place, but because it’s where everyone he loved lived, and where his family would grow.

“She will be so loved”, Helaena whispered as she walked to him, “She will live and so will he, that is all I ever wanted. Our babes will come brother, they will come to us again, and they will be so loved”

“Yes they will”, Aegon promised.

That night had changed everything, and all knew very well that if it hadn’t been for that one single night, they might never have found one another. Criston might never have realised that his love for his son was worth more than any shame or anger he might feel, Aegon might never have spoken to his sister, he might never have met Marla, he and Aemond might never have made things right, and his mother might still have been the Green Queen who still showed up in his nightmares at times.

Otto might have won, but he hadn’t.

And that was all thanks to his sister, and to her devotion to their children. He remembered how insistant Helaena had been, dragging him to that cursed tunnel and finally deciding that she no longer had to simply suffer due to her dreams, but that she could stop it all from happening.

She’d done it all for their children, for their family, and as Aegon looked at them now as they surrounded his pregnant wife, with Helaena by her side as she spoke of how beautiful her little girl would be, he knew it had all been worth it.

They were safe, their babes would be safe, and it had all been worth it.

Chapter Text

“That’s so cool”, Daeron marvelled as he looked to the moon door, “Have you ever thrown anyone out of there?”

“No my Prince”, the Lady Jeyne answered, “I really wanted to a couple times, and my cousin Arnold should thank me each time he sees me for the mercy I showed him. Despite his complaints, he should remember that the sky cells are not that bad when one compares them to knowing that you’re falling to your death”

Rhaenyra let out a shaky breath at her cousin’s words, still smiling though she sent a concerned glance to the children, who in turn looked so very fascinated by the story the Lady was telling them, perhaps a little too fascinated. Lucerys immediately asked to know more about the sky cells, wishing to see them and even joking that he, Daeron and Jasper might sleep there on that night, though Aegon could tell that his brother was not too fond of their nephew’s idea.

They’d been at the Vale for almost two whole sennights now, and were bound to start travelling back to King’s Landing within the next couple of days, and Aegon already dreaded the prospect of having to get back on his horse. His most beloved Cat had done nothing wrong, as it had been Aegon’s responsability to know that one does not just throw himself off his horse to ensure that he is the one who helps his wife out of her carriage.

Cat was not to blame, and yet Aegon almost feared getting back on him now.

“Are you alright?”, Marla cooed as she saw him frown, “Does it hurt a lot my love?”

“A little”, he whined, “It’s not broken, so I don’t know why it still bothers me so much”

He had never really spent much time riding horses, not when he could ride a dragon, but when Marla had told him that she did not feel most comfortable taking to the skies in her condition, he hadn’t even blinked before declaring that he would be by her side as they traveled, because he wasn’t about to leave his wife alone when she was carrying his child.

“I’m sorry”, he muttered, “You’re the pregnant one, and I’m over here acting like a babe over something so stupid”

“It’s practice”, his mother chimed in as she walked past them, making sure to wave at Marla’s belly as she always did.

“I think I’ve had more than enough practice Your Grace”, his wife sighed as she grabbed onto her brother, who was but a second away from stealing a guard’s keys.

As Marla and Jasper began to bicker about the boy thinking that sleeping in the sky cells was the greatest idea Luke had ever had, Aegon walked to his sister, wishing to talk to her as he knew that she’d finally done something the two had spoken of before they came here, but that she hadn’t found the strenght to do until the day before.

“There wasn’t much left”, Rhaenyra revealed, “My mother hasn’t lived in this place for over three decades, so I wasn’t expecting to find all her things, and yet there was something. Apparently her older sister, the Lady Amanda, ensured that mother’s most favourite things were kept safe so she might have them when she came to visit, though she never did”

“What did you find?”, he questioned, not really knowing what to say as it looked like someone had ripped his sister’s heart out of her chest.

“Some books”, she sighed, “I found a picture of my grandmother, the Princess Daella, and a lot of dresses. Such small dresses, meant for a babe who left them behind as she was sent to her death. Just eleven namedays old, that’s how old my mother was when she was taken from her home, barely a fucking girl and definitely not a woman ready to be a wife or a mother”

As he watched his sister’s eyes grow darker, Aegon thought that his father had gotten lucky when Gerardys had deemed him too ill to travel, as he was fairly certain that in this moment, Rhaenyra would not even have flinched as she set the man alight.

“Muña”, little Joffrey mumbled as he walked to her, and thankfully that seemed to snap his sister out of the spell she’d fallen under for a moment, as Aegon had almost been scared of her for that second.

“Hello my heart”, she said as she hugged him close, “What’s this?”

“That would be my ring”, Laenor declared as he walked to them, “How many times do I have to say this Joff, you can’t steal things and then claim them as your own”

The little boy shook his head, muttering things about how his father had told him that the ring belonged to Joffrey, and he was Joffrey, and Aegon truly did not think he’d ever seen a smile as sad as the one his goodbrother was wearing in that moment.

“This was Joffrey’s, yes”, the man mumbled as he caressed his son’s cheek, “I had a Joffrey before I had you my love, and this belonged to him. He was very dear to me, and that’s why we named you after him, so there’s two of you”

“Three”, Helaena reminded them as she pointed to her Joffrey, who stood next to her with such a lovestruck expression on his face, that Aegon knew that if the man hadn’t already proposed to his sister and their betrothal hadn’t been announced, he would’ve done it right then and there.

When compared to himself and Marla, things had moved quite quickly between his sister and her betrothed, as they’d known each other for a little over a year before they’d decided that they were ready to marry, though that would not happen for some time still. Aegon had been happiest for them both, and yet he’d been a tad concerned by how his brother might react.

He knew that it had been a long time since Aemond had had feelings for their sister, and yet Aegon also knew that in his heart, his brother was Helaena’s protector before he was anything else, and whilst he had warmed up to Joffrey, Aemond had not.

But alas, the day before Joffrey asked her to marry him, Helaena had shown up in their brother’s chambers, and had simply told him that everything was well. She’d told him that her Joffrey was most kind and that he would never hurt her, and that once their boy was born, Aemond would see how true their love was.

His brother still did not seem necessarilly besotted by Joffrey, but he no longer looked like he was about to stab him through the heart each time they saw one another, so that was something.

“Where are they?”, Daemon grunted as he approached him.

“I don’t know”, Aegon sighed, “I’m not their keeper, and even then they’re both of age by now, and they’re married. I thought you’d gotten used to the idea of them being alo-”

“You had that coming brother”, Aemond mocked him as soon as his arse hit the floor, as their uncle just sneered at him before disappearing through a random hallway.

And Aegon could only pray for Jace that that hallway would be empty, because if Daemon saw anything he didn’t like, there was quite literally a hole in the floor just waiting for his nephew.

Baela and Jacaerys had announced their intention to marry to the Council on the day fo her sixteenth nameday, though in truth Rhaenyra had already spoken to the Lords about the matter before, as she’d known of it for years, so apart from the date, all had already been planned for their wedding.

The two had been most taken with each other for so long by now, so it had not come as a surprise when they’d asked for the King’s permission to marry, who in turn had just mumbled something about having agreed to the match before, as he had with Luke and Rhaena.

Lucerys had almost fainted once Daemon’s angry gaze had snapped to him, as the man had just slowly stalked towards him whilst questioning if the boy had dared go behind his back and ask the King for permission to marry his daughter instead of him. Thankfully Helaena had intervened, muttering something about how the other time hadn’t worked, but this time would.

And that had seemed to confuse Daemon long enough for Luke to run out of the King’s chambers.

“I think mother likes it here”, Aemond said, “She will be most delighted to visit you often sister”

“That is good”, Helaena mumbled, “Her heart will be broken when she comes here, but time will fix it. She won’t know why she hurts, but we will fix it. He will fix it, as she will love him more than any other, apart from her”

As she spoke his sister bought her hand to hover over Marla’s swollen belly, looking at her for a moment and finally touching it once she nodded, cooing at it softly as she whispered something about the big fuss she would cause soon enough.

Indeed it was not long until Marla was due to give birth, and though Aegon had literally fallen to his knees and begged his wife to stay at the Keep, as he did not wish for the travels to cause her any more discomfort than she was already experiencing, she’d insisted on coming. From what Gerardys had said, in but a few sennights Marla would be fighting to bring their girl into this world, and though Aegon knew that if it were up to him she would be abed by now, he also knew that Marla would never have left Helaena alone as she traveled to see the place that would one day be her home.

The feast that the Lady Jeyne had planned to celebrate the betrothal had been nice, though the more he looked at them, the more convinced he became that Luke, Jasper and Daeron had somehow gotten their hands on some wine the night before, and he almost felt faint once he saw his brother stumble a little when way too close to the moondoor.

“My Prince”, Criston almost screamed as he ran to him, “By the Gods this thing is terrifying”

The knight had known battle, he’d looked death in the eye and hadn’t blinked, and yet Aegon did not think he’d ever seen the man more scared than he was now, eyes locked on the moondoor as he seemed unable to look away, though it was most obvious that he’d never wanted anything more.

“Are you alright?”, Laenor questioned, “Cole are you alright?”

The knight didn’t answer, just continuing to stare down as his grasp on Daeron only tightened, and Lucerys almost had to fight him just to get him to let the other boy go.

“It’s alright”, Jacaerys whispered as he suddenly showed up, “You’re fine, just look at me. Keep your eyes on me, it’s all good”

Criston still appeared terribly shaken by the realisation of how very high they were when compared to the ground, but feeling Jace’s hands on his shoulders seemed to bring him back to reality. He looked at his son with eyes so haunted that one might think he’d seen a ghost, and just let the boy slowly walk him back until they reached a wall and he just let his body drop against it.

“Some react like that”, the Lady Jeyne said, “Some people just don’t like heights, we even had a man faint once, it didn’t end well”

“Gods”, Jasper muttered, “That is so cool”

As Marla saw how very interested her brother seemed to be at the prospect of someone falling down the moondoor, she quietly approached a castle guard and almost begged him to lock Jasper in his chambers that night, and to make sure that his keys were still on his belt before he left.

“I really don’t care father”, Baela sighed, “You can’t threaten to kill Jace every time you see him touch me, we’re married, what will you do once I fall with child? Shall you strike my husband down for placing it inside me?”

“Why would you say that?”, Jacaerys questioned, “Why would you put that idea in his head?”

“Like he hadn’t already thought about it”, she scoffed, and much to Aegon’s amusement and Jace’s horror, Daemon just smiled.

“I think it’s time for some food”, Rhaenyra declared, quickly grabbing onto their uncle before the man could leave, as she evidently wished for them to have another one of their lovely conversations, where she tried to get it into his head that he couldn’t kill her son.

Just family things.

“No thank you”, Marla mumbled as she declined the nth thing Aegon had placed before her.

“My love please”, he begged her, “You haven’t eaten at all, and you barely ate anything at nuncheon either. You can’t go on like this, especially not in your condition”

“I’m fine Aegon”, she mumbled, “I’m just tired my love, I promise. I love you and I love her, but carrying our child is hard work, and I truly don’t know how people do it more than once. How many kids did you say your great grandmother had?”

“Thirteen”, Aemond chimed in.

“Poor thing”, Marla hissed, shifting a little in her chair before throwing an apologetic look to both Rhaenyra and Jeyne, who in turn nodded.

Aegon tried to follow her, not wishing for her to experience such discomfort without him there, because whilst he knew that he couldn’t take any of it away, he liked to think that his presence helped a little. Marla however denied him, stating quite plainly that she needed to use the privy, and that she could do that just fine without him by her side.

He almost disagreed, before he saw the rage in her eyes and decided that perhaps this was not the moment, as he knew very well that she would ask for him to sleep in the sky cells, and that the Lady Jeyne would agree to it. He hated that he could not go with her, so he discreetly asked for Ser Criston to follow her, as Marla could become quite tired after walking due to her belly.

“I received a letter from King’s Landing this morn”, Rhaenyra revealed, “Father is feeling much better, though Gerardys still believes that it is best he remain abed for the time being”

“That’s good”, Alicent said with a shaky smile, “I wanted to stay, but I wanted to leave. I didn’t want him to be alone, but I wanted to be with you. I’m sorry he’s alone”

“He’s not alone mother”, Daeron reassured her, “Ser Westerling is there, as is Maester Gerardys. You did well by coming here, and we are all very happy to have you with us”

His mother still seemed a little upset, as she’d spoken to Rhaenyra of how guilty she felt about leaving Viserys behind, as it had been forced into her brain that as a wife she needed to be by his side at all times, and also because in the end, she did care for him. She’d been his wife for most of her life, and Aegon still remembered how even before everything had happened, and before his mother had lost herself, she was always by his side and always most devoted to caring for him.

He didn’t know how she’d done it, but in her own way, she’d learned to love him.

“That’s disgusting”, Rhaena stated plainly as she looked at the boy sitting in front of her, “You are disgusting Jasper, there really is no way around it. What are you doing?”

“If you eat them together”, he mumbled as he tried to stuff even more food in his mouth, “You get a new flavour”

Aegon almost felt sick as he watched his goodbrother speak with his mouth open, very clearly only doing it to poke at Rhaena, who just turned to face Luke and stared at him, until he realised that his time had come and quickly shook his head, telling Jasper to leave her alone.

Jacaerys laughed at how red his brother’s cheeks got when their cousin placed a gentle kiss on one of them, and Aegon did not miss the way his sister’s hand immediately grasped onto their uncle’s arm and she dug her nails in his skin, effectively chaining him to her side.

“They’re just asking for it at this point”, Aemond whispered to noone as he contineud to eat.

“Hello”, Aegon cooed as a small figure approached him, “Did you enjoy your food?”

Joffrey nodded, pushing his chair back as best as he could until he understood what he wanted, and moved back so the boy could climb on his lap. Once Laenor realised that Joffrey was no longer by his side, both he and Rhaenrya sent apologetic looks his way, but before either of them could take the boy back, Aegon just shook his head and hugged him close.

He’d always liked kids, and he remembered how he so loved holding his nephews when they were this small, and Daeron as well. He didn’t know what it was about them that made their hugs so special, but as he nuzzled his nose against Joffrey’s curls, he dreamed of the day when he could finally do it with his little gi-

“Aegon”, Criston screamed as he ran towards him, almost falling on his face as he stumbled in his haste to get to him, “It’s happening, the babe is coming”

He felt stuck in place for a moment, as Joffrey complained at the knight’s loud voice as he still sat on his legs, until someone took him away, probably knowing that the second Aegon actually realised what was happening, he’d forget about the boy in his lap and just run.

“Aegon”, Jacaerys called for him as it was taking a little too long for him to move, but in the end all it took was a shrill scream for him to snap out of it.

He didn’t really know where he was going, something he quickly realised once he found himself staring at a dead end, before someone grabbed his shoulders and directed him through each and every hallway, until they found themselves in front of a closed door.

Rhaenyra was there as well, though unlike him, she threw herself in the rooms as soon as she reached them, as he knew that she’d promised Marla that she’d be by her side in this moment. His mother had said the same at first, though after she’d recounted her own experiences with childbirth, the memories had seemed to hurt her far too much for anyone to think that she would be able to cope with seeing it again.

He could hear faint grunts coming from within, and knew he needed to get in there, no matter how inappropriate it might be. Aegon knew that not many men cared to do it, and in truth according to some men should not be in the room at all when their wives were giving birth, but he did not agree. He’d placed this child in her, and he’d been there for her through her whole pregnancy, he was not about to leave her now.

Marla had been with him as he fought his own battles, and he would not leave her alone to fight hers.

“She’ll be fine”, Criston reassured him, “Everything will be fine my Prince, I promise, but she needs you right now. You will never regret anything more if you don’t go in there, I know that for a fact. Your girls need you Aegon, so go”

He entered those rooms as a man and walked out of them as a father, and if Aegon had ever thought that he knew what true love was, he’d been wrong.

Marla would forever be his first love, but Aelora would be his greatest.

Chapter Text

“Where do you think you’re going?”, Aegon sighed, “I told your mother you know? I told her that the second you figured out how to walk you would leave me my heart, leave your poor father all alone”

Aelora just looked at him for a moment, squinting her eyes a little as she assessed him, before continuing to make her way to the Gods know where. He huffed, noting to himself that this rouse did not work, and that the next time he might have more luck if he tried to bribe her with some food.

She was not running, just toddling her way around the Keep as everyone cooed at her, waving to his little Princess who waved back, turning to face him with a big smile each time someone said hello to her. They would do this quite often when she was a small babe, just walk around their home for hours on end, as it had been the one sure way to get her to sleep.

He did not know anyone who hated moving around more than he did, so of course his daughter would only fall asleep if someone walked with her in their arms.

“Hi”, Aelora mumbled as she finally found who she’d been looking for.

“Hello gorgeous”, Jasper said as he grasped onto her, placing her on his lap as he sat next to Lord Corlys and some others, “You really are the prettiest little Princess, did you know that? My sister did a fine job, thank the Gods you take after her, and me of course”

“She looks exactly like Aegon”, Daeron scoffed, earning a glare from the other boy who grunted something about his niece being far too beautiful to have anything to do with his goodbrother.

“Are you well my Lord?”, Aegon questioned as he sat by his side.

“I’m fine”, Corlys huffed, “I’m just old my Prince, ‘tis the way of things”

He knew that the Seasnake had been struggling with his health for some time now, having become ill during one of his travels after a fight with his brother, Ser Vaemond, who had apparently tried to convince Corlys to name one of his sons as Laenor’s heir, claiming that the blood that ran through Luke’s veins made him unfit to sit the throne of Driftmark.

His nephew had been there as well when the conversation had taken place, and though he’d tried to act like the whole thing hadn’t bothered him greatly, Aegon had seen how terribly heartbroken he’d been for days on end afterwards. Luke had started spending more and more time on Driftmark after Jasper had first moved there, wishing to be with his friend and then slowly but surely falling in love with the island, and all knew how seriously he already took the duties he would one day uphold as its Lord.

Aegon knew that whilst Ser Vaemond’s words had been most unkind, he’d not been wrong when he’d said that very little Velaryon blood coursed through his nephew’s veins, and yet he also knew that Lord Corlys loved Lucerys more than any other, hence why it hadn’t been a true surprise when rumours had started going around about the Seasnake striking his brother.

“Pretty”, Aelora mumbled as she grabbed onto Corlys’ hair, and just as Aegon was about to take his daughter in his arms, not wishing for her to bother him, the Lord just waved his hand and brought Aelora to sit by his side.

His heart almost broke as he watched the two, as the Seasnake began to softly coo at the little girl, caressing her cheek before mumbling something about how much he missed his daughter, and how he could only pray that the Gods allowed them to be together again once They took him.

Aegon saw how Jasper flinched at the man’s words, as he knew that the boy had grown incredibly fond of the man, as he’d acted almost like a father to him whilst the two lived on Driftmark together. Lord Corlys had now reached a certain age, and yet there was still a fire in his eyes, so Aegon did not doubt that Gerardys had spoken true when he’d assured them all that he would recover from his ailment soon enough.

“My heart”, someone said as they walked to them, and just as he turned around and puckered his lips to welcome his wife in the rooms, she not so gently moved him away to reach their daughter.

Aelora loved Aegon, by the Gods his girl loved everyone, and yet there was nobody she cared for more than her mother. Aegon had been lucky enough to see Marla happy for most of the time they’d spent together, and he liked to think that he’d contributed to that, but he knew that nobody had ever brought his wife more joy than their daughter.

“Hello little babe”, Alicent cooed as she kissed Aelora’s head, “How is my little love?”

His daughter immdiately reached for her grandmother, as the woman welcomed her into her arms with such ease, as if the two had been meant to hold one another. From the moment Alicent had first met Aelora, Aegon had seen something bloom within her, a true happiness that was different from the one her lack of sanity had granted her.

His mother had struggled much to care for her own babes, and to welcome them in her heart, but she hadn’t had any trouble when it came to bonding with her granddaughter, though Aegon felt his heart break a little each time she called her Helaena.

She’d told him once in a moment of confusion, that the Mother had granted her a second chance, so her little girl might have the mother she deserved, and though it thankfully didn’t happen often, Aegon knew that at times his mother was convinced that Aelora was her own daughter.

“How is Helaena?”, he questioned.

“She is well”, Marla answered with a bright smile, “She has assured me that her boy will be joining us soon, and she truly sounded so happy my love”

“That’s good”, he muttered, knowing very well that it was still far too soon for any Maester to confirm that Helaena was with child just yet, since she and Joffrey had been married for barely a moon, and yet as it always was, his sister just knew.

When Helaena had told them all on their wedding day that in less than a year her boy would come, Daemon had not hestitated to make various comments about how impressive Joffrey must be in bed for a child to arrive so quickly after they were wed.

But Aegon preferred not to think about that.

“Luke please”, Jacaerys grunted, “I beg of you brother, please just go find someone else to speak to about this. Rhaegar kept us up all night, I really can’t deal with you as well right now”

“But I don’t know what to do”, Lucerys sighed as he threw himself on the bed, laying next to his grandsire and letting his head fall on the man’s chest, “Rhaena hates me”

“No she doesn’t”, Corlys mumbled as he caressed the boy’s hair, “What did you do now?”

As his nephew went on to explain that his uncle had caught him and his beloved kissing, and that instead of standing up for them both he’d just run off, something that Rhaena had not appreciated very much, Aegon went to Jace.

“Five moons”, his nephew huffed, “My son has been alive for five moons, and I’m fairly certain that he’s never slept, not once. How long did it take for Aelora to start sleeping through the night?”

“Almost a whole year”, Aegon muttered, wishing to comfort Jacaerys but also knowing that lying to the boy would not do him any good.

In truth Rhaegar was a really good babe all things considered, most peaceful throughout the day and always smiling, but my the boy had some lungs on him.

“I think I’m going mad”, Jacaerys declared, “Baela as well is not having the best time right now, as I can tell that she’s most pained by how much our babe struggles at night. I really don’t know what to do uncle, we’ve tried everything but nothing seems to help. He only ever seems to be calm down when we bring him to the Dragonpit, but Greyghost is far too big to sleep in Rhaegar’s cot”

“Perhaps you could ask Aemond to move in”, he joked, “I’ve seen how calm your boy is when around my brother, and I know he cares for him a great deal. I don’t doubt that he would help you and Baela if you just asked”

“Aemond already has a lot going on”, his nephew mumbled, “In but a couple sennights he’ll finally become a member of the Kingsguard, and you and I both know how much that means to him, I don’t want to place another burden on his should-”

“Rhaegar is not a burden”, Aemond chimed in as he approached them, “You know how I love your son Jace, he really is one of my most favourite people. I would be happy to help if you let me”

Aegon chuckled as he watched Jacaerys almost throw himself in his brother’s arms, thanking him over and over again as Aemond slowly lead him to sit on the bed, as it seemed that his nephew was but a second away from falling asleep.

Corlys seemed very happy to have both his grandsons by his side, and of course Joffrey would never dare miss out on such a thing, or allow his grandsire to think that it could ever happen without him there as well. The boy was a little less gentle as he threw himself on the bed, giving Corlys an apologetic look as the man hissed in pain, before laying next to him.

“I’m going to see Baela”, Marla told him, “Us mothers need to stick together, and I’m certain she could use some help with little Rhaegar”

“I’ll come with you”, Aegon said as he took Aelora from her, just hugging his daughter close and thanking Marla, as he always did when the three were together, wishing for her to know how grateful he was to her for bringing their daughter into this world.

The two had spoken a lot about wether or not they wanted to have another babe, but alas they’d decided that they were most content with their first child also being their last. Thankfully Marla's pregnancy had been a fairly tranquil affair, and yet Aegon still remembered how haunted his wife had looked for sennights after she'd given birth to their daughter, and she'd made it quite clear that she did not care to go through that again. Aelora was more than enough to make their family feel complete, and though Aegon had always wanted to have more than one kid to ensure that they would never feel alone, he also knew that there were enough children to keep his daughter company.

And more would join them soon as Helaena continued to speak of her boy, and had mentioned a couple things about how Baela and Jacaerys would be much like the Old King and the Good Queen, though Aegon didn’t know how true that prediction could be as he saw how much his nephew and his cousin were struggling with just one child.

“I’m so happy you’re here”, Baela almost cried as she welcomed them in her chambers, “The Princess was finally able to get him to sleep, as she’s obviously much more capable than I am at caring for my own son”

“You’re a good mother Baela”, Rhaenyra reassured her, “Rhaegar is your first babe, it’s more than normal for it to take some time until things calm down for you both. I remember with my Jace, he too had some trouble falling asleep when he was first born, but then things got better, and I promise you that things will get better for you as well”

“Mh”, the girl huffed, evidently not too convinced that her mother by law’s words rang true.

Aegon placed Aelora right by Rhaegar’s cot, making sure to remind her that when the babe was asleep, they needed to be as quiet as possible, especially because he was fairly certain that Baela would kill him with her bare hands if they woke him up.

Rhaegar was a pretty little thing, chubby cheeks and big eyes, not much hair on his head yet, though Aegon could already tell that it would be curly, and most importantly white. He knew how scared Jace had been for his son, that he might take after him and that he as well be forced to know what it meant to be judged for something that was not under your control, but alas the Gods had been kind.

Nobody would’ve cared if Rhaegar had been born with dark hair, and Aegon knew that he would’ve had a whole army of dragonriders to avenge him if anyone had ever even dared comment on it, but he was glad that they would never have to.

“He’s so beautiful”, Criston cooed from where he stood next to the boy, “He’s the second most beautiful babe I’ve ever seen, though you you are very gorgeous as well Princess”

Aelora gave him a shy smile, hiding her face in her father’s neck as she giggled, and Aegon just observe the two before him, who in turn continued to stare at the little boy with such pride. He knew that Rhaenyra and Jacaerys had both been there as Baela gave birth, and that Criston had stood by the door for the whole night, just as scared as the rest of them.

It had been a haunting moment for them all, as Baela had never cared to hide how terrified she was by the prospect of chilbirth, as she’d once revealed that herself and her sister had actually seen their mother on the night she lost her life, and had paid witness to how much pain the Lady Laena had suffered before she was taken.

He could not even imagine how scared Baela must’ve been, and Jace as well, because no matter how unwilling everyone was to speak on the matter, as they thought it a bad omen, they all knew how common it was for women to lose their lives as they tried to bring their children into this world.

Marla and Rhaena had been by Baela’s side as well, and Aegon had just stood outside the chambers with the rest of their family, all silently praying that Balerion might keep His hands to Himself this time. And alas, after a whole night of screaming, everything had suddenly stopped.

Aegon did not know if he’d ever seen his uncle move so fast, almost breaking the door down in his haste to be with his daughter and make sure that she was alright, and once Baela had agreed to it, they’d all walked in.

Jacaerys had always been a happy child, as even that cursed night hadn’t been able to take away the joy his parents had placed in his heart with their love, and yet Aegon had never seen him smile as he had on that day. Rhaegar had already decided to let all know how loud his screams could get, but Jace and Baela hadn’t even seemed to notice it, so taken they were by the boy in her arms.

Marla had wanted to be with them at night, as she remembered very well how painful it could be for one to move after giving birth, and Aegon had stayed with them. Ser Criston had not barged in the chambers when everyone had, evidently wishing to give them all some space, and for Jacaerys to have a moment with both his parents as they met their grandbabe.

But once the dark of night had settled over King’s Landing, the knight had finally mustered up the courage to ask if he could see the babe, and the second Aegon had opened the door for him, Jace had thrown himself in the man’s arms.

None would ever know it, but little Rhaegar had been most blessed with not one, but three grandsires, who all looked to him like he’d placed the stars in the sky.

It had taken Daemon some time to get over the fact that certain things had happened in order for the babe to be conceived, and he still looked at Jacaerys like he wanted to kill him at times, but he so loved little Rhaegar.

“I’ll come back later”, Rhaenyra whispered to Baela, “Do you know where Jace is?”

“Asleep in Lord Corlys’ chambers”, Aegon answered.

“I’m sorry to have to wake him”, his sister sighed, “But alas my boy is also my heir, so he’s going to have to force himself to stay awake long enough for the Small Council meeting. You’ll be glad to hear that none of your kin will be discussed today my dear, as Ser Vaemond’s son Daeron has written his own personal missive, and has somewhat rebuked his father’s attempt at usurping my son”

“That’s great”, Baela muttered, “I’m sorry he did that Princess, if we had known of his intentions we would’ve spoken to him when we last visited Driftm-”

“It’s not your fault”, Rhaenyra reassured her as she placed a small kiss on her head, “Though I will obviously not humour Ser Vaemond, I do wish to speak with him one of these days, as it is perhaps time that the man remembers how close he came to losing his life all those years ago, when he was caught trying to share certain information he should've kept to himself with certain people he should not have been communicating with. He still lives only because his brother assured me that it had been but a moment of madness that had lead Vaemond astray, and he's alive now because Luke himself begged me to spare him, but if he says one more thing Syrax and I will have to pay him a visit”

His sister let out a deep breath, hand coming to rub at her temples before she bid them all goodbye and walked out of the rooms with a serene smile, as it was not great for the Princess Regent to be seen as angry as she was whenever she spoke of what Ser Vaemond had tried to do.

Once Aelora toddled to him whilst dragging a book behind her, Aegon knew that the time had come. He’d been a bit wary of these meetings at first, as his father hadn’t looked the greatest in some time, and in truth Aegon had feared that seeing the man as he was now might scare his daughter, but alas Aelora was most taken with her grandsire, and visited him every single day.

“My girl”, Viserys cooed as he saw them enter, “Come here”

Aegon walked to his father, chuckling as the man apologised for ignoring him in favor of his daughter, but he understood. He as well acted like nobody else was in the room when she was around. Aelora snuggled by her grandsire’s side, looking at him with her big blue eyes as she waited for him to start reading to her, though in truth he wasn’t actually reading anything, so much as just telling her a story.

His father's sight had begun to abandon him through the past few years, but Aegon knew that that was not a problem, as his mother had spent each night for the past decade by his side, reading him her favourite book over and over again, so by now they both knew it by memory. Alicent would be there as well at times, so the two might spend some time together with their granddaughter, but she usually waited until a little later in the night to visit her husband, wishing to read him to sleep and ensure his dreams were peaceful.

Aelora so loved hearing all the tales her grandsire would tell her about the history of their family, about Old Valyria and all the dragons, and the various Princes and Princesses that had come before them, though he avoided recounting every detail about their lives, as the Targaryens were known for suffering quite brutal deaths for some reason, and his daughter was perhaps a little too young to know about those things.

“She is so special”, his father croaked once Aelora fell asleep, “I hope you and Marla know how blessed you are my boy, as I’ve been so very blessed with you”

“Thank you father”, he mumbled, taking hold of the man’s hand and cringing a little as he heard him take some wheezy and seemingly painful breaths.

“You saved us Aegon”, Viserys said, “Your love for us all saved us, as did Helaena’s. You two are the only reason why our house shall not fall, why we got to live”

Aegon just nodded, never really knowing what to say when his father spoke such things. It seemed to pain him greatly, just thinking about whatever it was that the Gods had shown him about all that would happen to their family, and though he’d never revealed much of his dreams, the few bits and pieces he had talked about throughout the years were most haunting.

“It didn’t happen”, his father whispered, “You saved us my boy, and everything is as it should be”

“Yes it is”, he mumbled as he caressed Aelora’s head, marvelling at his daughter and deciding that this was the only reality he cared about.

Because a world without his little girl was not one worth living in.

Chapter Text

“Can you see it?”, Daeron questioned, “Septa Delena was sure that that's where she put it”

“I got it”, Joffrey exclaimed as he grasped onto something, “What is it?”

Aegon remained by his brother’s side and with his hand on his nephew’s arm, wishing to be there if Daeron lost his grip or Joffrey fell back, silently cursing himself for not just calling Aemond to get whatever it was that his mother so desperately needed from the top of her wardrobe.

“My babes”, Alicent cooed as she grabbed the box Joffrey was holding, “I kept my babes’ things, and here they are. When you were born you got many gifts my love, and I got one because you were my first babe, and I want Helaena to have it. My little girl is a mother sister, can you believe it?”

“Not really”, Rhaenyra chuckled, “In my heart all our children will forever remain just that, children, so it is most difficult to actually accept that they’re all grown now. When Rhaegar was born I felt ancient, watching my first born have his own son, and now he’s almost two namedays old”

“She’s a girl”, his mother muttered confused, “The babe is a girl”

“That’s Laena”, his sister clarified, “Rhaegar is Jace and Baela’s eldest son, but they also have a little girl now, you’re right. Our Laena really is most beautiful, and I can only hope that my dear cousin knows how beloved she still is”

Aegon had been a tad shocked by how quickly Baela had fallen pregnant after Rhaegar, especially considering how much both she and her husband had struggled for the first moons of their son’s life, and yet it seemed that just as Aemond had agreed to look after Rhaegar every few nights, the two had known exactly what to do with their newly found free time.

Thankfully for them, and for all those who lived in the Keep, Laena was much less keen than her brother had been on screaming her head off each and every night for moons on end.

“Babe is here?”, Aelora questioned his sister.

“Not yet my love”, Rhaenyra cooed as she brought her to sit on her lap, “Helaena and Joffrey should be here soon though, and yes, Elys shall be there as well. Are you happy to meet your little cousin?”

There were many things that Aegon had come to love in this life, and yet nothing could ever compare to his daughter’s laugh. He too was happy that his sister would finally come to the Keep, as he’d been eagerly waiting to see her again since she’d had her babe, especially after all he’d been told about how horrible her state had been during and after her labours.

His sister seemed to have had some sort of meltdown, as the physical pain she was experiencing clouded her mind, her dreams took over for a time, and from what Aegon knew of those horrible sennights, he truly hadn’t found it in him to complain about not being able to see Helaena if she felt that she needed to be alone, even though he desperately wanted to be by her.

He remembered that day very well, as a missive had arrived from the Vale, and Ser Joffrey had let all know that his wife had begun her labours, and though Rhaenyra had wanted to be with her that day, Helaena had already told her that a bigger problem would arise and that she would need to stay at the Keep, and indeed his father’s heart had almost failed him out of nowhere, and Rhaenrya had had to stay behind. The King as well had had some sort of meltdown on that night, desperately begging for someone to bring him his brother and second son, though he hadn't been able to tell anyone why, just sobbing and clinging to Daemon's hand once the man reached his chambers.

In the middle of the night, as Aegon laid awake in his bed and thought of his sister, he’d heard some odd noises coming from outside, and had almost been thrown to the floor by his brother, as Aemond ran to the Dragonpit. Apparently Ser Joffrey had sent another missive, meant for him and him alone, where he’d pretty much begged him to come to the Vale, as Helaena believed him dead and needed to see him.

Aemond had been the only one of them all to see Helaena for over four moons, though from the look on his brother’s face once he’d come back to King’s Landing, and the fact that he'd refused to speak on whatever he'd seen, it hadn’t been difficult for Aegon to understand that something horrible must’ve happened.

For a time he’d feared that perhaps the babe had died, and he’d been heartbroken for sennights as he’d though of all his sister must’ve gone through as the Gods had once again forced her to mourn the loss of their boy, but then they’d received a letter.

Helaena herself had written it, letting all know that both she and Elys were well, and apologising for worrying them so. All she’d had to say on everything that had taken place after she birthed her babe, was that the God's Eye had once cried on that very day, but that instead she’d brought forth a new life.

Joffrey had tried to explain what had happened as best as he could, though in truth it had been obvious that he hadn’t fully understood it either. All he knew was that his wife had started pleading for their son’s life before he was even born, begging the rats to leave them alone and screaming that she would not be able to survive it all again, and once Elys was placed in her arms after she’d calmed down a little, she’d started sobbing.

For sennights Helaena had done naught but cry and hold her son, as not even Joffrey had been allowed to touch their babe for days.

“I hope she’s well”, Alicent muttered nervously, “I lied sister, Aegon did not come quickly and it hurt a lot, for years it hurt, but I hope Helaena is well”

“She’s fine”, Rhaenyra reassured her, “It has been almost five moons now since Elys was born, and both the Lady Jeyne and Ser Joffrey have assured us that she has healed perfectly fine”

His sister knew of all that had happened to Helaena, but everyone had agreed that it would be best for his mother to not know about any of it, as she was already terribly worried about his father.

“Viserys is here”, his mother said, “He told me he wouldn’t be, but he’s here. I’m happy he’s here, my babe needs her father as she grows. My father was there for me, but he’s not here now. I’m glad he’s not here sister, he wasn’t good”

“No he was not”, Aegon mumbled under his breath, quickly approaching his mother as he saw that haunted look in her eyes, the one she usually wore when her past came for her, but then he stopped.

“They’re here”, Marla almost screamed as she grabbed Aelora, “Oh my love they’re here, and your aunt will not believe how much you’ve grown. Come my heart, let us go and greet them”

Aegon could only follow his wife as she made her way around the various corridors of the Keep as quickly as she could, immediately going to stand by Baela’s side as the two began looking around for Rhaena. Before Aegon could even try and grasp onto his uncle, Daemon just stormed off, muttering things about how he was going to kill Lucerys, though luckily for his nephew, he showed up just in time.

“I didn’t do anything”, Luke quickly blurted out as he saw his uncle approach him, “I swear this to you, I didn’t do anything. We were just talking to Lord Corlys about our next visit to High Tide, you can ask him if you don’t believe me”

“I will”, Daemon grunted before going to stand next to Jacaerys, just to pick up little Rhaegar who called for him, still wearing a terrifying scowl on his face as he stared at Lucerys, whilst genty cradling his grandson to his chest.

What a weird man.

Rhaegar did not seem to care about the murderous look in Daemon’s eyes however, just tugging on his hair until his gransdire took his ring off and gave it to him so he might play with it, before quickly taking it back as his daughter threw him an angry look, as poor Rhaegar had almost eaten the ring once before and his mother would rather he didn’t choke on it.

“Shut up”, Daeron hissed as he pushed Lucerys, “Worry about your betrothed and most importantly her father, and not about my Cass-”

“So she’s your Cassandra now huh?”, Luke mocked, and so the two started running after each other, and though for many years many had hoped that the boys would calm down, Aegon knew very well that that would never happen.

His brother had been yearning for the Lady Cassandra Baratheon for some time now, after the two had met at the feast that had been thrown to celebrate his Aelora’s first nameday, and they had seemed most taken with one another. Helaena had actually been the one to introduce them, and once that happened Aegon knew that on that night, he’d met his future goodsister.

The Lady Cassandra wasn’t that bad, and her mother was a woman with a sharp tongue whom Aegon found most amusing, and who got along with Marla as well, her husband on the other hand was quite the pain to deal with, hence why the few times he’d come to the Keep, he’d been sat next to Daemon.

And that man’s deadly stare could force anyone into silence.

“My babe”, his mother screamed suddenly as she started running to the carriage, with Aemond following suit as he did not care to see her be trampled by a horse.

Aegon watched as his sister exited her carriage, immediately reaching for their mother as the two hugged, and Alicent questioned her over and over again, wishing to know every single thing that had taken place whilst the two had been apart. His mother had been terribly pained by not being there for his sister during these past few moons, spending many nights crying herself to sleep at the thought of Helaena experiencing any pain without her there, and it seemed that his sister knew this as well.

She let her mother hug her close to her chest, let her run her hands through her hair even though Aegon could tell that she wasn’t most comfortable, and answered each and every one of her questions with a kind smile.

“He’s huge”, Rhaena cringed as she stared at the boy in Joffrey’s arms, “By the Gods that must’ve hurt so much, why would you do want to do it twice?”

“Because I love my children”, Baela sighed as she looked at little Laena as she slept in her husband’s arms, “The pain is great, and yet the love I feel makes it all worth it”

“I doubt that”, her sister mumbled, a horrified look on her face as she probably thought of all she’d seen as she sat by Baela’s side while she birthed Laena but a moon ago, though she quickly forced a smile once Helaena approached them.

Aegon just observed them for some time, as all the girls fawned over his sister and told her how happy they were that she’d come home, and though for a moment Helaena smiled as well, suddenly something switched in her gaze.

“Don’t touch him”, she screamed, “Get away from him”

“It’s fine my love”, her husband reassured her, “Prince Daemon just wanted to se-”

“Do not touch my son”, his sister hissed as she placed herself between her babe and her uncle, “You will not lay a single finger on him, get the fuck away from him”

Everything stopped for a moment, as all just stared at Helaena with wide eyes, never once having seen her like this before, never having heard such anger come from a woman they all thought of as the sweetest and most gentle of souls. Aegon had seen his sister upset before, he’d seen her happy and he’d seen her scared out of her mind, but he’d never seen her like this.

Daemon as well seemed taken aback by her reaction, as in truth their uncle hadn’t actually done anything wrong, just standing next to Rhaenyra as they looked at the babe, and yet Helaena appeared murderous. He did not seem angry, just confused.

Suddenly a roar came from above, and within a second everything became dark, as Dreamfyre hovered over them all for some time, as Helaena just stared at their uncle.

“It’s alright”, his mother mumbled as she approached her, “You’re good, babe is good and all is good”

As Helaena continued to glare at Daemon, Rhaenyra placed a hand on his arm and almost dragged him away, as he just looked so very confused. Aegon didn’t know what exactly had caused his sister to have such a reaction, as though it was true that the two had never interacted much, he’d never known her to feel such hatred for Daemon, or anyone for that matter.

His sister did not stop staring at their uncle until he was far away from her son, and once that happened, she turned to her husband and gave him a big smile, before going back to the girls and speaking to them as if nothing had happened.

“She was like this when I last saw her”, Aemond revealed, “She was so angry brother, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one experience such true and utter rage. It was almost scary if I’m being honest, how she went from crying one moment to screaming at nothing the next, it reminded me of mother”

“But she’s better now”, Aegon said, “I don’t know what just happened, but she’s not crying anymore. Did you ever figure out why she called for you?”

“Not really”, his brother answered, “She was so confused Aegon, and wasn’t making much sense. I know of her gift, and yet I wasn’t able to undersand what she spoke of. She kept insisting that I was supposed to die on that day, and even after we tried to reassure her that I was alive and that she would live as well, as Elys had already been born by then and the Maesters had already assessed her, but she wouldn’t let it go. She spoke of eyes and Gods, but in truth I didn’t really care much about understanding her riddles that time, I just wanted to comfort her”

Aegon shook his head, trying to grasp onto why exactly the Gods had chosen that moment of all to torment his sister. He knew how very painful childbirth could be, or at least he had a vague idea of how painful it had been for his wife, who had almost broken his hand as she crushed it with her own whilst brithing their babe.

Helaena had already suffered so much through her whole life, and labouring was difficult enough without the Gods interfering once again, and taking away what could have and should have been one of the greatest moments of his sister’s life.

To meet one’s babe is to meet the other half of one’s soul, and though he knew that those precious first moments with her son had been cruelly taken from her, Aegon still hoped that Helaena and Elys would be able to bond, though as he saw her now, cooing at him softly as she placed some gentle kisses on his face, he knew that they already had.

“I missed you so much my love”, Alicent sighed, “I know you’re happy, and I’m happy too, but I so wish we were not apart”

“We won’t be for long”, Helaena answered with a sad smile on her face, “You will be alright mother, I promise. It won’t feel like it, and it will seem impossible to ever be happy again, but you will”

Aegon didn’t know what his sister meant, and yet a chill ran down his spine as he thought about the one who was missing in this moment, the one who was too ill to even walk anymore. His father still lived, but not even Gerardys seemed too certain as to how or why that was, as the man had spoken to his sister about her needing to start preparing all that was needed for her coronation, almost a year ago at this point.

He didn’t know how to feel about his father dying, as though he’d grown to care for the man a great deal, and had been able to put aside all he’d felt for him for the few years of his life, something had changed since he’d become a father as well. The mere idea of being apart from Aelora belonged in the Seven Hells, and as Aegon realised how his daughter made his world feel complete in ways only she could, he just couldn’t fathom how his father had done it.

How he’d placed five children into this world, and hadn’t even bothered to speak with four of them for over a decade. His first true conversation with his father had taken place when he was around fifteen namedays old, and before then the two had barely had any sort of interaction, and Aegon just didn’t get it.

He could understand why his mother had struggled to bond with them, but his father had no excuse.

“They must meet”, his sister muttered as he grabbed onto his arm, and just as Aegon turned around to look for his little girl so she might meet her cousin, she lead him straight into the Keep.

“They must meet”, she insisted as she dragged him to their father’s chambers.

“Not long left”

Chapter Text

Aegon had known that this moment would come for his whole life.

For a great deal of it he’d feared it, terrified of all that would happen as a consequence, but after some time he’d started to fear it for a different reason, as he’d learned to love his father.

Love how the man cared for his family, how very devoted to them all he’d become after everything had first happened. Loved how he’d taken to Marla from the very first day they’d met, never once thinking less of her because of her birth, and always ensuring that she knew how special she was to them, and how much she meant to him. Loved how he’d read Aelora her stories to get her to fall asleep, often doing so whilst cuddling with her grandsire, who Aegon knew had cherished each and every moment they’d gotten to spend together.

And now he was gone.

“Dracarys”, Rhaenyra said, voice loud and yet a little shaky as she gave Syrax the same order she’d given decades before, as she stood on this very hill, bidding her mother goodbye for the last time.

Aegon just stood there for some time, even after everyone had left, as in truth none of them felt at ease whilst staring at the charred remains of a man they’d come to care for throughout the years. He stood there and watched his father’s body burn until there was nothing left but ash, all that remained of a man who’d done so much wrong, but who had fought to make things right.

His father had not been a good man for a long time, but things had changed, and now he was gone.

“He’s at peace”, a voice reassured him, “She was there for him, and guided him to all those they lost. They’re at peace brother, and we will be together again once we join them”

“I hated him”, he confessed, “For so long I hated him, for all he didn’t do with us and all he did to mother. Even when things got better I hated him, but now that he’s gone I miss him”

“’Tis the way”, is all Helaena said before she grabbed onto the sleeve of his doublet, and began to gently lead him to the rest of their family.

As Aegon watched Rhaenyra and his mother, standing close to one another as Alicent had a mighty grasp on his sister’s hand, he thought back to all that had happened but a couple days before.

He’d been in his chambers with Marla and Aelora, just drinking some tea before going to bed, as they’d all been incredibly tired by the eventful day they’d just had. Helaena and Joffrey had come to visit, and to celebrate their return they’d all had supper together, and the King had joined them as well. In truth Aegon hadn’t noticed anything different about his father on that night, because whilst it was true that the man hadn’t looked his best, that had been their reality for a long time.

Viserys had retired before everyone else, and Aegon and Aelora had accompanied him, as his daughter had wanted to bid her grandsire goodnight. His father had held her close to him for some time, longer than usual, as perhaps he’d somehow known that that would be the last time. Before he’d exited the chambers, his father had called for him, and as Aegon had reached the bed he’d told him that he loved him, and that he was proud of who he’d become, and happy that the Gods had allowed him to see how things always should’ve been.

His father often spoke of the Gods allowing him the time to do certain things, but nobody ever truly thought much of it, as in the end to say that one’s life was in the hands of the Gods was not odd, so Aegon had just turned around and left.

Himself and Marla had fallen asleep, with Aelora in the small cot they’d set up right next to their bed, and then suddenly someone had knocked on their door. The second he’d seen his sister Aegon had known, and yet none of it had felt real until he’d sat by his father’s side, just as he’d done but a couple hours before, only this time, the man had already been taken.

His mother had been unconsollable, and then confused, and then ruled by utter dispair, and then confused once more. Aegon couldn’t say it for certain, but to him it had looked like his mother had almost been trying to force her way into a state of confusion, as the reality before her had been too much for her to cope with, and she’d just wanted to leave it behind.

Viserys had not been good to her for a long time, had allowed her to know a suffering that had stripped her of her very being in so many ways, and yet Aegon knew that in their own way, his parents had loved one another. His mother especially had almost started treating her husband as one would a babe, sitting by his side for days on end during the entirety of his illness, never once faltering in her devotion to him, in showing how much she cared for a man who’d hurt her so much.

She’d paced around the bed for hours that night, batting away all the hands that had tried to grab onto her to get her to calm down, and had just walked until she’d finally sat down. She’d sat opposite him and clung to her husband’s hand, gently caressing the very finger that held those two rings, the ones he’d never taken off, the ones that were naught but proof that he’d never even loved her.

“Goodnight my love”, she’d whispered, before laying next to him and reciting the words to the book she so loved, the very same one she’d read to him night after night for years, and falling asleep.

Aegon didn’t know exactly how to behave when around her, not wishing to upset her further, but as he looked at her now and saw how she looked around with an absent smile on her face, he thanked the Gods for granting her this one mercy.

“I’m fine”, Daemon grunted, “Let go of me”

“We’re just trying to help”, Rhaena insisted.

“I don’t need any fucking help”, his uncle huffed before walking away, leaving his daughters behind as they’d just tried to do the one thing nobody would ever be able to do, get Daemon Targaryen to be honest about his feelings for once in his life.

All knew that the King had been ill for years, and in truth everyone was shocked that he’d lived as long as he had, including his own brother, and yet that did not make his loss hurt any less.

“I’ll go to him”, Aemond mumbled once the twins approached him.

He knew very well that whilst his brother and their uncle had become incredibly close throughout the years, Aemond was not too different from all others, so Daemon would still refuse to actually grieve as he probably needed to. And yet as he watched the two walk side by side in silence, he thought that perhaps in some ways, his brother’s presence might actually bring their uncle some comfort.

“Hello little love”, his mother cooed as he grabbed onto Aelora, “Why so sad?”

Marla gently caressed their daughter’s head, letting out a deep breath as she saw that small pout on her face, the one she’d been wearing since she’d last seen her grandsire. Aegon didn’t know how much of anything Aelora had actually been able to understand, as she was still but a couple moons shy from her third nameday, and yet he could see that she was hurting.

“Aegon”, someone called for him, “I’m sorry”

“Thank you Jasper”, he sighed with a small smile.

“I really am”, the boy insisted, “Your father was a good man, and he was always very kind to me. I’m really sorry that you all lost him”

As Aegon felt tears well up in his eyes, he hugged Jasper close, an odd sense of sadness finding its way into his heart once he realised that the boy was now almost taller than him.

He’d known Jasper since he was but eight namedays old, barely reaching his hip as the boy always did his very best at trying to make his life more difficult, just for his own amusement. Despite their somewhat rocky relationship, Aegon had never felt anything but love for Jasper, and seeing him grow had been one of the great joys of his life.

“Are you alright my love?”, Marla questioned as she took his hand.

“I don’t know”, he admitted, “I’m sad that he’s gone, and yet I’m almost happy for him. He’d been suffering for years, and at least now his pain has ended”

“I’m sorry”, she mumbled, placing a soft kiss on his cheek and caressing it with a sad smile on her face, “Our King did much wrong, but he was still your father my heart, there is no need for you to feel shame for missing him”

Aegon didn’t know what to say to that, so he just grasped his wife’s hands and approached his mother, wishing to be near his daughter as he knew that her presence would be enough to soothe his heart.

With Aelora now in his arms, Aegon just observed the rest of their family, noting how terribly heartbroken his sister looked, and feeling sorry for the way she seemed to be holding back tears as she spoke to some Lords of the Council, as he knew that now that things were as they were, his sister would never be allowed to be anything but the Queen.

It didn’t matter that her father was gone, because her duty to the Realm came first.

He’d never admit it, as he knew that it was perhps horrible for him to say such a thing, and yet as he looked at her, he almost felt relieved. He felt for her, as he knew how very close she and their father always had been, despite the many disagreements they’d had throughout the years and how the man had failed her, and yet he was so very relieved by the fact that he’d never know the burden she now had to carry.

In truth she’d been carrying it for years, as even before she’d been named as Princess Regent, all knew that she’d been ruling in their father’s stead for some time due to his illness, and yet in less than a sennight, it would all be over.

His sister would be crowned as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and Aegon would fall to his knees and thank the Gods for allowing him the opportunity to never get anywhere near the throne. He’d never wanted it, and yet for so long he’d feared being forced to fight for it, to kill all those he’d ever loved for his grandsire, but none of that would happen.

There was no planning left to do for the coronation, as all had been almost waiting for his father to die for years as he was so sick, so everything was ready. Aegon would stand there, his famliy by his side, and they would all watch as his sister took her rightful seat on the Iron Throne, and everything would be alright.

By giving his sister and father their dreams, the Gods had made it abundantly clear who Their chosen was, and though perhaps to some others it would’ve stung to be in Aegon’s position, to be the King’s firstborn son and yet know that the Gods Themselves had gone out of Their way to ensure that you might never wear the crown, but Aegon was happy.

He had his wife and his daughter with him, his family was finally united in a way he’d only ever dared to dream of for years, and everything was as it should be.

“Are you alright?”, Aegon questioned lowly as he approached his sister.

“I don’t know”, Rhaenyra mumbled, quickly taking the hand he was offering and letting out a sigh of relief once he slowly lead her away from all the Lords, who quickly turned to Jacaerys and Baela, wishing to speak with them both about how things would work for them now that Jace was officially the Heir to the throne.

For a moment Aegon thought about staying with them, seeing how upset they both were and not wishing for them to be alone, with Lords who didn't seem too aware of how to speak to people who were grieving someone they cared for, but then he noticed that they were not alone. Laenor was by his son's side, a hand on his shoulder in a silent show of support, and Ser Criston was there as well, a couple steps away, but still by Jacaerys' side, as he always was.

It was most obvious that Rhaenyra was still somewhat in shock by everything that had happened, even though it had been almost two whole days since their father had passed. With all his faults, Viserys had been a good father to one of his children for most of her life, and even as he allowed her to be berated at every turn when the Green Queen still roamed the halls of the Keep, they’d loved one another.

“I think they expected me to be happy”, she muttered, “The second I called for the Small Council and told all that father had died, they all stood up and almost congratulated me on my ascension as Queen. I know that father was not the greatest King, nor the greatest father if I may be honest, but he was my father, and I don’t know how I’m supposed to behave now that he’s gone”

“That's normal”, he said, “He was with you for your whole life, for better or worse, so I think it’s normal that you mourn him despite his faults. By the Gods I feel like I’m mourning him, and I barely knew the man for most of my life”

“They’re already talking about the coronation”, Rhaenyra sighed, “In truth everything is ready, as it has been for some time now, and yet I fear. I was glad to hear all declare their support for me, and it’s been years now since anyone tried to question my claim, and yet I fear that now that it’s actually happening, someone might say some-”

“We’ll be here”, Aegon stated, “No matter what happens, we’re all here for you mandia. I don’t think anyone will try anything, with all you’ve done for the Realm since you became the Lady Hand, but even if they do, we will all be here to support and protect you”

His sister gave him a shaky smile, her hold on his hand tightening for a moment as she thanked him, before throwing a worried glance to Daemon who seemed to be screaming something, though he was too far away for them to actually be able to decipher what he was saying. Aemond was by his side, silent as he continued to walk alongside their uncle, seemingly unphased by whatever he was saying.

“Father was a complicated man”, his sister pondered, “He did so much wrong to each and every one of us, and yet we all loved him. Even with Daemon, their relationship was horrible for decades, and yet I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him so pained as when I told him of what had happened”

Aegon just nodded, thinking back on what his brother had told him of the night their father had died. From what he understood, Aemond and their uncle had been making their way back to their rooms after having trained and having spent some time with Rhaegar and Laena, and Rhaenyra had approached them both whilst on her way to Aegon’s chambers.

Apparently Daemon had not uttered a single word after he was told that his brother had died, and yet Aemond had said that even though their uncle was most known for his ability to remain expressionless no matter what, it had been obvious that in that one moment, the world had crumbled around him.

“They were very close when they were small”, Rhaenyra revealed, “Our grandsire Baelon and his brother Aemon were one and the same, and grandsire wished for the same to be true for his own sons, and for some time it was. Father let many things come between them for many years, and left his little brother behind without a care in the world, but he wa-”

“He was still his older brother”, Aegon finished for her.

Viserys had messed them all up, there was no denying that, and yet as Aegon looked around at his family, he knew that the man would be missed. He’d placed himself before all else for years on end, but had made amends for that as best as he could, and from the few riddles Helaena had thrown his way through the past couple of days, it seemed that their father had used all the strength he’d had left to stay alive until she got home, to thank her one last time for saving them all.

“Sad papa?”, Aelora questioned as she and Marla approached him.

“A little”, he answered honestly as he took her in his arms, “Papa’s a little sad right now my love, but I’ll be fine, I promise. How are you?”

His daughter didn’t answer his question, just letting her head fall on his shoulder as she let out a heavy sigh, probably confused and even somewhat overwhelmed by everything that was going on around her, and everything she was feeling. Aelora was not even three namedays old yet, but Aegon knew that his girl understood much more than what anyone gave her credit for.

She’d almost demanded he brought her to her grandsire’s rooms the first night after his passing, angrier than he’d ever seen her before when he tried to explain to her that Viserys could no longer read her the stories she so loved, but then she’d become sad.

They’d tried to be as careful as possible as they told her that her grandsire had passed, and that he was not with them anymore. It had taken some time for both him and Marla to figure out how exactly one explains such a thing to a child, and in truth neither of them had truly expected her to understand, but it seemed that she had.

“Your mother is not doing well”, Marla whispered, “Our Queen has told me that she put up quite the fight to get into your father’s rooms last night, and Ser Criston had to intervene”

“We had to drag her out of there this morn”, Aegon mumbled, “I don’t know how much she understands of all that has happened, but she looked so angry when we told her that the Silent Sisters had to care for his body”

His mother had spent the whole night sleeping alongside her husband’s corpse, as the rest of their family just sat there, all riddled by grief and trying to figure out how to best deal with the woman who laid before them. His father had been dying for years, so all was ready for the funeral, and though all knew that they should have perhaps thought about Alicent as well, they hadn’t.

After waking up, she’d looked so terribly confused for but a moment as she’d just stared at her husband for what felt like hours, until a shaky smile had shown up on her face, and she’d whispered something about getting the stone mason to join them so they might work on his model, and though Daemon had declared that he believed that the Gods had let her mind go once again, Aegon knew better.

He’d been there to observe his mother’s illness for years now, and knew very well how she behaved when she was upset or angry, happy or confused, and the look in her eyes as she’d slowly stood up from her husband’s bed, told him that she understood everything just fine, and was simply too grief stricken to know how to cope with it all.

“She will be with me”, Helaena chimed in, “Her heart will hurt, but she will heal”

His sister was most calm as she spoke the words, a serene smile on her face as she looked behind him, and as Aegon turned, he saw his mother with little Elys in her arms, holding him close to her chest as she pressed her cheek against his head, a small smile on her face though the tears in her eyes told all what was going through her mind.

“That might not be the worst idea”, Rhaenyra said, “I would love for Alicent to stay with us, but if things just keep getting worse for her, then perhaps being elsewhere even just for a time might do her well”

Aegon let out a deep breath, clinging to Aelora as he pressed his forehead against hers, swaying gently to lull her to sleep as he wondered what might be the best course of action. He really wanted to be with his mother during this time, and knew that Aemond certainly did as well, as did Aelora, but if being away from the Keep was what she needed, then it would be done.

“Little babe”, Alicent cooed as she pressed a kiss against Elys’ cheek.

As Aegon watched her now, she seemed most at peace, until her gaze landed on the pyre. He didn’t know exactly what she was thinking, and yet the haunted look in her eyes, one of pure pain that faded away just as quickly as it had shown up, let him know that staying here would not do her well.

His mother had not seemed ready to accept that her husband was gone the night before, wailing and scratching Ser Criston’s face, screaming at the top of her lungs that she needed to be there for him and read him her stories, all whilst Viserys’ dead body laid within the rooms, one she’d slept next to but a day earlier.

Rhaenyra would be moving into their father’s chambers soon enough, and Aegon didn’t know how his mother might react to that, and in truth he wasn’t even certain that he wanted to find out.

“We’ll visit her”, Marla mumbled, “We will visit her as often as we please my love. Everything is ready for the coronation, and once that’s done, we will all be fine”

“We will all be fine”, Aegon parroted, clinging to his daughter as he fought the urge to look at his mother again, as he faintly heard her ask Ser Westerling if he could bring Viserys to join them all, as he always loved when their family was together.

For a moment he just closed his eyes, hugging Aelora close and praying for the Gods to make it all stop, to just let his mother go and never torment her again, but once he finally got the courage to actually look at her, he noticed that she now wore that absent smile he so loved.

He didn’t know if his mother would ever know peace, but once he noticed how happy she seemed as Rhaenyra and Helaena both approached her, and how overjoyed she was once Ser Joffrey told her that they had been hoping that she might go with them to the Vale for some time, as they would so love for Elys to be with his grandmother, he knew she would be alright.

It would be difficult for them all, but they would be fine, because they would do it together.

Chapter Text

“Stop moving”, Aemond huffed, “Just breathe for a second, there is no need to be nerv-”

“I’m fine”, Jacaerys insisted, “The doublet is too tight, that’s it”

Aegon sighed, watching his brother place his hands on their nephew’s shoulder, willing the other man to stop moving as he tried to help him calm down a little. Jace had been fidgeting since he’d first woken up, though in truth Aegon wasn’t fully convinced that his nephew had slept at all, as it had looked like he'd been pacing around his chambers for a while by the time they'd reached him.

The day of the coronation had come, and though all was ready and everything was as perfect as it could be, it was most obvious to the other three men in the room, who knew him better than most, that Jacaerys was struggling. His nephew had done a great job as his mother’s Heir, having taken his role seriously from the start, and working tirelessly to ensure that even those who doubted the legitimacy of his birth, might still wish to see him ascend when his time comes, because they’d know how he cared for it all.

In truth there was nothing to worry about, as even though the whispers about Rhaenyra’s boys and their true father might never die, she had done a good enough job as both Lady Hand and Princess Regent, to ensure that all wanted to see her ascend as Queen, and Aegon knew that the same was true for Jacaerys, and yet his nephew feared.

“You don’t have to look at them”, Aemond said, “Fuck the Lords Jace, if you don’t want to look at them then you don’t have to, just look at us. We’ll be in the first row, and we’re all here for you alr-”

“You’re going to be fine”, Aegon chimed in as he watched the two hug, “Everyone knows that you are the rightful Heir, and everyone knows that you will be a good King when your time comes, there is nothing to fear Jace”

“I’m not worried about me”, his nephew confessed, “I shall inherit the throne from my muña, and all know she’s the rightful Queen, but what about Rhaegar? What if some turn against him when his time comes to ascend? What if the people turn against my son because he’ll inherit the throne from a bas-”

“Stop that”, Ser Criston snapped, “Do not say that word. That is not what you are, and you’ve never been anything even remotely close to that. You are a good man my Prince, a great father and brother and the most wonderful son, and you shall make a fine King, all know this. When he’s a little older Prince Rhaegar shall truly step in as your heir, and he will learn from you and from our Queen, so there is no doubt in my heart that he’ll be just as worthy of the Iron Throne as you already are”

Aegon stepped towards them, gently placing his hand on Jace’s back, wishing to comfort him a little as he could tell that his nephew was trying to let the knight’s words sink in, trying to convince himself that they rang true and that he had nothing to worry about. In truth his concerns were not unfounded, but Aegon knew that no matter what, if anyone ever dared try to even think about rising against him or Rhaegar, Aemond and Criston would be there to protect them.

They all would.

“Seven Hells this dress is tight”, Baela whined as she entered the chambers, “Are you alright my love?”

“You look stunning”, Jacaerys cooed as he walked to her, placing a soft kiss on her lips as it seemed that the weight he’d been carrying for the whole day had been lifted off him, all thanks to his wife’s presence.

Once the rest of their family joined them, Aegon immediately took Aelora in his arms, marvelling at how beautiful his little girl looked in the gown she herself had chosen for the event. Aegon and Marla usually preferred to put her in simpler dresses, thinking the more elegant ones to be far too uncomfortable for a small babe, apart from the few they’d have her wear whenever Alicent invited them to her chambers for tea, as she so loved to see her granddaughter in her “Princess dresses”.

On this day however, Rhaenyra Targaryen would ascend as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, the first of her kind though hopefully not the last, so eveyone had to look a certain way, and nobody seemed to like that very much.

“You look great”, Rhaena whispered, “Just stop touching it”

“It’s too tight”, Luke complained, “Why do I have to wear this fucki-”

“If I can wear a corset then you can button your doublet”, his betrothed grunted as she stared at him, giving him little choice but to just fall silent and stop moaning.

Laenor gave his son a little smile, walking to him and ruffling his hair before reaching his eldest, who in turn just let out a deep breath and forced a smile on his face, one that quickly turned true as Daemon entered the chambers as well, with a little boy on his hip who seemed terribly happy to finally be with his parents.

“Where are his shoes?”, Baela grunted as she approached her father.

“I don-”, Daemon tried.

“I saw him but a couple minutes ago father”, his daughter interrupted him, “He was wearing shoes then and he is not now, and I would like to know why that is. Today is a very important day for us all, and I would very much like to know why you would think it a good idea for my son, a Prince and future King, to be seen on the day of his grandmother’s coronation without shoes”

As Daemon went on to explain that Rhaegar had complained about having to wear the shoes as he thought them ugly, and that his grandsire had agreed and had therefore thrown them out of a window, Aegon sighed. He looked to his daughter and admired her beauty for a time, gently running his hand over the small braids that adorned her hair, turning around a little to see if she who had placed them there had joined them as well, but alas his mother was nowhere to be found.

“She’s helping Rhaenyra get ready”, Laenor told him, “Apparently she did much the same when our Queen was first named as her father’s Heir, and she seemed most excited to recreate that moment this morn, almost kicked me out of my own chambers because she said it was a girls’ thing”

“That’s nice”, Aegon mumbled, “How was she?”

His goodbrother let out a deep breath, a sad smile on his face as he placed a hand on Aegon’s shoulder, which told him that something bad must’ve happened. He hadn’t seen his mother in some time, as she had apparently confined herself to her chambers for a while, though Helaena had been with her and had reported back that their mother was simply sad.

“She showed up in our rooms last night”, the man revealed, “Ser Westerling asked us if he should let her in, and once she entered our chambers she just sat down next to the bed, not even looking at either of us before she started reading her book. She wasn’t even looking at it truly, just caressing the pages as she recited the words, it was quite the heartbreaking scene, and it just got worse once she started crying”

“She can’t stay here”, Aegon muttered defeated, “I want her to, and I know Rhaenyra does as well, but she can’t stay here if it causes her such pain”

“We know”, his goodbrother reassured him, “Though she was a little hesitant at first, Rhaenyra has now fully agreed to Alicent staying at the Vale for some time, as Helaena has assured us all that that is where she shall heal, and I personally can not remember a moment when your sister was wrong. Your father had many faults Aegon, but it does seem that somehow, your mother found it in her heart to learn how to love him, and I know what it means to lose someone you care for so much. Letting him go will hurt more than anything she’s ever experienced before, but time will help, I promise”

He just shook his head, giving Laenor a small smile before turning around to look for his wife, wishing to be near her as his heart hurt for his mother. Though Helaena and Joffrey had both assured them all that they would care for Alicent once she travelled with them back to the Vale, Aegon and Rhaenyra had secretly hoped that that would not have to happen.

They’d hoped that their presence and their love for her would be enough to help Alicent through this horrible time, but alas it seemed that continuing to live in the same place where she had suffered and lost so much because of a man she’d come to love through the past few years, was too much for her to cope with now that he was gone.

If distance was what she needed to finally find some peace, then that is what they would give her, no matter how much it hurt.

“Where is Marla?”, he questioned once he realised that his wife was not present.

“She went to look for Jasper”, Daeron sighed, “I think he’s giving Addam a tour of our home, or maybe he’s just trying to set his doublet on fire, he didn’t seem to like it very much”

“That boy spends his days shirtless on the beach”, Daemon chimed in, “Of course he’d hate having to dress up, and who’s Addam?”

As Rhaena scolded her father for never paying attention to anything, as Jasper had been speaking of Addam for years now, and they had all met the boy quite a few times already, Aegon and Daeron went to look for the missing siblings.

Both let out heavy sighs once they started stumbling upon various Lords and Ladies, all bowing to them and giving them the fake smiles one might expect from those who only saw two Princes, and probably didn’t even know which ones they were looking at. Aegon had never once cared for any of them, and by the Gods he was so thankful that he’d never have to.

He could just give them a fake smile in return, and then keep walking. He wasn’t the King and he never would be, and all knew that though he still held his title, it meant very little to him, so everyone understood that if they wanted to rise higher in society, he was the last person they should go to. He’d thought about giving it up when he’d turned sixteen namedays old, showing up in his father’s chambers to ask if that was something he could do, but the man had told him that there was no need for that to happen.

Rhaenyra would be the Queen, nothing and nobody would change that, so Aegon would never have to worry about a thing, and thankfully for them all it seemed that his father had been right.

“I’m going to kill him”, a familiar voice grunted, “I’m going to fucking kill him”

“What’s wrong?”, he questioned as he approached his wife, who quickly put a smile on her face once she saw their daughter.

As Marla started explaining that she had been looking for her brother for what felt like hours, and that she had now come to the conclusion that Jasper had probably decided to bring Addam to the Dragonpit, even though he knew very well that he should not be anywhere near that place unless a dragonrider was also present, Aegon let out a sigh of utter despair.

It had happened once, that Jasper and Lucerys had snuck into the Dragonpit and had accidentally done so just as Daemon and Caraxes were coming back from a flight, and though Aegon knew that any other person would’ve been too scared out of their minds to walk back in that place after almost being set alight, he also knew that his goodbrother wouldn’t even think of it.

“Today has to be perfect”, Marla sighed, “Our Queen deserves the greatest crowning ceremony history has ever seen, and I swear on the Old Gods and the New, that if my brother manages to fu-”

“What did I do now?”, Jasper questioned as he suddenly appeared, quickly regretting that however as his sister hounded on him without mercy, angry as she questioned him on where exactly he’d been for the whole day, and dragging him by the ear as she lead him to his chambers so he might get ready.

“My Princes”, Addam mumbled as he bowed to both him and Daeron, giving his brother a small smile that quickly widened once the boy hugged him close, demanding to know everything that had happened since the two had last seen one another, and turning red as soon as Addam asked him about the Lady Cassandra.

Aegon knew that the Lady would also be present on this day, as she’d been named as her father’s heir, mostly thanks to her mother’s efforts, as Lord Borros hadn’t seemed too keen on the idea for quite some time. All knew that in the end, until the Lady Elenda gave her husband his long awaited son, trouble would find Storm’s End as soon as its Lord died, as all would want a piece of the lands it ruled over, though Borros hadn’t seemed bothered by any of it.

That was until the Lady Elenda had not so casually brought up the matter during one of their visits to the Red Keep, and as soon as Lord Borros had tried to start his speech on why it would not be proper for a woman to inherit anything, his eyes had fallen on Rhaenyra.

The woman who had been the King’s Heir for over twenty years, who had ruled as both the Lady of Dragonstone and the Princess Regent, who had been the Lady Hand for almost a decade, and who would one day be his Queen.

So it had not been a true surprise when a letter had come from Storm’s End, as Lord Borros officially declared to all that his eldest daughter Cassandra would ascend as Lady once the time came.

Daeron had seemed a litte shaken up by the prospect, as he’d never once yearned for the power a Consort might yield as he very much intended on marrying the Lady Cassandra one day, but from what Aegon understood, his brother and his beloved had spoken on the matter before, and she’d assured him that though her father had always been most reistant to the mere idea of her ruling after him, her mother had always held it as a secret dream of hers, and had taken great care of ensuring that her daughter knew all of what it meant to rule.

It would not be an easy feat, for the Lady Cassandra to rule Storm’s End without someone trying to challenge her claim though she lacked a brother that might take her place, but as Aegon knew that the Lady Jeyne had been doing it for decades and that in but a mere hour his sister would officially be named as the first ruling Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, he hoped that people might finally understand that a cock is not all one might need to rule.

Slowly but surely, Aegon made his way to the Throne Room, wary of actually looking at the seat for some time, as he’d feared this moment for his whole life. He’d even dreamt of it once, the day of his father’s death, the day of his coronation.

He’d seen it clearly, a vision of himself walking to his mother as the Conqueror’s crown sat behind her, and the mob that had gathered moved out of his way so he could reach her, so he could finally complete the road his grandsire had been paving for them all for decades, so he could finally walk to his death. He remembered it very well, the feeling of outmost terror and utter despair that had ruled as he took step after step, wanting to run away and yet knowing that he would not be able to move a muscle even if he did try, because there was no other choice.

But alas things were not as his dream had foretold, and once Aegon reached his place and went to stand alongside his wife, he looked to the throne, and he felt relieved.

He held his daughter in his arms as they all eagerly awaited his sister, and once she reached them, Aegon finally breathed. He looked to his family for a moment, as the High Septon spoke the very same words he had in his dream, but they didn’t weigh as much now as they had back then. Every single person who stood by him looked happy, and they were all united.

Aemond and Jacaerys were a duo Aegon knew would go down in history for the bond they shared, as even though it sometimes stung for him to admit it, those two had been meant for one another. The children were happy and healthy, and Helaena looked at peace, something that had not been true in his dream, as his sister had worn the expression of one who knew that that single moment would lead to the deaths of all she’d ever cared for.

But now she looked so very peaceful.

His mother as well, had looked as miserable and yet as resolute as ever in his dream, standing there as she waited for him, almost goading him to the executioner’s sword without doubt in her heart, wearing the look of one who was being forced it all whilst evidently not realising that she’d been pulling most of the strings for some time. But now she looked happy.

She stood there with a proud smile on her face, holding a little statue of a dragon in her hands as she toyed with it, gently caressing its back as she mumbled something about how proud her love would’ve been of his little girl. Her smile was a little shaky and her eyes were filled with tears, but she looked almost relieved.

Aegon could see that she was still troubled, as he’d heard talks of nobles who’d heard her ask Ser Criston to get Viserys to Rhaenyra’s chambers once she was ready earlier this morn, because she looked far too beautiful for her father to miss such a sight, but right now she looked happy, and that was enough.

And indeed Rhaenyra did look beautiful, the black gown she’d chosen on this day honoring both her house, and her mother’s, as the little dragons and falcons flew alongside one another on the dress she wore, as she stood before them all while the High Septon placed the crown on her head.

The Aegon in his dream had not known how to wear it, looking more like a criminal who’d just felt the noose be tightened around his neck than like the King’s firstborn son, a man who according to many, had been chosen by Gods and men alike to sit the throne.

But alas though none would ever really know how very true it all was, the Gods Themselves had chosen Rhaenyra as the Queen, and though he could admit that he’d had his issues with Them for most of his life, Aegon would never be able to thank Them for giving his family another chance.

He knew that perhaps not all of them deserved it, but he didn’t care.

These were the people he loved, those who had welcomed himself and one other in their hearts with such ease, that it was almost impossible to believe that there was another version of this world where things hadn’t worked out as they had for them, but Aegon no longer cared about that.

He’d spent a great deal of time thinking of what could’ve been, dreading the thought of what his grandsire would’ve done with them all long after the man had died, fearing a version of his mother thad no longer was, and hating himself for what another him had done to his sister, but none of that had ever happened.

The Gods had made Their choice, and Aegon was happy. His family was united, the Realm was at peace, he had his wife by his side and his daughter in his arms, nothing else mattered.

It had all been worth it.